>Since closure of platform 14, 15 and 16 (underneath the former Gas and
>Fuel buildings), all Clifton Hill group trains (ie. Epping and
>Hurstbridge) depart from platform 1 central. This means all V/Line
>country trains now depart from platform 12 and 13, except the Warragul
>suburban trains.
> I watched a little longer and later saw a country train pull in at the
>
> same platform coming from Spencer Street. It stopped for a while but
> then departed in a Gippsland direction.
>According to the current W.T.T., this could be the (8415) 13.34 down
>Sale, leaving platform 12.
But what was the previous train I saw that left in a Spencer Street
direction. A geelong train?
<snip>
> The earlier train departing towards spencer street suggests to me that
>
> some other country trains ie geelong, ballarat, bendigo etc, are
> departing from flinders street and then going to their destinations
> via
> Spencer street. If this is so I rather think this is a good idea. Does
>
> anyone have any information on this? Or any comment on the utility
> associated with such a move?
>
> Finally the above events do give one cause to think about ways of
> improving our country services.
>
> Given that we have a spare platform at Box Hill, and that most of our
> population is located in a South Easterly direction wouldn't it make
> more sense to terminate our country trains somewhere in the Eastern or
>
> South Eastern suburbs. I think Box Hill has some merit in this regard
> as
> there is the extra track to Melbourne and the spare platform.
> Northerly/Westerly trains could start at Box hill, go to Flinder
> street
> and then spencer street and their final desination.
>Perhaps, but can we fit country trains into already congested Burnley
>group lines during peak?
Yes, I believe there is spare capacity
>Besides, suburban passengers are not permitted to travel on the V/Line services. >Therefore, having a country train terminating at Box Hill is not economical and will >only benefit few individuals who are travelling to regional Victoria.
>Cheers,
>I.C.
<snip>
Perhaps the extra service provided by way of extension to Box Hill will
encourage more people to go to the country by train thus increasing
revenue?
cheers Peter