Re: Overland and SG between North Shore and Melbourne

["James C." <james_ccj@optusnet.com.au>]

"> Which begs the question , does GSR have a monopoly on the Melb -
> Adelaide route ??

No,GSR have no monopoly,  but XPT would need some refurbishment done to at
least match the comfort standard on Overland, Overland is not the  most
luxury train in this country but at least it is much more spacious,
smooth(despite some strectch) and comfortable then XPT. The other thing is
Countrylink probabily not into expend its business, just looking at their
attitude towards Broken Hill services and let alongrunning
Adelaide-Melbourne services.

I was thinking of if you dual gauge one of the track between SSS and
Footscray, and build a dedicated SG track between Footscray and Newport and
connect this SG with ARTC track, how much time would you save? Since Mildura
line will get its passenger train back and it will be operate on SG track
via North Shore, if no improments been done the train would not be able to
get to Mildura in 6 hours.  It would spend at least 2 hours between Ballarat
and Melbourne along struggle with slow track around Tottenham, Dynon and
Brooklyn.



Cheers
James