To be honest, if the Libs did commit to the city loop and the North Adelaide line during their term I don't think it would be the worst things in terms of advancing the tram network - there are arguments for completing the city loop prior to the suburb extensions. Whether or not they'll genuinely be interested in doing it is another question but, as I've said before, I think Haese may be a glimmer of hope here as he seems to be quite pro-tram in the City. Hopefully a few of the Libs' rich mates will be sitting on blocks ripe for development in the general proximity of the proposed loop. It's a shame the loop isn't a true loop but Labor can always finish that off when they come back into power.
A couple of interesting snippets - the use of catenary-free trams on all further CBD extensions, daily fare caps (can our off-the-shelf system do that?) and the renewed (albeit long-term) focus on an underground north-south rail line in the CBD.
Also:
No further mention of rail electrification, which seems to be a missed opportunity. I thought they might also try to match some of Labor's level crossing removal promises as that would be a big drawcard for motorists commuting along those routes.We have had discussions with the Federal Government which have confirmed that an extension of city centre tram services would be eligible for support from its $10 billion National Rail Program for urban and regional passenger rail projects which will commence in 2019.
It's also interesting that when they speak of not supporting the metropolitan extensions they keep referring to the tram to the 'airport via Henley Beach Road' whereas the others just get Prospect, Unley and Norwood. I wonder if they would consider a dedicated line via the Keswick stormwater drain?
Summary: 4/10
) or to the yellow shuttle line.