Train drivers given window wipers to clear windscreens after demisting tech on C-series railcars caught alight

Train drivers have been given window wipers to clear the windscreens of the new C-series railcars, after technology to remove condensation from inside the driver cab had to be switched off following a demister catching alight. It is the latest in a series of mishaps to hit the much-trumpeted trains and comes as two had to be pulled from service in the past 24 hours for separate issues, including one where part of the floor gave way. In a June 4 notice to drivers seen by The West Australian, operators were advised demisters on the C-series had to be switched off after the yardmaster at the PTA’s Nowergup depot in the northern suburbs reported a flame from the device. The following day, all C-series were removed from service for inspection and for the demisters to be switched off. Drivers were advised to use paper towels to wipe off condensation from the windscreen. But after the drivers reported they could not reach the window, the internal window squeegees — which appears to have been bought for $26 from Bunnings — were dished out. “There is a minor technical issue with the internal windscreen demisters, which is expected to be resolved soon,” a PTA spokeswoman told The West Australian. “In the meantime, if required, drivers can wipe the windscreens from the inside, which is what occurred when this issue arose on the B-series a few years ago.” The West understands in the past day, two of the eight active C-series railcars also required checks at their home depots, including one where staff found part of the floor had given way, in between two cars. “A small section of floor plate came free on a C-series railcar yesterday due to a loose screw. This was fixed, and the railcar has returned to service today,” the spokeswman said. Shadow transport minister Steve Martin said the Government was ignoring broader issues with the trains, describing the rollout as “rushed”. “Rita Saffioti’s dismissive response to the C-series train concerns has gone from arrogant to absurd as more drivers speak out,” he said. “The Treasurer tried to gaslight drivers and the Opposition by saying the problem was drivers needing to ‘get used to’ the trains, ignoring the broader issues in this mismanaged rollout caused by rushing the trains to the tracks. “Whistleblowers are painting a picture of an utterly shambolic rollout of these trains.” It is just the latest blow to Labor’s locally made trains, after The West revealed last week drivers were overwhelmingly opposed to the new railcars, with some reporting anxieties when they were told they were rostered to drive one. Among the concerns revealed in a poll by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union were issues with braking and speed control, which the Government dismissed as operators needing to adapt to the new trains. It comes ahead of a meeting between the PTA, the union and train manufacturers Alstom to work through driver feedback and make changes. Already the Government has committed to changing the seats for both drivers and passengers. Last week, both the PTA and Ms Saffioti backed the trains, saying they were proud of the project, and denying there were safety issues. “We expected there would be a period of adjustment when drivers began using the new trains and their enhanced features, and the PTA is committed to working with its drivers to take on board their feedback,” a PTA spokeswoman said last week.