Snappy answers to stupid questions.

[cruel_world00]

Thought it might be nice to have a thread where we can ask the forum any type of question, either development related or not, instead of making a new thread every time something pops into our collective heads.

My first question was in regards to the Millswood train station. Any info on a) why this shut, b)if it's going to open again and c) why would be the main problems/benefits of reopening it.

[Shuz]

Close proximity to Unley Park/Goodwood Stations is why its close. Increases travel time for other commuters, and low patronage. Therefore unviable.

Adelaide has a pretty shit network concerning the ridiculously close distance between stations. They should be at least 2-3kms apart. A trip to Gawler/Noarlunga should not be taking 1 hour, but rather half an hour. If they relocated and closed off some stations to fit a new regulation of station distances, travel times would greatly improve, therefore making the sevice more attractive to use.

[Vee]

Sadly, local residents missed out when a number of stations on the Belair line were closed eg Millswood and others. It's a dim memory as to the official reason but efficiency and insufficient patronage spring to mind. Sacrifice the needs of inner suburban residents for the greater good of shorter travel times for others and smoother freight flows.
Regular, long heavy freight trains use this line and this is part of the equation.

I would be more than peeved if I lived along a railway line and near a station which was closed. You still have the noise etc but none of the advantages of living close by.
There have been renewed calls to re-open the local stations, corresponding with greater interest in using public transport (rising petrol prices, environmental issues etc.).

[Aidan]

Thought it might be nice to have a thread where we can ask the forum any type of question, either development related or not, instead of making a new thread every time something pops into our collective heads.

OK, but please try to get the subject line to match the content. Your first question is actually very sensible.

My first question was in regards to the Millswood train station. Any info on a) why this shut, b)if it's going to open again and c) why would be the main problems/benefits of reopening it.

Contrary to what others have said, low patronage wasn't the reason. It was shut when the standardization of the Melbourne line forced TransAdelaide onto a single track. They had to close some stations to enable the trains to reach the passing loops quickly enough to avoid delaying the trains coming the other way.

As for whether it will reopen, that really depends on what will happen to the line. My preference is to convert it to light rail, in which case Millswood and other stations would reopen. But if it remains heavy rail, it's likely to depend on whether the line to Melbourne is rerouted away from the Adelaide Hills - though this would be the deciding factor only by tipping the balance.

[cruel_world00]

Well that seems to have answered my question... anyone else got something on their mind?


P.S the thread title actually refers to a section in MAD magazine.
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