Re: Train plan off the rails, says adviser

[dbromage@fang.omni.com.au (David Bromage)]

Dave Proctor (daproc@spambait.ozemail.com.au) wrote:
> "David Bromage" <dbromage@fang.omni.com.au> wrote in message
> fhNc5.19$IN6.4821@news0.optus.net.au">news:fhNc5.19$IN6.4821@news0.optus.net.au...
> > Tom (gunzel3801@optusnet.com.au) wrote:
> > > The XPT might not but it is serviced by an Xplorer.
> >
> > There was a local push to get an XPT back to Canberra on the morning up
> > and evening down. Prior to the most recent price rises and the slowing of
> > the schedule, these trains were getting quite full.
> >
> > At the same time as Countrylink made the trip 14 min longer, Murrays
> > introduced an express bus taking under 4 hours.

> Countrylink could do it too, if they: a) sent the train via East Hills; b0
> eliminated Mittagong, Bowral and Bundanoon; and c) RAC introduced TOW south
> of Joppa Junction.

Eliminating Mittagong, Bowral and Bundanoon has been suggested, but
Countrylink has its reasons. Since the split of the old SRA, Countrylink
sees CityRail as a competitor.

There is evidence that more people will travel by rail if more services
are offered. If you think back to 1995, patronage to Canberra almost
doubled when the X2000 was running. The extra passengers were all paying
at least a first class fare.

Cheers
David