Bendigo public transport

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Bendigo on board with urban rail service

Bendigo, Victoria's fourth-biggest urban centre, is pushing for its own local commuter rail service to deal with what it says are "unprecedented levels" of population growth in the key state election battleground.

The Goldfields city says it already has "the foundations required for a local rail system" because it is at the junction of two rail lines and now has four operational train stations. The fourth, at Epsom, opened this month.

Bendigo wants new stations built at Maiden Gully, Golden Square, Huntly and Marong, and has long-term aspirations for others.

The call comes in a new planning document released by the city that charts a road map for growth. It addresses land use planning, transport and other issues. The municipality, which is not all urbanised, is now home to almost 110,000 people, but is growing fast. One ambitious growth plan has predicted a municipal population of 200,000 by 2041 ...

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/bendigo-on-board-with-urban-rail-service-20141019-118bkr.html#ixzz3GZYaut00

[ozbob]

^

Interesting development.  Barring track closures I plan to visit Bendigo on the 23rd December, hopefully the trams will be running a Christmas Santa tram as well as for 2013.

[Llib]

I wonder if it is possible for a similar service in Geelong.

[ozbob]

Bendigo Weekly --> RAIL TASKFORCE ON TRACK

PLANS for Australia's first regional suburban train network are on track with the taskforce's terms of reference released today.

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan named Bendigo West Member Maree Edwards as the chair of the Community Consultative Taskforce (CCT).

"Members of the community will be invited by Maree and I to that taskforce and it will include representatives from the council, business and education community and they will be tasked with producing a report... on the demand, the service provisions the community needs and other issues that may be identified," Ms Allan said.

"There will also be some technical issues about how this will roll out within the existing rail infrastructure. They will provide consultative support to the taskforce.

"We want understand and put in place the sought of timetable and service that will see Bendigo Metro Rail a service used by the local community."

A seven-member Technical Working Group (TWG) will also support the community taskforce.

Representatives from V/Line, PTV,  the City of Greater Bendigo Christian's Bus Company, Department of Transport, Whitemore's Bus Lines and Bendigo Taxi Association will contribute to the TWC.

The state government gave $2 million to form the taskforce after taking office in November.

Locals will be encouraged to inform the taskforce to determine the demand, service frequency, timetabling, infrastructure and marketing.

Ms Edwards will invite members to the CCT to have their say on the community's needs and to highlight key demands.

"We will go out and consult with the community to hear their feedback on how the rail service will work," she said.

"I am very interested to hear the community's input... because it is so important for Bendigo that we get it right.

Obviously, Kangaroo Flat, Golden Square, Eaglehawk and Epsom are all very vital links within this network.

"I hope the consultation will happen pretty soon."

Ms Edwards did not rule out reopening the Golden Square station despite having schematic plans for a new station.

The Community Consultative Taskforce will deliver its report to Ms Allan by June 30.

The Bendigo Metro Rail is expected to be running by mid-2016.

[pandmaster]

Let us hope they get the service right from the get go: decent fares, connectivity with buses, etc...

Bendigo Weekly --> RAIL TASKFORCE ON TRACK

PLANS for Australia's first regional suburban train network are on track with the taskforce's terms of reference released today.

Newcastle already has "regional suburban" rail. Nice try though.

I wonder if it is possible for a similar service in Geelong.

A pretty good idea. There could be a two-tier system of local and regional trains. Melbourne services could then only stop at key stations with all stops local services filling the gaps. I can not believe that the line Geelong has not been electrified. IFAIK RRL was not built with provisions of electrification.

[Stillwater]

In Queensland, Cairns would be a regional city where urban rail would work.

[ozbob]

Be interesting to see if this gets up.  Bendigo has a vestige of its tram network, really a tourist run but useable for some local community.  Heavy rail local service in the mix will make it well worth a visit again.  Not sure what they will use for rollingstock or motive power.  V/Line doesn't have much spare rollingstock, so I guess they will have to get some DMUs from somewhere.  Initially could use some heritage DELs + carriages, or Rail Motors.

[Gazza]

Bendigo doesn't justify the high running cost of trains for such small distances and relatively low density.

