GOVERNMENT AND REGULATORY

Huge interest in CBD Metro contract

Minister for Transport David Campbell said industry had again showed strong interest in securing a major contract for the CBD Metro. Mr Campbell said 35 leading Australian and international organisations had registered their interest for the Integrated Metro Operations contract, which covers the rolling stock, track, station fit out, operating systems, operation and maintenance. “Metros are the future of public transport in Sydney and it’s good to see industry has again given a vote of confidence to the CBD Metro,” Mr Campbell said.

Plans for new Richlands station unveiled

Member for Inala Annastacia Palaszczuk has unveiled cutting edge plans for the $40 million Richlands train station, on behalf of Transport Minister Rachel Nolan. Ms Palaszczuk commended the key environmental features proposed in its design and said the station set a benchmark for rail infrastructure design in south east Queensland. “The new station will combine practical and effective transport options with cutting edge, sustainable design, including water-saving features such as a 120,000 litre underground rainwater tank,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

$4.3 billion Regional Rail Express

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Premier of Victoria John Brumby have welcomed the announcement of funding for the new $4.3 billion Regional Rail Express - the biggest single investment in the metropolitan rail project since the city loop was built and the first major new rail line for metropolitan Melbourne in 80 years. The project involves:

• a 40 kilometre dual track link from West Werribee to central Melbourne's Southern Cross Station via Sunshine
• construction of a new rail line from Werribee to Deer Park
• new stations at Tarneit and Wyndham Vale
• activating and lengthening Platforms 15 and 16 at Southern Cross station
• duplication of existing tracks between Sunshine and Kensington
• at least four grade separations (separating road and rail) - so that no new level crossings are created by the project.

The Australian and Victorian Governments are working to get this project underway as quickly as possible.

Perfect timing for Thinker in Residence

At a time of unprecedented investment in Adelaide’s public transport network, one of the world’s leading transport minds has been appointed the State’s next Thinker in Residence. Fred Hansen is a world leader in the field of transport and integrated land use and renowned for his innovative approach to the provision of public transport. Transport Minister Patrick Conlon said Mr Hansen had already been a very positive influence on South Australia and helped the State Government set its public transport agenda. “Mr Hansen’s home town of Portland is internationally recognised as one of the finest exponents of a sustainable and integrated public transport system,” Mr Conlon said.

Temporary suspension of rail services

The Minister for Infrastructure Graeme Sturges said the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources was in discussions with Pacific National Tasmania to bring forward a works program to repair damaged track at Colebrook. Mr Sturges said his department met with the rail operator to assess the work required, following a decision by Pacific National to temporarily suspend rail freight services through the Colebrook region. The area was the scene of a train derailment last week which is being investigated. Mr Sturges said Pacific National Tasmania has advised that the suspension will affect all container train and paper train operations.

V/Line passenger figures reach record

V/Line passenger figures have smashed records with the Geelong, Bendigo, Traralgon and Echuca lines all achieving their highest ever passenger numbers in March. Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said the passenger numbers again demonstrated the Victorian Government’s plan to boost regional rail links was paying off. The V/Line fleet is growing to meet the increase in passenger numbers with 50 new VLocity carriages to be on the tracks by 2012, adding an extra 50% in capacity on Regional Fast Rail corridors.

Australian Rail Safety Occurrence Data

The latest Australian Rail Safety Occurrence Data (for the period from 1 July 2008 - 31 December 2008) has been published on the Australian Transport Safety Bureau website. The report tables rail safety occurrence data by State and Territory between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2008. Data is adjusted biannually to reflect new information that comes to light during the reporting period.

Wendouree services to start in June

Train services to Ballarat’s second railway station at Wendouree will start on Sunday 14 June 2009 putting train services within even easier access to local residents. Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said the opening of the new station was a major boost to public transport in the Wendouree area and surrounds of Ballarat.

INDUSTRY

Review increases station staff on Illawarra Line

Following a review of station staff on the Illawarra/South Coast line there will be an increase in the current number of RailCorp staff serving customers and providing other rail services, RailCorp Chief Operating Officer Andy Byford announced. “As we have said all along, the review of station operations is about providing the right number of staff at stations, with the right mix of skills, based on the travel patterns and needs of customers using that location,” Mr Byford said. “These changes aim to improve customer service, while also operating more efficiently and effectively.”

Latest tactic in level crossing campaign

QR is unleashing shock tactics to warn motorists of the risks of ignoring traffic laws at level crossings, placing a wrecked car at Central Station as a graphic reminder of the result of an accident. As part of the display, which is featuring at Brisbane’s busiest station for a week from Monday 18 May 2009, an interview with a train driver who has seen numerous near misses with vehicles will also play on a large screen. Robert Moffat, General Manager South East Queensland for QR Network, acknowledged the image of a car which has been involved in a collision would shock some passengers.

Sunshine Coast commuters provide feedback

QR’s latest tool to improve rail services in South East Queensland is providing valuable customer feedback, QR Passenger Executive General Manager Paul Scurrah said. The rail operator’s passenger business held its first Community Reference Groups (CRG) for North Coast line customers last week, and participants identified several opportunities for further improvement. “I am very pleased at the initial response from the North Coast CRG,” Mr Scurrah said. “QR Passenger held its first meeting on Tuesday (12 May) to gain further insights regarding what our customers want from us.”

Consultation on electrification strategy

A formal consultation looking into expanding the electrified network has been launched as Network Rail, on behalf of the rail industry, published a proposed strategy on electrification. The network route utilisation strategy (RUS) on electrification, currently in draft form, forms part of a consultation on a long-term plan being developed by Network Rail in collaboration with industry partners to meet rising passenger and freight demand across the country. The electrification RUS outlines the benefits and value for money more electrification can bring, such as reducing the costs of running the railway, increasing capacity and lowering CO2 emissions.

Metro link to New Delhi airport

Delhi Airport Metro Express Private Ltd. (DAMEPL) has placed orders with Siemens Mobility calling for the equipment of the Airport Metro Express Line in New Delhi. Under the terms of these orders, Siemens is to supply the signaling and interlocking technology, electrify the 23-kilometre line and install a baggage handling system. The work on these individual systems is due to be completed by July 2010, so that the Airport Express will be up and running with a fast and convenient airport connection in time for the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi in 2010.