Re: Westrail : comparison to F.A.

[Greg Rudd <grudd@mail.usyd.edu.au>]

james_ccj@my-deja.com wrote:

> 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).
>

Westrail is effectively privatised now.  Loco maintainence contracted out to
Clyde. Running Maintainence Also outsourced to Clyde (which probably
explains Westrail geting quickly out of EE/Alco Equipment) Perway
maintainence contracted out to Flour Daniel/John Holland.  I dont know if
wagon maintainence has also being outsourced.

Privatisation might help weed out some incompentent managers, who only
preoccupation is cutting costs instead of growing the business.  Remember it
is far easier to cut costs than to go out and try to win new business.

>
> 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.
>
>

We will wait and see on that one.

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