TODAY’S ZIG ZAG FLASHBACK: An old style stock train passes the marshalling yards at Bottom Points at a time when the ZZR was in its formative stages more than 30 years ago.
TRAINS are still running on the famous Zig Zag Railway; just don’t try to hitch a ride.
The Independent Transport Safety Regulator dropped a bombshell last month when it ordered the ZZR to cease running tourist services with the vintage trains until safety issues are addressed.
ITSR claimed to have identified around 150 safety issues but released no details to the public.
The regular said the issues were confidential between ITSR and the ZZR.
Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian later promised support in attempting to work through the issues.
Acting general manager of Zig Zag, Michael Forbes, said yesterday his organisation has had new meetings this week with a consultant appointed by Tourism NSW.
Mr Forbes said the issues had been discussed at considerable length and the consultant’s report is expected to be completed in about two weeks.
“Once that is done we will have a better idea of where we are heading,” he said.
“Things are starting to sort out.”
Mr Forbes said the world renowned tourist trains would resume operations ‘but at present we can’t say just when’.
“We should have a clearer picture in two weeks when the Tourism NSW report is completed,” he said.
He said maintenance teams and office staff are continuing to work at Zig Zag with rolling stock and track work.
While the ZZR is at present restricted from operating its passenger services the restrictions do not apply to work trains and these are still operating normally.
Mr Forbes said people should be aware the tracks at Zig Zag continue to be operational and there could be train movements at any time.
An extraordinary meeting of Lithgow council has been called for six o’clock tonight to discuss the Zig Zag issue.