Re: New Hi Speed Train to replace prospector

[telljb@ozemail.com.au (Tell)]

Tim Shenton <timbos@bigpond.com> wrote:
>As somebody who is currently residing in Kalgoorlie, I think it's a case of
>shutting the door after the horse has bolted.  Kalgoorlie is now served by
>an average of 5 return daily air flights from Perth - probably about double
>the number of passengers carried by the prospector.  Air fares are generally
>about $190 - $250 based on advance purchase.  Time to travel by air is just
>over an hour compared to the 6 hours of the express prospector and 7hours 20
>of the usual service.  An improvement of 1 - 2 hours will not entice the
>majority of air passengers back.  Coupled with the poor service reliability
>and the aging trains results in only the people who can't afford the air
>fare and who don't have a car being the main passengers - generally
>concession fares.
>Unfortunately there would seem little justification to spend the really big
>sums to get a real fast service.  A population centre of 30 - 40,000 people
>just won't cut it.   300,000 or more maybe.


Exactly what has happened elsewhere in Australia.  
You did not mention Road Coaches, I presume they pick
up quite a few fares as well.

Cheers

----Tell
Alice Springs NT