Altona service

[somebody]

Apparently, this has become a shuttle between Newport and Laverton in the off peak.  I'm pretty sure that the stations have 4 and 2 platforms respectively, which means the trains must stand on a running line to reverse.  Is that correct?  Is that the reason why there is a lengthy delay for the connecting train?

[ozbob]

See http://altonabeauty.blogspot.com/2011/04/devil-is-in-detail.html

This is interesting in this context.

Laverton 3 platforms --> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laverton_railway_station,_Melbourne

Newport 2 platforms --> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newport_railway_station,_Melbourne


Schematic --> http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/maps-stations-stops/metropolitan-trains/train/16

[somebody]

BrizCommuter would have a fit with these arrangements!  It would be easy enough to have (some of) the Werribee trains use the Altona loop.

It's odd that that the Altona trains continue on to Laverton. That's unlike other places on the network, like Upfield where they do not continue to allow connections to the Craigeburn line.

So, only 2 platforms at Newport.  I see that there is a side siding, so I guess the train uses that to avoid standing on a running line.  CityRail would also have a fit with this notion.

[pandmaster]

https://urban.melbourne/transport/2013/08/07/altona-smashed-a-light-rail-solution-to-a-heavy-problem

I stumbled across this the other day. A good idea I think, especially if the new LR is connected to the current network at Footscray. Given capacity issues in the city this seems like a much better way to provide decent service to the area which would enable some urban renewal.

[SurfRail]

Bus every 15 minutes would be enough.

[pandmaster]

Cheaper yes, however it will not have as many benefits as light rail.

Try selling buses to the people who live along the line!

[SurfRail]

Benefits are not the only matters relevant to any assessment on what steps you should take.

Most of this route is basically industrial.  There is next to no growth potential around Altona.  I can't think of any good reason to convert it to light rail just because the line is there.

A bus every 15 minutes would free up trains so Metro could run a more intensive Werribee service.

I'd also suggest the Hurstbridge line beyond Eltham is good for nothing but scrap iron.

[pandmaster]

I have not been on the Altona line, though I had a look on Google Earth and the area around Seaholme and Altona looks very suburban, with a massive vacant prime TOD site between Westona and Laverton. There is a bit fair bit of industrial land at each each of the line. Given the disproportionate development of the east compared to the west this could spur development in the area or even form the spine of a tram network in the area.

Converting rail to bus will turn people away from PT, converting to frequent light rail with good connections and stops will surely increase patronage before any TODs are built.