[ozbob]

Bendigo is very much a railway town. History of major rail workshops plus the heritage mob operating out of Castlemaine ( http://www.vgr.com.au/homepage.php ).  The area is strongly embedded with pro-rail types (many retired), and the present Vic Transport Minister is based at Bendigo as well.  It was smart polyticks by the locals to get the ALP to agree to at least look at an urban rail plan for Bendigo.  Whether or not it actually happens not so sure in the end.  Bendigo is the 4th largest regional centre, but it does have a number of existing rail lines ( http://www.railmaps.com.au/southeast.htm ).  Locals do use the V/Liners for some local commuting.  Anything is possible when you blend polyticks with Victorians & 5'3" ... 

The fact that R711 is named the ' Spirit of Bendigo ' is a pure coincidence    

[Gazza]

But why does
Old rail workshops + retired gunzel community = successful urban rail system?

IMO a couple of frequent bus corridors (Along main roads where the shopping centers etc tend to be, as well as to locations off the rail network that generate demand (Eg Latrobe Uni campus) would surely meet the needs of Bendigo.

And buses, plus nice bus shelters with PIDs is much cheaper than aquiring DMUs (Or keeping heritage rail motors reliably running) and building basic concrete infill stations.

If Bendigo had half hourly services, extending to Epsom, that's probably the most you'd see.

[ozbob]

But why does
Old rail workshops + retired gunzel community = successful urban rail system?

IMO a couple of frequent bus corridors (Along main roads where the shopping centers etc tend to be, as well as to locations off the rail network that generate demand (Eg Latrobe Uni campus) would surely meet the needs of Bendigo.

And buses, plus nice bus shelters with PIDs is much cheaper than aquiring DMUs (Or keeping heritage rail motors reliably running) and building basic concrete infill stations.

If Bendigo had half hourly services, extending to Epsom, that's probably the most you'd see.

Just clarifying some of the background issues of why the task force formed.  Geelong has probably more merit in some respects, not in the picture ..

[ozbob]

I wonder if it is possible for a similar service in Geelong.

If it can happen in Bendigo, why not Geelong? 

[ozbob]

For the record ..

======================

https://www.viclabor.com.au/media-releases/labor-all-aboard-for-bendigo-metro-rail/

LABOR ALL ABOARD FOR BENDIGO METRO RAIL

An Andrews Labor Government will introduce Bendigo Metro Rail, a dedicated commuter rail service for Bendigo, to reduce local traffic and allow people to commute to work and school.

Under Labor's $2 million plan, regular rail services will run from Epsom, Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat to Bendigo.

Labor will establish a community taskforce to help implement Bendigo Metro Rail. It will advise on timetables, fleet and marketing.

Currently, only four train services a day run from Eaglehawk to Bendigo station, and only two from Epsom. Patronage is low. It's not a real, dedicated rail system for Bendigo.

Victorian Labor will also invest an initial $40 million for new V/Line VLocity carriages.

Quotes attributable to Mr Andrews

"It's more than a few extra rail services. It's a dedicated rail service for Bendigo that will change the face of this city."

"Bendigo is home to some of the fastest growing areas in regional Victoria. We have to plan for it now."

Quotes attributable to Ms Jacinta Allan, Member for Bendigo East

"This will make a real difference in the day-to-day lives of our local families. They've called for improved local rail services and Labor has listened."

"It's about reducing congestion and helping workers and students get around town."

Quotes attributable to Ms Maree Edwards, Member for Bendigo West

"The Liberals tried to dismantle V/Line under Kennett. Labor saved it and now Labor will expand it."

Key Facts

• Consultation on the City of Greater Bendigo's Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy has identified improved local rail services as a priority.
• Bendigo's population is expected to increase by over 30,300 people to 135,883 between 2011 and 2026.
• The White Hills-Ascot area – through which the proposed Epsom service will run – is the fastest growing statistical area in Northern Victoria.

Published on October 30, 2014

[ozbob]

https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/About_the_City/News_and_Engagement/Media_Releases/Mayor_welcomes_urban_rail_pledge#.VQUSgeEhOf8

Mayor welcomes urban rail pledge
Thursday October 30, 2014

Mayor Cr Barry Lyons has today welcomed a $2M pledge from State Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews to start the ball rolling on an urban rail service in Bendigo.

