Re: XPT's Reduced

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

Rjaygee wrote:
> 
> Facing the reality of the situation I believe it would be more efficient if
> the State Government pulled the XPT's off interstate and long distance intra
> state services and paid a subsidy to the airlines to cart pensioners and
> other welfare recipients around. The XPT's could be put to use between
> Sydney and Newcastle running a frequent rapid service.

The XPTs are not really suited to that sort of run. They would be better
employed in improving the speed and frequency of services to areas not
served by the cheap airlines, such s to the west and Riverina.

> They should have done
> this in the first place instead of wasting money stringing antiquated 1500V
> DC between Gosford and Newcastle.

Even 1500V gets much better accelleration than a high geared diesel.

Cheers
David