News & Discussion: Adelaide Metro Trains

[Norman]

As I've said before, the only way there could be a tunnel would be if the system was electified first.

[SRW]

While I generally hate transport infrastructure being elevated above ground, it may be the best option here as it might reduce the gradient of the track enough to enable the train to reach Flinders Uni and Medical Centre. This would ensure high levels of commuters in both directions during peak hour.

While I don't have a problem with short lengths of elevated railways (though I dislike road overpasses), overcoming the gradient is why I suggested one here. Tunnelling is just not feasible, practically and cost-wise.

[muzzamo]

these are the best photos i could find of airtrain in brisbane

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:AirT ... tation.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:AirT ... isbane.jpg

[AtD]

As I've said before, the only way there could be a tunnel would be if the system was electified first.

Either that, or the tunnel would require exausht stacks, like Sydney's motorways.

[Düsseldorfer]

As I've said before, the only way there could be a tunnel would be if the system was electified first.

Either that, or the tunnel would require exausht stacks, like Sydney's motorways.

Or a system like what is used at Adelaide Railway Station...

[Wayno]

As I've said before, the only way there could be a tunnel would be if the system was electified first.

Either that, or the tunnel would require exausht stacks, like Sydney's motorways.

Or a system like what is used at Adelaide Railway Station...

surely it could be open cut 90% of the tunnell length? covered at sturt and south rd obviously. all depends where it terminates. For example, would it be acceptable to terminate alongside the new elevated carpark adjacent to the hospital? There could then be a pedestrian tunnell across to the hospital and uni.

[Shuz]

Personally I think pedestrian tunnels are a very serious crime risk. CCTV footage inside wouldn't do much to ease issues that may arise because of the lack of visibility from the outside.

It makes logical sense to implement a viaduct down to the university for several of the reasons mentioned previously. Anyway, who said they had to be ugly? Look what Melbourne does with its transport infrastructure!

[Omicron]

Personally I think pedestrian tunnels are a very serious crime risk. CCTV footage inside wouldn't do much to ease issues that may arise because of the lack of visibility from the outside.

I agree. The '70s pedestrian underpasses that disappear under so many of our suburban train stations are just awful - one enters narrow, barren underground corridors with a feeling of trepidation, and is met by the overwhelming stench of three thousand people having urinated over every flat surface the night before.

Never underestimate the appeal of natural light and openness.

[Somebody]

Let's just say that even when Mitsubishi was still operating, you could count the number of people using the train with one hand.

I always thought that Tonsley itself generated most patronage on the line, not Clovelly Park (Mitsubishi), or Mitchell Park.

Of course the last time I went to Tonsley was about a year ago, and the last time I was in Adelaide was also in 2007, so anything I say should be taken with a few grains of salt

Wasn't it only in 2004 when Tonsley started to run off-peak? I was told that by a member of another forum.

[Norman]

No, it's been running longer than that. Here's the 2003 timetable for the Noarlunga line:

http://web.archive.org/web/200308020514 ... ttable.pdf

[ozisnowman]

Good to see most of Adelaide's train network is to be resleepered and electrified. Hope they standardise the line
in the process. Also it is very short sighted in not standarising and electrifying the Belair line and extending it
to at least Mount Barker. Keeping 12 diesel trains for the Belair line will become a maintenance nightmare.

[Mr.Frodo]

Hold on, the haven't said they will never electrify the Belair line, they just haven't announced it in this budget. From the DTEI paper : "The Federal Government has committed $3m on a study into the future of the Hills Freight Rail line, which runs alongside the Belair passenger line through the Adelaide Hills. No decision will be made on electrifying the Belair line until that work is completed."


"Why is the Belair line not being electrified? The Belair rail line is a very important part of the train network and we are committed to its continued use. However, electrification of the Belair line requires further engineering and operational analysis. There are two tunnels and the interstate rail line is very close. The Federal Government has also just started
a study into the future of that line. It is worth noting the Belair line will have much better services anyway. The re-sleepered track will make the journey faster and there will be more railcars available once the new electric trains are available."

[rhino]

Also it is very short sighted in not standarising and electrifying the Belair line and extending it
to at least Mount Barker.

Oh for Pete's sake! How many times do we have to hear this crap?

Also, if you actually read the report, standardisation is part of it. It's gonna be damn hard to run a hybrid tram-train on a standard gauge tram track and a broad gauge train track isn't it?

[muzzamo]

congrats we have now dug up an old thread and have the same topic running on three threads now

[crawf]

Mount Barker to City

Via Freeway/Glen Osmond Road - 34km (incl 40min express bus ride)
Via Railway Line - around 55km (over a hour train ride)

Enough said