(Vic)Mildura passenger service plan

[thalytgv@my-deja.com]

Sunday's Herald sun (page 9) had an almost full page article about
possibility of returning of Mildura train services. Bascially nothing
new as most of the stuff already been discussed here, but it's a good
idea to publish in a popular newspaper hence a free advertisment for
V/line.

In the article towns that once served by Vinelander/Sunrasia all
welcome the move, since the axed of Vinelander these towns
experienced "massive social dislocation". Currently Freight Victoria,
V/line, State government,  the local councils and tourist companies are
working together to plan for this service. No mentioned of the 2nd
option(Via Sawn Hill and Bediego) possibly the later option which
involved a new line construction would take longer and expensiver,
and the "new" service may be a daylight service.
Looks like the state government is happy to offers subsidise to run
this service, I wish they will bring back some other service such as
full time Echuca service/Bairnsdale/Ararat/and subsidise Overland as
well?


My Questions are:

1. How soon can they get the train back on track? I heard of after the
failure of Bluebird railcars V/line is streching its limit to provide
passenger services, they might need to hire some extra carriages from
GSR/WCR and locos from elsewhere, wait for the new high-speed sprinters
might takes too long(2003 delivery).

and if the services are going to start before the delivery of new
Sprinters.

2. It will take about 10 hours to complete this journey(450km), the
timing is really not attractive enough.

3. N class carriages/current Sprinter aren't very comfortable for a 10
hour journey, some refurbishment might needed for them.



--
Cheers


James


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