[NSW](lengthy) CityRail & related predictions for 2000

["Bill McNiven" <wmcniven@gunzel.ozemail.com.au>]

Eric Cartman<ERK_CARTMAN@YAHOO.COM wrote in
message<DLD84.63$VD.8088@NSW.NNRP.TELSTRA.NET ...
>I believe a derailment is planned for the 29/12 and the cleanup will extend
>onto the 30/12............who knows? I know I don't.
>
>Eric

Well, that prediction didn't seem to come off! The only way to get away with
predictions is to make loads of them, and hope one is correct!

After 6 months observing CityRail and reading all the *facts* in aus.rail,
I'm as unqualified as anyone to extrapolate the worst of 1999's stories into
some CityRail (and related) predictions for the final year of the second
millenium.

Here goes ...

JANUARY
* Train services after New Year's Eve celebrations run successfully.
Particularly pleasing is the patience shown by the 200,000 passengers who
queue outside Circular Quay station from 00:30 to 01:15 while 17 "Ghost
Trains" rumble overhead.
* At 11:00 AEDT on 1 January, barrier indicators at Town Hall commence to
show expected departures for March 1932. At about 11:15, there are problems
at ticket barriers with tickets expired on 01/01/1900. Transport Minister
unavailable for comment. Premier's office attacks media for "Y2K
scare-mongering".
* 'T' set skids through catch points at "Sydney Electric" platform 22. Rail
Unions attack SRA over lack of training for crews, call for Royal Commission
into Rail Safety (and job preservation). John Laws says a truck driver
wouldn't have done it. aus.rail debates whether truck drivers should have
catch points.
* SRA spokesman denies reports of Y2K bugs in new Countrylink booking
system. Admits that automatic barriers at stations have some "teething
problems".
* Child wanders onto track at level crossing near Yennora and is,
regrettably, killed by a passing train. SRA immediately announces that
CityRail has no faulty fences. Transport Minister reveals that CityRail has
no fences and promises full and wide-ranging enquiry into RAC's fences.
FEBRUARY
* FreightCorp enjoying a record wheat harvest. Several ex-NSWGR diesels
hired back from museums for three months. Announces that, since customer
service is paramount, the business will expand to include road and possibly
shipping operations since its rail services are "flat out".
* Daily Terrorgraph reports that CityRail passengers no longer bother to buy
tickets. SRA spokesman denies this, but admits computer reports of ticket
sales have been delayed.
* Transport Minister announces creation of new Rail Fencing Authority,
appoints former MP as chairman. "A new and positive initiative which is part
of our full commitment to Rail Safety". All CityRail sites will be
surrounded with razor wire to stop children straying.
* RAC / RSA plan Easter shutdowns to remove redundant crossovers at
Strathfield and re-rail on Cowan Bank. All services to be diverted via
Bankstown or replaced by buses. "Removal of the old crossovers from the
steam days will substantially reduce maintenance costs and enhance rail
safety", a CityRail spokesman added.
* Chaos as all underground stations closed without notice at 11:00 AEDT on
Tuesday 29 February. A CityRail spokesman afterwards announces this was an
"Olympics Security Exercise". Minister denies any connection with Y2K.
Opposition Leader calls for full and exhaustive enquiry. Town Hall barrier
indicators removed.
MARCH
* Energy Minister re-releases government's "Green Power" initiatives
("tilting at windmills"). Daily Terrorgraph runs story based on interviews
with drivers "too frightened to give their names" about under-utilised 86
class locomotives. Transport Minister announces full and wide-ranging
enquiry.
* Premier announces that CityRail travel will be free until Easter, because
of unforseen maintenance difficulties with the ticketing system. Opposition
Transport spokesman says this is unfair to people who don't travel by train.
aus.rail contributors debate this equity issue.
* 'K' set passes signal at danger at Wollstonecraft. No damage. No injuries.
TV crew making low-budget drama to be called 'Day of the Geraniums' films
event and it leads the Channel 10 “news”. Rail Unions attack SRA over lack
of training for crews. Alan Jones calls for Royal Commission into Rail
Safety. aus.rail posters argue about the set number at the rear of the
train.
* Sydney - Melbourne XPTs reported booked out from August to October. SRA
says "a good commercial result". New Opposition Leader says government
"denying pensioners access to the 'People's Olympics'". Olympics Minister
promises "Pensioner Buses". ORTA begins buying up ex-Sydney double-deck
