Re: Build VFT link for tourism sake

[David Bromage <dbromage@fang.omni.com.au>]

Al wrote:
> When you think about it, a VFT between Sydney and Newcastle is probably the
> best idea (not that you'll ever hear any plans for one, most of the pollies
> think that NSW stops at the Hawkesbury).  There's 2 large cities (4 million on
> one hand, 500 000-odd on the other), reasonably close together (150km or so),
> and the ability to encourage more long distance commuting from outside the
> Sydney basin.  Better reasons than the VFT link to Canberra (Newcastle's
> bigger and closer to Sydney for a start).

On the other hand, Sydney - Newcastle is the second worst location in
the country to try to build a fast train, after Sydney to Lithgow. :)

You can't just look at population and guess the market. You need to look
at the actual number of journeys. For example, there are about 4 million
passenger journeys by car between Sydney and Canberra each year.

Cheers
David