Fire at Brooklyn

[Richard Jary <jary@terrigal.net.au>]

Last Monday there was a fire in the air conditioning unit of one of the
Interurban trains from Gosford to Sydney, between Brooklyn and Cowan.
I'm unsure of the run number not having a current working timetable, but
it was the 6.29am from Gosford. Passengers were evacuated to other
carriages with no casualties.

Initial news reports on the local radio indicated trains could run up to
an hour late, however Cityrail updates run every half hour still
indicated the usual "trains are running on or near to time". Later they
stated that delays earlier were now over. I have complained to the local
radio station before when things are 30 minutes late coming home, I hop
into the car to hear a "things are on time update". Their reply is that
they get the info from Cityrail, I suggested they stop wasting airtime
or buy a scanner.

The local paper today (Central Coast Express) had an article on the
fire, with passengers saying they weren't informed, until people started
changing carriages from the ones behind while trains overtook on the
other line. The bushfire brigade then turned up, and the train moved to
Cowan about 60 minutes late. As usual it appears that informing the
customers on the trains is the lowest priority in all situations, one
reason I always carry a scanner when travelling long distance.

I remember a few years ago on a Friday night we stopped short of Woy Woy
for over 30 minutes, and someone rang Woy Woy and then Gosford
alternately on his mobile asking what was happening. Shortly on the
scanner we heard "Woy Woy to the guard of Train (whatever), can you let
your passengers know what is going on, we are getting sick of the phone
calls"

Much laughing in our carriage ensued.

Richard