buses and planning Wagga - Homebush Bay shuttle of pensioner buses.
* ORTA announces that 300 buses will be on standby at Olympic Park in case
there is a derailment during the Easter Show.
APRIL
* New Airport rail line has final tests. Introduction of service delayed
until after the Easter Show.
* FreightCorp issues press release highlighting modern “ready power” fleet
and describing 86 class electrics as "antiquated", pointing out that they
had been running "since the old red rattlers were in service".  Press kit
includes a photo of an 85 and a garratt on a tour.
* The only two passengers on the Good Friday overnight Explorer to Moree
find that their seat is double-booked. As they are both aus.rail
contributors they conduct their argument through this ng rather than in
person.
* Strathfield shutdown is modified to allow Easter Show trains to run on
Main Line. CityRail has difficulties with disobedient City - Strathfield -
Lidcombe passengers sneaking onto Show trains instead of meekly catching
their buses. Several customers are arrested and interrogated after failing
to alight from trains at Olympic Park. They were able to explain that the
train had been indicated at Sydney "Steam Platforms" as "Blacktown".
* The Main North shutdown carries Newcastle passengers by train to Ashfield,
by bus to Rhodes, by train to Berowra, by bus to Woy Woy, by train to
Newcastle (and by boat to Wondabyne). Direct Sydney - Woy Woy bus service
not possible due to ORTA Easter Show hiring of every possible bus.
Opposition Leader claims this is "torture inflicted on the voters by an
uncaring and out-of-touch government". SRA states that maintenance is
essential to rail safety. Olympics Minister and Transport Minister begin
public feud over bus priorities.
* Easter Show train delayed 90' at Olympic Park due to PMT. Relief driver
moves train, but is placed on leave and counselled for his lack of
commitment to EEO principles. Standby buses continue to wait for a
derailment.  aus.rail contributors exchange many notes on what the relief
driver said, or might have said, or should have said.
MAY
* New Airport rail line ready. Introduction of service delayed due to
timetable printing problems. New Opposition Transport spokesman calls for
outsourcing of printing.
* Train hauled by 3801 misrouted at Turrella. Due to approach locking, sent
through via Airport as first passenger train on the line. aus.rail posting
brings a reply from Victoria claiming that this is totally uninteresting,
and another 73 saying "me too!".   All replies include the full text of the
original message.
* 'V' set with defective power car stalls in heavy morning rain on Cowan
Bank (coincidentally on the 10th anniversary of another Cowan Bank event).
Guard protects rear of train. No damage. No injuries. No sand on the track.
Just gradient altered to 1 in 25 during the shutdown. Rail Unions call for
Royal Commission into Rail Safety (and job preservation). "A Current Affair"
runs lots of 3801 footage, describing the train shown as "an old red
rattler". Daily Terrorgraph reports that a passenger must have applied a
handbrake.
* As part of  "equal employment opportunity", CityRail opens child-care
centre at “Central Sydney” for the children of female train drivers.  After
lengthy discussion of post-discrimination issues, the centre is available
only for female children and children of alternative genders.
* FreightCorp loses Sydney / Blayney / Manildra freight to LVR / Westrail
consortium. Motive power shortage eased. Road freight to Wagga and Albury
commences. aus.rail posters speculate on the likely use of 5917 and 3050 and
the possible return of 6042 to LVR hands.
* More details released of Olympics train services. Due to track capacity
limits, trains from Newcastle, the Blue Mountains and Wollongong will
terminate at North Sydney, Fairfield and Hurstville (and possibly at
Rydalmere).
* Transport Minister announces formation of new Rail Electricity
Corporation, which will take over the 86 class locomotives and seek "hook
and haul" contracts. Reported that "hundreds of jobs will be created in the
Hunter" by maintaining the locos at Cardiff. Green Power will be used.
JUNE
* New Airport rail line ready. Introduction of service delayed due to lack
of qualified drivers. Rail Unions attack SRA over lack of training for
crews, call for Royal Commission into Rail Safety (and job preservation).
* FreightCorp loses Sydney / Grafton freight to QR / NRR consortium. Starts
road express service to Tamworth. Spokeswoman declines to comment on
suggestion that surplus locos could be sold to new operators.
