GOVERNMENT AND REGULATORY

New transport super-agency

NSW Premier Nathan Rees has announced the most significant reform of the delivery of transport services and infrastructure. Mr Rees said a new super-agency, NSW Transport and Infrastructure, would take control of all transport and roads coordination, policy and planning functions. “We need major change in the delivery of transport services in NSW and this new structure will make it happen,” Mr Rees said. “It will deliver better coordination of road and public transport services for the community ensuring that infrastructure is built where the greatest need exists.”

Positive report card for new link

Minister for Transport David Campbell said the overwhelming majority of customers using the $2.3 billion Epping to Chatswood Rail Link have declared they are happy with the new service. Mr Campbell said a poll of more than 1000 commuters showed that the overall customer satisfaction rating for the link was 96%. “I have been very impressed with the Epping to Chatswood Rail Link and this survey shows the majority of passengers have had a similar positive experience,” Mr Campbell said.

Springvale Road Rail Separation

Work on the Springvale Road Rail Separation at Nunawading is on track with the VicRoads alliance partners announced for the $140 million project. Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas said the project to remove the busy Springvale Road level crossing and construction of the new grade separation was complex and required a strong alliance partnership to successfully complete the works. "I'm pleased to announce that John Holland and designers Arup and KBR Pty Ltd will join VicRoads in an alliance to design, deliver and manage works for this key project, funded with $80 million from the Federal Budget and $60 million from the State Budget," Mr Pallas said.

Eight level crossing upgrades

The first eight of 66 level crossing upgrades funded in Queensland under the Federal Government's Economic Stimulus Package will be completed by the end of June 2009. In just three months, boom gates and flashing lights have been installed at eight high-risk level crossings across Queensland. The Queensland Government has moved quickly to put the Federal stimulus money to work improving the safety of its road and rail networks. Last year alone there were 18 collisions, five fatalities and four serious injuries at level crossings in Queensland.

New trams a boost to Adelaide network

The South Australian Government has secured a $36 million deal to deliver six European trams to Adelaide that will boost capacity on the network by 50% and help take the light rail network coast to coast. Premier Mike Rann said the trams will begin arriving in Adelaide in November. “This is another fantastic result for users of our public transport system,” he said.

Windsor Transport Interchange upgrade

Transport Minister David Campbell and Member for Riverstone John Aquilina have turned the first sod for a transport interchange and commuter car park expansion at Windsor Station. Mr Aquilina said the $8.2 million upgrade had been designed to complement the heritage features of Windsor station, which is listed on the State Heritage Register. “Construction on this important local project begins today (9 June) and completion is planned for early 2010,” Mr Aquilina said. “The interchange will mean commuters can seamlessly transfer between transport modes, with purpose-built facilities to make that possible.”

Timetables change as capacity boosted

The West Australian Government is boosting capacity on four metropolitan train lines. Transport Minister Simon O’Brien said extra capacity would be generated by the introduction of the first three of 15 new three-car B-series trains ordered in 2006. “The new trains are suitable for use only on the newer lines, between Mandurah and Clarkson, and will be introduced late this month,” Mr O’Brien said. “However, their introduction allows some of the older (A-series) trains, used on the Mandurah and Joondalup lines, to be ‘cascaded’ across to the other lines.”

INDUSTRY

Electronic ticketing project update

Thales Australia Limited has advised the Public Transport Ticketing Corporation that the Glide Consortium will not be submitting an offer for the Electronic Ticketing System for the Greater Sydney Region. In March 2009, three entities were qualified to participate in the Request for Proposal stage. Thales advised that it has made a commercial decision to focus its transport activities in NSW on existing partnerships and commitments.

ARA Fortnightly Update

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has released its latest fortnightly update. This issue includes:

• Industry careers
• Understanding Rail Course
• Urban passenger transport
• National Rail Safety Week 2009
• Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board update.