Cr Lyons said the need for such a service in the longer term had been identified in the City's Connecting Greater Bendigo – Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy (ITLUS).

"The City believes that projects such as this, as well as enticing people to ride and walk more often, are important if Greater Bendigo is to become the most liveable regional city in Australia," he said.

"We welcome Mr Andrew's announcement as a positive step towards setting up an urban rail service for Bendigo commuters," he said.

"Clearly further significant funding support from the State Government will be needed down the track if this project is to become a reality."

[ozbob]

Twitter

Castlemaine Festival ‏@statefestival 13 minutes ago

Early morning Castlemaine commuters greeted by a chorus at vlinevictoria station this morning... https://instagram.com/p/0Q82e8GsUI/



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[ozbob]

PTV --> Bendigo Metro Rail

About the project

Bendigo Metro Rail aims to deliver a commuter train service for Bendigo, with an increased number of services running from Epsom, Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat to Bendigo. The project aims to reduce local traffic and allow people to commute to work and school via rail.

The Victorian Government has committed $2 million towards the project to support forecast population growth in Bendigo and surrounding areas.

A Community Consultative Taskforce and Technical Working Group have been established to provide a recommendations report to the Minister for Public Transport by 30 June 2015.

As Bendigo Metro Rail will be complemented by the bus network, a second round of consultation on the Bendigo bus network will occur concurrently with Bendigo Metro Rail consultation. The Bendigo bus network consultation will commence with a stakeholder reference group, followed by community consultation in late May. For more information on the proposed bus network, visit the PTV website.

[ozbob]

Waking up in Geelong Blog --> Bendigo Metro and the useless station at Epsom

[ozbob]

Bendigo Advertiser --> Extra train services in Bendigo Metro plan

FIVE return train services per day to Epsom and Eaglehawk will be the first changes to take place as part of the Bendigo Metro Rail project.

Metro rail taskforce chair Maree Edwards presented the group's recommendations on Friday, outlining how $2 million will be spent on improving train services in Bendigo.

The increased services to Epsom and Eaglehawk were the only physical changes to come during Stage 1, along with including Kangaroo Flat on every trip between Bendigo and Melbourne.

The first stage also includes a marketing campaign to promote public transport and seeking to better connect buses with trains.

Ms Edwards said the Bendigo Metro Rail process would be staged over a number of years.

"This is a staged approach, so what we want to see is the community – who had such a great input into the recommendations – to actually use the services once they are implemented," she said.

"That's the whole point of this. Getting the community back onto public transport and getting those cars off the roads.

"We know Bendigo has a huge growing population so it's imperative that we use the infrastructure that we already have."

Recommendations for Stage 2 include further services to Epsom, Eaglehawk, Bendigo and Kangaroo Flat, as well as station upgrades and connectivity with walking and cycling paths.

The third stage contains the most ambitious outcomes.

These include 20 minute peak and 40 minute off-peak services between Bendigo and Kangaroo Flat, with alternating services to Epsom and Eaglehawk at peak times.

A Bendigo Metro Rail shuttle service was also included in the recommendations, moving passengers between the city's stations to align with rail services.

The recommendations were made by the group including community representatives from schools, health services, businesses and community groups.

A technical working group including Public Transport Victoria, V/Line and transport operators also provided input.

Minister for Public Transports Jacinta Allan said the government would consider funding for Stages 2 and 3 once it had examined the report.

"This is one of the things that is going to be examined as the government works its way through the response to the taskforce's good work," she said.

[Gazza]

I think Marcus Wong hit the nail on the head.
Trains to Bendigo will never be that frequent, at best 1 every 20 mins as Geelong gets.

But then splitting the service again into two low frequency, single station branches at Eaglehawk and Epsom is just bringing the service slightly closer to home, at the expense of halving the frequency to one every 40 mins.

If I lived there I'd just catch it from Bendigo or Kangaroo flat stations to make the most of better frequency.

Just like how when the Ipswich line had extra off peak trains to Corinda..... I'd go there instead of Oxley.

