Re: Westrail : comparison to F.A.

[james_ccj@my-deja.com]

In article <8afgk3$7ln$1@news1.mpx.com.au>,
  "Simon Barber" <simjbarb@optusnet.com.au> wrote:
> It has been interesting to read about how the pendulum in Victoria is
now
> swinging back to rail transport.  This has been due to Freight
Australia's
> efforts to capture traffic, while the new Government has recognized
the
> importance of developing suitable rail links, particularly to port
> facilities.  Getting rail into Webb and Swanston Docks, and a
standard gauge
> link into Geelong, is definitely the way to go.
> Here in W.A., the same type of stupid decisions as made in Victoria
have
> been made.  There is no narrow gauge access into Fremantle Harbour,
the
> state's major port.  Shipping containers railed up from Bunbury can
only
> come as far as Kwinana, then must be trucked the remaining 25km to
> Fremantle!  Westrail can't even get narrow gauge trains into Kewdale,
which
> is Perth's major freight terminal.  Imagine if Freight Australia
couldn't
> get broad gauge trains into Dynon.  Governments of both persuasions
have not
> just ignored rail freight in the state over the past 20 years, they
have
> actively discriminated against it.  The main benefactor has been the
heavy
> road haulage industry, who can now bring their big rigs into Perth.
> Congratulations to F.A. on what they have achieved.  Hopefully during
2000,
> the tide will turn in the west and we shall get a properly run railway
> again.
Westrail will be privatised soon so keep your finger cross that FA
would get the bid:-). If ATN gets it they would be just as good, ATN
turned a so call "impossible system"(Tasrail) into profit within month.
Opened closed branches and brought another system(EMU bay rail).

Actaully the webb rail link was because of there is a government
change, if Jeff Kennett stll here I don't think there would be such
project as the Liberals refuse to fund any rail projects within
Victoria.  Without funds FA would have to earn back its capital 1st
before any project as such can begin.

--
Cheers
James

ps: Why not privatise passenger trains as well? private operators can
help to reduce the subsidy.


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