Diamond Valley News Rail stories

["Michael Walker" <walker@hotkey.net.au>]

This weeks local rag, the Diamond Valley News has a number of rail articles.

1. Hurstbridge line closure beyond Eltham.

The article basically quotes Robin Cooper saying the rail line will stay
beyond Eltham under privatisation, that under the Passenger Charter, there
will be penalties for not maintaining the service at at least existing
levels. (See full page ad elsewhere in paper for passenger charter, web
surfers can find a link at www.victrip.vic.gov.au or
www.ministerfortransport.vic.gov.au ) He says its just a big rumour started
by the Labour member Andre Haermeyer who is also quoted as saying there is
nothing stopping a privatised Hillside Trains from closing the line past
Eltham as being unprofitable.

Comment: I doubt that the closure would extend to Eltham, Diamond Creek
would attract too many customers to close it and if the trains run to
Diamond Creek, they might as well travel the extra 9 minutes to Hurstbridge.

2. Hillside Trains to contract out running of stations and car parks.

Hillside Trains are allegedly franchising out the operation of stations and
car parks. Kings Parking are interested but no-one has signed anything yet
and no-one knows just how much it will cost to park at a station under the
new plan. Apparently Hillside Trains hired some students to count and
measure the number of spaces. Two stations mentioned for the parking scheme
are Eltham and Watsonia.

Comment: How silly! One of the bonuses of catching the train is the free car
parking, people would simply drive to another nearby station or park in a
nearby side street and walk the last few metres. Either that or drive to
work - that will be good for Hillside! Whilst there is some opportunity to
franchise a station and make money by selling tickets, Phone cards,
newspapers and other things (like a sub newsagency or small store), I think
franchising the car parking is cutting your nose off to spite your face.
Given each person parking their car at Watsonia where there is at least 500
spaces is most likely going to the city, Hillside risks losing at most
500*$7 = $3500 a day just to make a few bucks from car parking. I hope this
silly scheme doesn't take off.

3. Steamrail advertising their Seymour tour including side trip to winery or
tank museum.

Taking a leaf out of WCRs book no doubt. Why its in the environment
supplement I will never know...