Queensland's train woes are likely to continue until "late 2018" at the earliest, with a report into the network's failings finding there will be a long-term shortage of skilled drivers.

Commissioner Phillip Strachan's report — released today amidst the resignation of Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe — said the network would be unable to operate a full timetable until it could recruit and train more than 120 extra drivers and 125 guards.

Current forecasts show those demands could be met by late 2018 if staff performed an average of 10 per cent overtime. If no overtime was conducted, reduced services would remain in place until mid-to late 2019, the report said.

"The commission considers that neither of these dates will meet public expectations," it said.

"However, a return to the full timetable should not occur until it can be safely, consistently and reliably delivered."

The rail network was plunged into chaos late last year when the Redcliffe Peninsula line was opened, with a driver shortage forcing mass cancellations in October, during the lead-up to Christmas and on Christmas Day, where 36 per cent of services were cancelled.

It later emerged senior Queensland Rail staff had been aware of the impending staff shortage but had not informed the Government.

The network is now operating on a timetable which contains 333 less services on weekdays than before the opening of the Redcliffe-Peninsula line.

The 91-page Strachan Inquiry said "limited progress" had been made regarding driver recruitment since October 2016, but said guard training was "well progressed".

It also said the network faced a "continued risk of service cancellations", with the strain mounting during busy periods around Easter, the 2018 Commonwealth Games and during the roll-out of new service fleet.

The report said Queensland Rail could get drivers on the network quicker by revamping its training program, which takes an average of 18 months to complete.

It said the UK average was 12 months, while Sydney drivers had completed their training in an average of 11 months.

The report's recommendations included better recruitment practices, improving management processes and "organisational culture", and establishing a Rail Review Office to monitor Queensland Rail's recovery plan.

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