Maurie Daly <mauried@commslab.gov.au> wrote in article <mauried.386.34868CF3@commslab.gov.au>...
>
>
> > True that a passenger train dosn't make money sitting around. But
> >the question should be asked how much money is lost from running a
> >train near empty. There becomes a time when having a sitting train
> >(which in effect is loosing money as well), is cheaper than running a
> >loss making train.
>
> In NSW , everywhere that XPTs sets run , they are well patronised,
> There will always be a time period where a new train between two population
> centres will lose money in the initial stages.
> Theres no way to know whether it will be a success or not until you try it.
> The cost of running an XPT set to Whyalla and back would be minimal,2 drivers
> possibly 3 train crew , fuel , approx 900 litres, estimated cost about maybe
> $1500 total.
> Need about 75 passengers to break even , at $20 per passenger.
What about the wear and tear on the vehicle. Surely the revenue should also include a contribution towards the ultimate replacement of the vehicles and also a slight profit margin. What about wear and tear on the railway itself and a contribution towards the cost of train control etc.
You probably need at least an average of 150 passengers travelling the full distance to achieve a profitable service.
Instead of this you could offer a better service with high speed comfortable airconditioned toilet equipped road motors running at three times the frequency.
Look at Westrail's Coaches. The service provided is much better than the rail services they once replaced.
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Cheers
John Wayman