* SOCOG, enjoying budgetary difficulties, queries why it should pay SRA for
train travel (included in Olympics tickets) if all train travel is still
free.  Premier settles feud between ministers, and announces new initiatives
being considered to collect fares "after the Olympics".
* Sydney - Melbourne XPTs found to be double-booked for August through
October as computer had sold all seats for 1900 as well as 2000. Opposition
Olympics spokeswoman demands public ballot for seats. SRA promises full and
wide-ranging enquiry. Premier announces that all bookings will be honoured.
aus.rail posters compose dozens of alternative XPT schedules, many using
imported Virgin HSTs as well as Bluebird cars.
* Central West XPT now regularly runs with one XP, assisted by an 86 between
Sydney and Lithgow. "A positive expression of the Government's commitment to
Green Energy initiatives", the Premier said. aus.rail posting notes that the
new "REC" logo on the front has been changed to "wRECk".
JULY
* Enquiry / Inquest into Glenwood collision completes hearings. Transport
Minister declines to speculate on findings. "Sixty Minutes" digs out archive
film of 1969 Violet Town collision and interviews survivors' grandchildren.
Daily Terrorgraph calls for "Red Light Cameras" at railway signals.
* More details released of reduced Olympics train services. Olympics
Minister attacks Rail Unions over obstinate attitude to 20-hour shifts,
threatens Royal Commission into Rail Safety and job feather-bedding.
* Premier and Transport Minister announce loco-hauled InterCapital Daylight
and Sprit of Progress services for August. Cars hired include some from
museums, from WCR and Steamrail (BKs), GSR and Hillside. Praises assistance
from Vic. Labor Govt.  Postings to aus.rail claiming SteamRail 'E' and 'W'
cars should be used.  After 86 class events, FreightCorp not expected to
provide motive power.
* RAC, NR and other operators finalise plans for Olympics freight service.
Melbourne - Brisbane trains via Narromine / Binnaway. Sydney - Brisbane
traffic will be one NR/QR train, up to 4 Km long, leaving Enfield for
Broadmeadow at 3 am daily.
* New Airport rail line ready. Introduction of service delayed by lack of
rolling stock. Transport Minister attacks predecessor for lack of "Millenium
Trains". Later revises this to previous Liberal Minister.
AUGUST
* Rugby League Grand Final is final "Olympics Transport Test". Following the
total loss of power for signals and traction at Petersham, it takes four
hours to carry the city-bound crowd via Enfield and Canterbury. Trains
trapped between Flemington and Ashfield sent to the city via Hornsby.
Passengers on trains trapped between Newtown and Ashfield suffer severe
lacerations from razor wire.  Opposition Leader calls for "urgent action to
remedy this latest Olympics blunder" and replacement of Olympics Minister.
Premier announces next day that overhead wires have been transferred from
RAC to Rail Electricity Corporation, apologises to St. George supporters for
sending them non-stop through Sydenham to the city.
* Hillside 4D set enters service in Sydney, based at Waterfall to minimise
crew training costs.
* Inaugural SS4A "Spirit of Progress" arrives "Central Sydney Terminal" with
R766+GM27 leading SteamRail BK's and ARHS FS's.  Return working as SL65
hauled by 4201+4833.
* New Airport rail line ready. National Party leader says "another case of
money being wasted in Sydney on the Olympics when it should have been spent
in the bush" and calls for an Airport Rail Link at Wilcannia. aus.rail
contributors debate preferred route from Nyngan and advisability of
lift-span bridge at Wilcannia.  misc.transport.urban-transit contributors
debate light rail and equity issues for indigenous people until they learn
that Wilcannia is neither urban nor in the USA.
THE OLYMPIC MONTH
* New Airport rail line opened by Premier in time for Olympics. As with the
East Hills - Glenfield line 14 years earlier, initial service is three
trains per day worked by "W" sets.
* Down Penrith train (2DDL+6DDC) catches fire in Platform 8 at Strathfield.
Due to removal of crossovers at Sydney end, following trains on the Down
Local are delayed for four hours so as not to inconvenience Olympics
passengers.
* Clyde Engineering is awarded a contract to repaint all the REC 86 class
locomotives green.
* Melb. 4D set sent to Olympic Park with a Waterfall crew. Delayed 2 hours
at Flemington waiting for relief qualified crew. New crew decline to work
train fitted for DOO working. Train sent forward empty to MainTrain. Rail
Unions attack SRA over lack of training for crews, call for Royal Commission
