Why RAIL 2000 went down the drain!

[John Coyle <nospam@newsranger.com>]

Over the years, I wrote to RAIL 2000, suggesting that they urge that the
"Overland" be operated as a DAYLIGHT train in both directions, but I was
ignored. I also pointed out that if the group expanded it's focus to include
URBAN public transport, they would draw more members and office assistants, etc.
Freight trains are just not part of the concerns of MOST people, but urban
transport IS of vital concern to MANY people. Take a look at APT in NSW and the
PTUA in Victoria. They are alive and well, whilst RAIL 2000 has gone "down the
drain", due to a total lack of understanding about HOW to avoid that situation.
This is all too bad, as the people who formed and operated the group are
OTHERWISE, inteligent, "sharp", well meaning people. They held major
conferences, and had the CEO's of rail systems address their meetings. The loss
of a good PT lobby group has left SA people without an effective means of
gaining better PT services. Whether, rail, or road. A sad fact.