Re: Broken Hill - Fate?

["Peter Berrett" <pberrett@optushome.com.au>]

Thanks David

A big part of the push for increased rail services was no doubt the argument
that it would bring more tourists to Broken Hill.

I wonder whether this did in fact eventuate when Countrylink were running
services to Broken Hill? The reason I ask is that the closed Mildura
services will probably push the same barrow - but is it true? Do train
services have a discernable impact on tourism?

I've been to Broken Hill by IP and come across the following problem. When
you get there there is not a lot in the way of public transport to get you
around. You would probably have to hire a car or go on a bus tour. Just
getting to the mine on the other side of the rail line is quite a walk.

It seems to me that it is pointless putting in rail services to these towns
unless the plans are part of an integrated transport/tourism strategy so
that the town can realise benefits from the provision of rail services.

cheers Peter

David Johnson <trainman@ozemail.com.au> wrote in message
3A055D88.19E0EEE7@ozemail.com.au">news:3A055D88.19E0EEE7@ozemail.com.au...
> Peter Berrett wrote:
>
> > Hi all
> >
> > I checked the Countrylink timetable today and was surprised to find that
the
> > recently introduced Broken Hill service has disappearedd.
> >
> > Why is this so? I thought the locals fought long and hard to get their
rail
> > service back up and running? I noted too, that the Ghan now runs along
this
> > route. Did its introduction to teh Sydney route have an effect?
>
> The clapped out "temporary" rollingstock outlived its useful life so far
as
> CountryLink were concerned.  I think they found a number of safety issues
when
> inspecting all rollingstock after Glenbrook.  Countrylink now has bulk
bookings
> on all three GSR trains (2 Indians and the Ghan) between Broken Hill and
Sydney,
> allowing passengers to book through Countrylink for that section of the
journey.
>
> --
> David Johnson
> trainman@ozemail.com.au
> http://www.ozemail.com.au/~trainman/
> ------------------------------------
> These comments are made in a private
> capacity and do not represent the
> official view of State Rail.
> C.O.W.S. Page 11.
>
>