News & Discussion: Adelaide Metro Trains

[muzzamo]

2. They are considering converting the route to light rail (ala Glenelg tramway).

Thats the first I have heard of this. Source?

[Norman]

1. Pending the outcome of the Hills Frieght Rail Study.

That's already been completed and the proposals rejected, the freight trains are going to stay for some time yet.

[Aidan]

1. Pending the outcome of the Hills Frieght Rail Study.

That's already been completed and the proposals rejected, the freight trains are going to stay for some time yet.

I had a look at the study report and am unimpressed. Some of the assumptions their figures are based on are actually contradicted by the text of the report!. For example, figure 14 is inconsistent with section 7.1.1. Assumptions regarding growth are based on historical averages and seem to be rather pessimistic. And the treatment of noise does not even appear to comply with the terms of reference.

[ozisnowman]

Wonder if the government slashing the budget had anything to do with this outcome. Would like to know
if GHD factored into this study the supposed increase in Hills Population for example Mount Barker etc
which will be affected as are current residence. I live a fair distence from the Eden Hills station and
you can always here the goods trains would hate to be one of those living a lot closer.

Its time the SA government hassle the Federal Government about getting the tunnels fixed and allowing
duplication of the Belair Line up to Mount Barker, because it will be needed.

[rhino]

Its time the SA government hassle the Federal Government about getting the tunnels fixed and allowing
duplication of the Belair Line up to Mount Barker, because it will be needed.

Which goes to show how much you don't know about commuting on public transport. Check the routes of train vs express bus. 90mins vs 45mins. Nuff said.

[Waewick]

what would it be like with an express train do you tihnk?

(question only - not loaded)

[rhino]

Still has to go via Blackwood and avoid any all-stoppers in front of it. Then it stops on North Tce. Compare this to an express bus down the freeway - 5 minute headways if it's warranted. Drops you off in Hindmarsh Square or on Grenfell or Currie street. The only slow point is Glen Osmond Road. I regularly bus in from Crafers, and G.O. Road has never been a problem.

[Waewick]

ah fair enough.

I can't say i've ever taken a train in Adelaide before.

I would have thought for those longer distances trains would be better than buses. But I guess that kind of sums up our passenger rail services in this state really (that is not an attack on Labor btw)

[Norman]

ah fair enough.

I can't say i've ever taken a train in Adelaide before.

I would have thought for those longer distances trains would be better than buses. But I guess that kind of sums up our passenger rail services in this state really (that is not an attack on Labor btw)

It's not so much the trains themselves, it's more the gradient and the path of the actual line the train has to follow.

[ozisnowman]

You are making the comparison between express bus and current diesel train and current single track.
What would be the difference if the tunnels were fixed and electrified with tilt train rolling stock
capable of doing 160km/hr? Also one has to consider the benefits of electrified rail with lower
emissions, reduced congestion of city streets especially during peak hour. I have driven through
town at peak hour to pick up my wife and the buses are a nightmare...

[AG]

You are making the comparison between express bus and current diesel train and current single track.
What would be the difference if the tunnels were fixed and electrified with tilt train rolling stock
capable of doing 160km/hr? Also one has to consider the benefits of electrified rail with lower
emissions, reduced congestion of city streets especially during peak hour. I have driven through
town at peak hour to pick up my wife and the buses are a nightmare...

That's assuming the freight trains that currently use the corridor can magically disappear elsewhere. The whole issue of upgrading the Hills Line is a bit more technically challenging than just whacking up some wires and getting new trains (it's possible of course!). Those issues include the two tracks for interstate and local trains being different gauges, the local trains dealing with a single track and passing loops which makes timetabling important and the restricting heights within at least one of the tunnels along the route.

[metro]

Trains between Mawson Lakes and the City return on october 4

http://www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au/RR/ ... talisation

[ozisnowman]

You are making the comparison between express bus and current diesel train and current single track.
What would be the difference if the tunnels were fixed and electrified with tilt train rolling stock
capable of doing 160km/hr? Also one has to consider the benefits of electrified rail with lower
emissions, reduced congestion of city streets especially during peak hour. I have driven through
town at peak hour to pick up my wife and the buses are a nightmare...

That's assuming the freight trains that currently use the corridor can magically disappear elsewhere. The whole issue of upgrading the Hills Line is a bit more technically challenging than just whacking up some wires and getting new trains (it's possible of course!). Those issues include the two tracks for interstate and local trains being different gauges, the local trains dealing with a single track and passing loops which makes timetabling important and the restricting heights within at least one of the tunnels along the route.

They should be standardising the rail line as part of the electrification on all lines. That would allow them to utilise the other hills line when not in use. With modern switching technology, gps tracking etc i cant see why it would be too difficult. With new diesel electric hybrids they could then use diesel say between mitcham and blackwood and and electric elsewhere. The line should be extended to Mount Barker at least if not Murray Bridge. The sections after say Stirling could be electrified. That way you could use diesel through the tunnels and not have electric wires and supports affecting the goods trains.

[rhino]

They should be standardising the rail line as part of the electrification on all lines. That would allow them to utilise the other hills line when not in use. .

Except that the other line is owned by someone else with a different agenda. The current standard guage line is owned by ARTC (Australian Rail Track Corporation) and is there to facilitate inter-capital freight, which is somewhat at odds with commuter transport.

Also, can you imagine a tilt train trying to negotiate our Hills line at any sort of fast pace? There are way too many twists and turns, level crossings, etc, to negotiate, not to mention all-stoppers in front of it. Fixable? yes, but at what cost, and will that be worth it in the end? (Will you get value for money?) I doubt it.

[ozisnowman]

Is it worth the cost? depends what you compare it against! What about a Desalination Plant that we will be paying through the
nose for even though it most likely will see little use. Just hope with the Desalination Plant that they actually use it
and leave more water for environmental flows in our catchments such as the Para, Torrens and Onkaparinga Rivers.