Six million people a year would use train to Melbourne Airport

[travelislife]

We won't even talk about the youth violence which is a problem after dark.

If there is a problem then it needs to be addressed. I travel on the Sunbury line at all times of the day including the overnight trains on the weekend without a problem. The PSOs do a damn good job keeping it safe.

If/when the airport train runs through Sunshine then there will inevitably be extra PSOs to ensure safety. Broadmeadows is reputed to be a crime hotspot. Surely the same issues would arise there as well?

.

Dalescott you can't actually be serious here? When was the last time you caught a train after dark and had issues with youth violence? I can tell you I do it pretty much everyday and have never encountered any kind of violence!

 

[sevenfourtyseven]

I think the Sunshine route is sensible, provided the train is not sharing the standard Sunbury tracks and there are only a few stops in between.

Tunnelling under Highpoint, the ex-defense site etc would be too expensive and take too long. It would be more like a suburban line rather than primarily airport focused.

 

[Isochronous]

Needs to have specialised rolling stock with luggage storage and run express into Flinders St.

 

[JessicaTam]

Needs to have specialised rolling stock with luggage storage and run express into Flinders St.

Southern Cross would be preferable, as the regional trains terminate there.

 

[seanpodge]

Sunshine plan looks pretty reasonable.Hopefully using the current rail reservation, even if the tracks themselves are glorified scrap iron, will help keep costs down. I like the idea to turn Sunshine into a V/Line hub.

I don't see the need to make it a special or express route though. MEL is only about 20 km from the CBD, which any airport train would either pass through or terminate at. There are not actually many stops between Spencer St and Sunshine and even if they added some for the new section (which I'd approve of) it wouldn't massively add to the trip time. Fares should be consistent with the rest of the public transport network.

 

[cove]

If it costs between $10 billion and $15 billion to get it done I cannot see the Victorian Government not puting a Sydney Airport style fee on that ride.
If the line was built by private enterprise using $6 billion from the. Federal Government as a grant I am not sure that the project would be a financial winner. 6 million rides at $30 each way would produce $180 million gross income.

 

[sevenfourtyseven]

If it costs between $10 billion and $15 billion to get it done I cannot see the Victorian Government not puting a Sydney Airport style fee on that ride.

The estimated cost does seem very excessive compared to the Metro Tunnel project which is estimated at $10-12 billion.

 

[Must...Fly!]

The estimated cost does seem very excessive compared to the Metro Tunnel project which is estimated at $10-12 billion.

The funding suggested as available by both federal and state is $2-$5 billion short of most estimates of the full cost.

Now boarding pension fund investment & privately owned station

 

[JessicaTam]

I can't see Vic not having an airport surcharge on the trip a la Sydney. I just hope there is a bus from the stop before the airport.

 

[serfty]

I just hope there is a bus from the stop before [near] the airport.

There is ....Broady ...

See here:

 

[Hvr]

Fight or flight? Conflict with airport looms after government reveals ‘sky rail’ plan

An elevated train station at Melbourne Airport is planned as part of the long-awaited $13 billion airport rail link project, which is at odds with the airport’s preference for an underground station.

www.theage.com.au

And the article lays out the latest delaying tactic by the airport;

The state wants skyrail:

It finds that an elevated station at Melbourne Airport represents the best solution to integrate with the airport precinct. The state government has also claimed this will be quicker and cheaper to build, with less disruption to passengers during construction.

But of course the airport wants an underground line.

“However, we are yet to agree on station location and design,” McDermott said.

“Melbourne Airport’s preference has been and remains an underground station, which provides a superior passenger experience, safeguards for future connectivity and is appropriate for Victoria’s international gateway.”

Just build the damned thing!

 

[Must...Fly!]

In my humble opinion, the current plans are a mess. Much more consideration should've been given to a PPP arrangement for a tunnel service, combined with a redevelopment of Southern Cross.

 

[Hvr]

Much more consideration should've been given to a PPP arrangement

The Private Profit, Public risk model of infrastructure funding would add another few years and probably a billion dollars to the cost. Sometimes we need to accept a functional service rather than a gold plated service,

 

[Must...Fly!]

The Private Profit, Public risk model of infrastructure funding would add another few years and probably a billion dollars to the cost. Sometimes we need to accept a functional service rather than a gold plated service,

There is no evidence of that. Likewise I have no evidence that it would be a better model, but I am of the opinion that it appears it was not effectively considered. Based on the track record of the current state government's approach to major projects, I don't think it is a leap to make the claim.

As for a functional service, while I understand your point there is a much wider rail network to consider than just the airport, and Southern Cross seems to be pushing the boundaries of its capacity. Especially so with zero commitment toward electrifying and/or duplicating the corridors to Wyndham Vale and Melton.

 

[PLANT]

Just another Utopia episode!

 

[dajop]

As for a functional service, while I understand your point there is a much wider rail network to consider than just the airport, and Southern Cross seems to be pushing the boundaries of its capacity. Especially so with zero commitment toward electrifying and/or duplicating the corridors to Wyndham Vale and Melton.

Southern Cross will have some relief when Metro Tunnel comes online, but that won't help with the Vline services where the station itself and the path into the station seem to be quite constrained.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Southern Cross will have some relief when Metro Tunnel comes online, but that won't help with the Vline services where the station itself and the path into the station seem to be quite constrained.

Indeed, hence my highlighting of the Melton/Wyndham Vale issue.

 

[Hvr]

Saw this today:

There was a suite, or is that a sweet of things with the model


The people in charge of the stand were talking 2029.

Let's hope they're correct.

 

[antycbr]

First post in this thread in 2013, 9 years ago. Perth has announced, designed and built their line well within the same time period.

 

[Must...Fly!]

And in what one would argue is the proper way unlike what this project might turn out to be. Though not perfect there as delays in Perth due to tunneling construction issues because of generally unsuitable soil.