Re: [melb]Swanston don't want W-Class

["John Wayman" <trecker@optusnet.com.au>]

> > In a few articles National Express said that the W-Class are getting
> > to the end of their lives and should be retired.
>
> Since the newest ones are now ~44 years old, that would seem a not
> unreasonable position.
>
Adelaide is running cars in every day high speed operation that are around
75 years old. Why the problem with the W's?

The W class is a low cost tram that could be mass produced for a fraction of
the cost of the modern cars on order. However the running gear of each W has
to be checked and adjusted daily, a time consuming and hence expensive
activity. The Z's only need servicing about once a week, and can stay on the
road 24 hours a day if necessary.

W's will last forever, provided they are overhauled regularly and are
properly maintained in service.

For private tram companies with their eye on shareholders returns, will cut
costs wherever possible. Withdrawal of all W's will increase the
profitability of these companies, if they are allowed to escape their social
responsibility to operate these tourist icons,

Cheers
John Wayman