What is TOOT
and How do we
Differentiate from Them?
TOOT stands for ‘Trains On Our Tracks’. This is a political activist group who have been advocating for rail services to return to the Northern Rivers. Their principles are virtually identical to the Tweed Rail Societies in many respects. However, in spite of their best intentions TOOT does not apparently understand a number of rail concepts, for example safe working principles, which ultimately impacts on timetabling etc. This unfortunately undermines TOOTs credibility when it comes to being realistic about services and types of services required for the Murwillumbah line. The Tweed Rail Society’s approach is to examine all aspects practically, realistically and cost effectively. This ultimately will build up a solid case for returning rail services. The Tweed Rail Society also wishes to utilise local expertise for operating and maintaining services and track and other infrastructure. This will save millions of dollars over time by operating and maintaining locally as well as provide much needed local employment.
TOOT does not own or plan to restore any equipment to use on the Murwillumbah line in order to maintain the line. It is purely an activist group. Once services are restored to the Murwillumbah line it will have no further purpose and will cease to exist.
The Tweed Rail Society is restoring a rail pay bus for use on the Murwillumbah line in order to initially remove vegetation off the line and to transport work gangs to sites to restore the line to operational condition. Eventually the pay bus will be used for track maintenance and crew training purposes once the line is fully operational. The Tweed Rail Society is also working to secure operational rolling stock to operate on the line.
The Tweed Rail Society is willing to share with TOOT our assistance in order to see rail services restored as soon as possible. Unfortunately, TOOT appears to view the Tweed Rail Society as some sort of threat to its existence - perhaps as an alternative activist group. This is not the case at all. We are here for practical purposes. Someone has to operate the services everyone wants as well as maintain the line. It won’t run itself unfortunately. We will support TOOTs push to restore rail services in principle bush not in detail. We are willing to work with all parties and groups to ensure rail services are restored as soon as possible. It is only by cooperation that this can be achieved.