>
> When I travelled on the OL several years back (on the BG), the AJ cars
> were suitably equipped, and did show a video. Trouble was you needed a
> walkman to tune into it, and as no promotional material (if any
> existed!) advised us that this existed, we weren't expecting it, had no
> walkman, and couldn't take advantage of it.
>
This just adds weight to the argument for an airline style of service on
the Overland.
Imagine the following
First standardisation of the Geelong to Ballarat to Horsham rail line
means the at the Overland can follow its original route. At the same
time the standardisation takes place the Victorian rail track is
upgraded to 120 mph running. Ditto the SA end of the line (this is not
so pie in the sky - the Governments have a vested interest in seeing
privatisation of the rail industry succeed if only from an ideological
perspective).
With improved track, GSR invest in new rollingstock capable of 200kph+.
A new morning service is introduced. Departing at 8.30 A.M. from Spencer
Street the overland express is timed Melbourne to Adelaide in 5 hours
thus arriving in Adelaide at 1.30 P.M (1.00 local). (This leaves about
50 mins for passengers to get to the footy ground for any footy matches
that are on).
The other Overland express has similar timings but in the opposite
direction namely departs Adelaide
8.00 A.M local arriving 1.30 P.M. Melbourne time.
My trip to Adelaide (to see the footy)
The train is fast smooth and very, very modern.
Inside is just like an airplane. The seats are identical with several
radio channels and the sound from a video which is shown during the
trip. To further reinforce people's enjoyment of the train ride, today's
film is 'Airport 77' (heheheheh) Seriously though, recently released
films are shown.
A young blonde stewardess sidles up and asks me if i would like a pillow
or a cushion for my back. What great service! A little later she is back
with my breakfast and coffee.
On board I can (for a small fee) use the hot showers to freshen up and
how's this for a first - 'Mcdonalds' standard toilets!
The blonde stewardess is back with my breakfast. Freshly cooked bacon
and eggs with a small side salad and choice of drinks. The coffee is
great. Where else can you get Piazza coffee on a transport mode? She
also hands me a small menu of coffee and other refreshments and says
that if I would like any of these she will be happy to get them for me.
Should i feel lke socialising I can wander up to the bar and have a
drink. The prices are a little high but the nibblies and other
refreshments are quite reasonably priced so I don't mind having a drink
or two.
Back at my seat I notice a pouch in the rear of the seat in front of me.
GSR has thoughtfully included an on-board rail magazine with feature
articles about rail travel, special travel offers and today's footy
matches.
I arrive at Keswick feeling refreshed and ready for today's play. For a
small surcharge to my ticket GSR has thoughtfully provided an express
rail bus to Football Park. I just step off the train, collect my luggage
which arrives 4 minutes later and head for the bus.
Alternatively I can get my car which I have brought on the train with
me.
Pie in the sky? I don't think so. Would you be more inclined to travel
by train if you knew that this was the standard of service you were
going to get. I certainly would!
(Please not that just like the prospector there is 1 class only - First
class)
cheers Peter