All forms of transport, including gunzelly
Seems like we’re now stuck with the rather dull term HCMT (High Capacity Metro Train) for the new train fleet to run initially on the Cranbourne/Pakenham line. The first train was out and and about taking passengers just after Christmas (for one return trip), but more are expected to be running when the new timetable ... [More]
I dropped past the new Coburg and Moreland stations last week. They only just opened, and there’s still a lot of construction work going on, but here are a few pictures. The project removes four level crossings, and it’s skyrail with two rebuilt stations. Unlike previous skyrail stations, both have side platforms rather than island ... [More]
Along some of the main freeways coming into Melbourne, you’ll spot signage for Parkway stations. Ballan, Bacchus Marsh, Wallan, Lara all have the signs. Possibly others, I’m not sure. This now outmoded branding originated with the Regional Fast Rail project. Regional Fast Rail project Back in the mid-2000s, the Victorian government was revamping V/Line, via ... [More]
A little bit more on level crossings. Since I posted the update, I’ve received some useful corrections, which I’ve applied to the list. But last week there was an interesting update on some of them. Pakenham line to be extended The Pakenham crossings will be skyrail – we already knew that. But there’s an interesting ... [More]
Remember a few months ago when I wrote about the next big train timetable change? That was originally expected in December, but got postponed due to delays completing works on the Ballarat line. Today the State Government has announced the change will happen on 31st January, and naturally being an official release (instead of info ... [More]
We’re midway through the state government’s 2018-2022 term, so I thought I’d do an update of the Level Crossing Removal Program status, following on from previous versions in 2014, 2017 and 2018. EDIT: New update November 2022 Like previous lists, this one is derived from a 2008 ALCAM (Australian Level Crossing Assessment Model) study of ... [More]
Just a quick post while I work on some more substantive content. State Budget Victoria’s State Budget, normally in May but much delayed due to COVID-19, was on Tuesday. Most of the big ticket public transport investment (Airport Rail, Geelong upgrade, and a huge early works package on the Suburban Rail Loop) had already been ... [More]
So finally there’s a a firm plan for airport rail, thanks to combined State and Federal funding just announced. Age: Melbourne Airport trains will run through the Metro tunnel every 10 minutes Herald Sun: A deal has finally been struck for Victoriaâs airport rail link – hereâs how itâll work In summary: Airport trains to ... [More]
Yesterday the State government announced funding for early works for the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL). Being a huge project, even early works are pricey – it comes out at $2.2 billion. At the same time, they’ve announced more detail on the station locations for Stage One. This map shows them. So the stations will be ... [More]
Continuing from part one… going clockwise the next lines are the yellow ones on the rail map: the Sunbury, Craigieburn and Upfield lines. Sunbury (St Albans) line Until 2002, suburban trains ran to St Albans, with regional trains serving the stations beyond. The line was electrified in 2002 to Watergardens (Sydenham) and then in 2012 ... [More]
Last the weekend I got to take a quick look at the recently opened new stations at Mentone (opened 20th July) and Cheltenham (opened 16th August). Previously they’d been outside my 5km radius, but that recently lifted to 25km. Click any of these photos to view them larger. Mentone The train line goes under Balcombe ... [More]
Melbourne’s suburban train system was originally steam operated, but was converted to electricity in the 1910s and 1920s. By about 1930 most of the network we know today was in place. My friend Andrew leant me a copy of the suburban 1924 timetable. I’ve also got a PDF of the 1974 timetable. So let’s compare ... [More]