into Rail Safety (and job preservation).
* FreightCorp loses most Sydney / Albury freight to SteamRail / ASR
consortium. Welcomes opportunity to retire obsolete locomotives. Commences
road haulage of coal from Pelton "due to track condition". Meanwhile,
Westrail and QR both commence Hunter Valley coal contracts.
* 4Km-long Brisbane - Enfield freight misrouted at Flemington Goods
Junctions to run to Olympic Park at 3 am. Returning to Flemington, the train
is blocked by its own tail. Train removed in sections and line re-opened to
passengers by noon.
* aus.rail thread alleging duplicate car number C3050 seen on Carlingford
line.
* Transport Minister announces vast boost to post-Olympic employment through
new vacancies for 500 booking clerks and 500 barrier attendants. New
Opposition Leader attacks this as "blatant pork-barrelling for your union
mates". Some aus.rail contributors are very upset to see the pay rates for
booking clerks posted in this ng.
OCTOBER
* Regular through Campbelltown - Wolli Creek - Airport - "Sydney - Eddy
Ave." services finally commence. Trains terminate at platforms 21/23 to
allow use of a dedicated fleet of modified 'R' sets with additional luggage
space in their Tulloch trailers.
* Report of Inquiry / Inquest into Glenwood collision handed to Premier.
* Sydney Middleclass Herald runs a piece on the noise made by freights
between Epping and Beecroft. "While the Olympics were on the goods trains
were cancelled, and we actually got a good night's sleep" said one resident.
John Laws reads this out with a comment about "silver-tailed whingers led by
Alan Jones". Next day, the Energy Minister re-releases government's "Green
Power" inititatives, announcing a virtual ban on diesel locomotives hauling
loads between West Ryde and Hornsby. Rail Electricity Corporation said to
have locomotives available.
* Paralympics conclude successfully on 29 October. Transport minister
announces that as "customer service must come first", train guards will be
abolished from 4 December with redeployment to booking clerk / SA positions
an alternative to redundancy. "A guard on every platform will enhance rail
safety", he added. New Opposition leader claims "reintroduction of train
fares is an unconscionable grab in the taxpayer's pocket from a bankrupt
government".
* Initial response from Rail Unions is a claim that redundancy payments for
female guards should be based on at least ten years' service as shorter
actual service period was due to previous entrenched discrimination.
NOVEMBER
* Opposition Leader demands release of Glenwood report. Premier claims
matters disclosed could become sub judice. Channel 10 delays release of "Day
of the Geraniums". Daily Terrorgraph speculates that the InterCity driver
may have been kidnapped by aliens. aus.rail postings speculate that the
entire train may have been kidnapped by aliens.
* Rail Unions question future of non-union Chubb security guards on trains
if there are no train guards. Minister reviews position. Announces Judo
classes for female train guards. State Rail obtains exemption under the
Anti-Discrimination Act for this distinction.
* Public timetables finally issued for Campbelltown - Airport - "Sydney Rail
Terminal"; mistakenly show "Redfern" instead of "Green Square".
DECEMBER
* ex-Melb. 4D still at MainTrain. Hillside declines offer to send it back.
* LVR reported to be overhauling 6042 for non-diesel service to Hornsby.
R700+R761 noted departing Hornsby on southbound freight.
* Official last FreightCorp train runs from Drayton Colliery to Port Waratah
with consecutively numbered 48154 to 48165. "Ready Power" units returned to
Clyde; other locomotives will be cut up by FreightCorp to prevent scrap
dealers re-selling them to competitors.
* Unemployed ex-Chubb Security Guards successfully picket Wynyard station
for a day. New Opposition Leader says "government must do something about
law and order on our railways" and calls for CityRail staff to be armed.
Minister announces pistol-shooting courses for female train guards.
* NSW Rail Transport Museum December Newsletter includes entire text of Luke
Ch. 1 as 1999's contribution about "our Saviour Jesus Christ who came and
gave his life to take away the inherited and committed sins of the world"
had not resulted in 3526's return to service.
* New Transport Minister announces that CityRail Sectors 1, 2 and 3 will
henceforth be known as "Seaside Trains", "Riverside Trains" and
"Mountainside Trains". Citing success of this structure under Vic. Labor
government, announces auction for 1 April 2001.

Happy New Year!

Bill :-)