Train / platform clearances

As the ATSB has noted, MTM has taken interim steps at other stations with larger platform carriage clearances to expressly highlight the gap through platform markings and on-station announcements.

Furthering the above work, MTM has also developed a ‘prioritised list’ of stations based on risk associated with platform gaps. In doing so, MTM has also considered other mitigations which can be taken to physically reduce the size of the gap at some stations. MTM is now working with other Victorian public transport stakeholders, including relevant government departments and agencies, to establish project approval, funding and governance.

As the ATSB is aware, MTM is the franchise operator of the Melbourne metropolitan rail network, and as such shares responsibility for the overall state of the associated infrastructure and rolling stock with a number of other stakeholders, and decisions regarding capital upgrade works must be shared and agreed to among these.

This work has commenced and is progressing as efficiently as practicable in the circumstances, subject to usual budgetary and planning processes beyond the control of MTM.

This is consistent with MTM’s proposed steps following the incident, and so it is not clear what is meant by ATSB when it refers to ‘expediting’ these measures. On that basis MTM can only partially agree with this recommendation as currently drafted.

MTM advised that the Platform Gap Mitigation Project (funded by DoT):

• Had developed a tool to prioritise platforms requiring train/platform interface improvements. 
• Works have been completed at Camberwell, Glenferrie, South Yarra and Caulfield Stations. 
• Works at Oakleigh Station Platforms 1 and 2 have recently been approved, and will commence delivery to be completed by April 2002.  

ATSB accepts MTM's proposed actions on this safety recommendation.