Why a very fast train system will never fly

Posted in Opinion on 2013-04-21 11:33:18

A business commentator evaluates the latest report on high-speed rail and concludes that it would offer a faster, more-convenient alternative to air travel but it won't happen.

Regional train punctuality targets run off the rails

Posted in Victorian Rail News on 2013-04-17 12:07:32

V/Line, the state's regional rail operator, has missed its monthly punctuality target on every intercity line in the state every month for the past six months.

Boost for rail tunnel

Posted in Victorian Rail News on 2013-04-05 12:19:53

The Gillard government is set to announce funding for Melbourne's $9 billion metro rail tunnel, placing it at odds with Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, who has said he will back the east-west road link if elected prime minister.

Why myki is the best ticket we've ever had (To be a Melburnian is to whinge about public transport)

Posted in Victorian Rail News on 2013-04-01 13:58:59

When I heard the impassioned declaration ''myki is a f---ing disaster!'' from someone who I know hasn't taken public transport in 20 years, I had one of those breakthrough moments. It wasn't as dramatic as St Joan hearing her voices, it was more of a suburban revelation. But it highlighted a key aspect of Melbourne living.

Wishlist for Huntingdale station

Posted in Victorian Rail News on 2013-03-20 09:13:13

Monash University students and staff are calling enhancements to Huntingdale Station so that buses 601 and 630 can be boarded without stepping out of Huntingdale Station.

They pose that it's unsafe to have so many people crossing Huntindale Road to get to and from the existing bus stop at Huntingdale Road, as well as unsafe to wait on an empty part of Huntingdale Road for a bus as night.

They also point out that there is little in the way of shelter for bus passengers heading east along North Road.

On Tuesday 19th March, they had the cuddle orange and white bus at Huntingdale Station handing out pamphlets, as well as a petition. They also have a Facebook page.

Commuters confused : Routes thrown for Loop

Posted in Victorian Rail News on 2012-10-10 22:16:42

A commuter group says that City Loop is a "confusing mess" and is calling for a review of train routes that pass through underground tunnels. Public Transport Users Association says train passengers are left stranded by a Loop that runs to different patterns and directions on weekdays and weekends, depending on the time.

It has prompted the PTUA to create its own diagrams of how trains run around the City Loop uploaded to ptua.org.au today.

PTUA president Daniel Bowen said loop routes had "far too many variations". "The Loop is actually four separate rail tunnels, with trains running one way during the morning, most reversing direction during the afternoon and yet another pattern on weekends." Bowen said.