The reporter has raised a safety concern relating to the delayed repair of a defective signal at [Location] station.
The reporter states, 'Signal post [identifier] on platform 6 at [Location] station has been defective with the “A” unit LED light being extinguished'. The reporter advised, the signal was first reported as defective to [Operator] on [date], over four weeks ago. [Operator's] solution to the problem, was the issuing of a notice to the controlling signaller and the Yard Masters stating that no single / double locomotives or [rolling stock 1] are allowed to use the dead-end part of platform 6 until further notice. This defective signal has been reported multiple times in the past four weeks.
The reporter states, 'As a train driver I am expected to have 100 per cent faith in the integrity of the signalling system and the maintenance of this system'. The reporter queries how they can have 100 per cent faith in the signalling system if [Operator] is unable to repair 1 defective signal after 4 weeks? The reporter further queries what else within the signalling system hasn't been repaired, which may compromise the safety of both train crew and the travelling public.
The reporter advised there is nothing in place to advise drivers of signal defects that have already been reported. There is also nothing in place to advise of the nature of the fault or the plan for repair. The reporter further advised that train drivers are not made aware of defective signals when they sign on for duty each day.
The reporter finally states, 'Safety standards are being compromised by [Operator] management, as they are more focused on schedule than safety'.
We have reviewed the details provided in REPCON report RR2025-00010 regarding the defective 'A' light on signal [identifier]. The information provided by the reporter has been verified.
Signal [identifier] is mounted on a mast located above [Location] platform 6, which is within a public area managed by the station provider, and also within the rail danger zone. [Operator's] signal maintenance team had experienced issues with providing a safe means of access to the signal head to arrange a replacement and had been investigating safe access options after the initial failure.
Signal [identifier] provides a movement authority for locomotives and short diesel-multiple-unit vehicles to depart the far end of no. 6 platform at [Location] station. [Operator's] [gauge] passenger fleet consists of [rolling stock 2] units, [rolling stock 1] units, and [type] locomotives. Only the shorter [rolling stock 1s] and [type] locomotives are able to utilise signal [identifier]. To mitigate any risk to safety following the reported failure, an operating restriction was applied to only schedule [rolling stock 2] units towards the far end of platform 6.
Network operating rules require that where a signal becomes defective, it must be treated as being in its most restrictive state. This provides the safest outcome by requiring specific permission for any train to move past.
The defective 'A' light on [identifier] was replaced on [date] after a safe access method was established.
ONRSR confirms receipt of ATSB REPCON report RR2025-00010, dated 19 June 2025 regarding delays to repair a signal fault. ONRSR has reviewed the reporter’s concerns and operator’s response. The operator contacted ONRSR to provide information and ONRSR conducted a site visit to observe operations at the location including the repaired signal.
ONRSR has received additional information from the reporter and operator through the ATSB REPCON process. Further details on ONRSR’s role in promoting the ongoing safety of rail infrastructure can be found in the ONRSR Guideline – Asset Management, which also contains links to additional supporting information. The document is available on the ONRSR website.
The reporter provided feedback in relation to the operator's response and raised the following queries:
Does the operator have a procedure and / or policy in place to address regular servicing, cleaning and maintenance of platform signals at [Location] station?
Does the operator have a procedure and / or policy in place to address defective signals in a timely manner?
The operator was advised of the reporter's feedback and provided the following further response:
[Operator] has a series of standards and procedures related to colour light signals and their maintenance including;
- Standard [identifier] Light Signals
- The Signalling Technical Maintenance Plan [identifier]
- The Technical Maintenance Plan (TMP) Schedule [identifier]
- Signals Service Schedule [identifier] (Electrical - Searchlight, Colour Light and LED)
Maintenance Instruction [identifier] (Signals Equipment Examination).
From a fault response perspective, this is governed under procedure [identifier], Fault Management Centre Incident / Fault Response. This procedure specifies how the Fault Centre engages with maintenance teams for response, and how impact to the network may be considered when determining timeframes.
Since the signal failure on no. 6 platform at [Location] station, [Operator] maintenance has established an improved safe work methodology for access with specialised equipment from the track under emergency occupation protocols. The operator has sourced additional stocks of long lead-time spare signal equipment and planned for additional renewals of signals that may be nearing the end of their expected service life.