Re: [NSW]SRA billed $15m for airport link's shortfalls

["Chris Downs" <cvdowns@ozemail.com.au>]

Bill Bolton <billboltonREMOVE-TO-EMAIL@computer.org> wrote in message
op6e1t820pn248ls4d3k66tl29o7douqhk@4ax.com">news:op6e1t820pn248ls4d3k66tl29o7douqhk@4ax.com...
> "Chris Downs" <cvdowns@ozemail.com.au> wrote:
>
> > I've seen a lot of people travel to the Airport from Penrith because it
is
> > extremely cost effective (about $15/person versus a $90 cab fare or
> > $40/person for a minibus).  I suspect this is a city wide phenomenon.
>
> Certainly the further you have to travel, the more attractive it
> become is terms of straight cost saving, in that the cost of getting
> to/from the originating station can be absorbed and still yield an
> overall cost saving which adequately compensates for the change of
> mode hassles etc.  However, that simply indicates that there will be
> some point at which the cost saving starts to dominate other issues
> and not that its any "city wide phenomenon".

Of course its city wide for travel to the airport.  If you travel a longer
distance, whether it be Hornsby, Richmond, Macarthur or Heathcote the cost
vs time/convenience/hassles factor is favourable to rail for more travellers
(perhaps less so from the Northern Beaches with a bus leg).  If you travel
from Marrickville, Mosman or Miranda the differential is less and cabs are
preferable.

It would be interesting to know how people travel from Bexley North or
Banksia though by route 400 bus, train or cab?

> > This is a true public transport versus the motor car test in
> > many ways.
>
> Since "public transport" includes things such as taxis and mini-buses
> etc, it hard to see how that would be the case. Also, the issues for
> long distance travellers are somewhat different to those facing
> commuters.

You're spot on with public transport but I tied the comment to Mascot
station in particular because of its commuter rather than air traveller
traffic.  Mascot station precinct is now easier and quicker to access by
public transport for a larger range of commuters, especially from the south
and south west.  Whilst the loadings to and from Central are heaviest the
via Wolli Creek loads are reasonable in comparison.  The question is how
many people now use public transport post AL opening that used to drive?

> > It's too early to make a judgement about the line's stations success or
> > failure (unless you need to generate media stories).  Figures at year 1
and
> > year 2 will tell a more relevant story.
>
> I agree.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Bill

Chris