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Bendigo Metro rail service ready to roll

[ozbob]

Bendigo Advertiser --> Metro patronage doubles at Eaglehawk and Epsom


http://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/crop/frm/34GUhu3yS7SU9i7jdHAcFhw/8ca7e75e-78b2-40a1-9b70-0c0bbc6658ad.JPG/r0_0_5184_3456_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg

atronage on the Bendigo Metro rail network has more than doubled at Epsom and Eaglehawk since the project began at the start of last year, government figures show.

The figures, released by the Victorian Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources at the weekend, show 1535 people boarded the train at Epsom between January and March this year, up from 763 in the third quarter of 2015.

More than 700 passengers have boarded V/Line services at Eaglehawk so far this year, up from 332 in 2015, and Kangaroo Flat station has seen a increase of 515 passengers to 13,247 in that time.

Public Transport Minister and member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said the figures reflected the extra services the government had scheduled at the stations during the life of the project.

"People in those local communities have responded and responded really strongly and I'm really pleased to see that there's great use of the extra services as part of the Bendigo Metro commitment," she said.

"To me I always felt that by putting on extra services, people would use them."

But Public Transport Users Association regional spokesman Paul Westcott said following those passengers movements through the rail network was "key" to gauging the success of Bendigo Metro.

"It's not so much boarding at those stations, it's also the alighting of people who have boarded there before you can tell whether it's working effectively as a metro or whether people are just making use of the extra station close to their home in order just to catch the train to Castlemaine or Melbourne," he said.

"Until we know the actual travel pattern of people who are getting on at those stations it's hard to know how successfully it's working as a metro as opposed to just an extension of the Melbourne line."

But Mr Westcott said the increased patronage was still a positive, regardless of passengers' final destination.

"It's not surprising that patronage has gone up at those stations, obviously if you increase the services to stations, patronage tends to increase – build it and they will come sort of thing," he said.

"It's good and of course it fits with the pattern of patronage growing in general on V/Line services throughout the state."

Ms Allan said the figures put more pressure on the Commonwealth to stump up the cash for the state government's $1.45 billion Regional Rail Revival package, some of which would be used to fund Bendigo Metro stage two.

"Part of that work includes a package around improving the signalling at Epsom and Eaglehawk and that will enable us to run more services," she said.

"If we can unlock the funding Victoria's entitled to we can get moving and deliver even more services as part of the Bendigo Metro project."

[ozbob]

ABC --> Bendigo's historic trams back on track as a commuter service 46 years after the final bell

Bendigo's tourist trams, one of the central Victorian city's best-known attractions, are proposing to open their doors again to local commuters.

Authorities hope that from April, people will be able to buy a yearly commuter ticket which is expected to cost $70-80.

The proposal is a leap back to Bendigo's progressive past, when people would ride trams into the city centre from suburbs such as Golden Square and Eaglehawk.

That service ended in 1972 when the tramways' then owner, Victoria's State Electricity Commission, closed it down.

The decision was hugely contentious and it took a group of local vigilantes, who welded a tram to the tracks late one night, to stop the network from being removed altogether.

Heritage group's progressive solution

The episode led to the creation of the organisation that owns and runs the trams, now known as Bendigo Heritage Attractions.

Its chief executive, Peter Abbott, said he has been looking at how the tram service can improve.

"Our visitation for trams is pretty static and it hasn't grown for many years," he said.

"For Bendigo tourism, the overnight stays might be static but the day trips have really increased over the last five years.

    "We think there's more of a market there for a short ride passenger ... rather than taking the whole tour."

In response, a new ticketing system — including the commuter pass — will be introduced, in part to get more people to visit the city's tram depot, but also to boost local passenger numbers.

"Paying for parking now in the CBD area of Bendigo can be discouraging," Mr Abbott said.

"So we want people to use the tram instead of using their car and be part of the sustainable transport plans for Bendigo.

    "There's an opportunity for locals to use that tram and maybe go in and do some shopping, or have lunch and things, in the middle of town."

There have been regular calls down the years for the trams to be made available as a public transport service and for the track network to be expanded.

The remaining section of track runs through Bendigo from the Central Deborah Goldmine in the south to the Joss House Chinese Temple in North Bendigo.

Suggestions for new sections of track running to the city's train station or hospital have been dismissed in the past due to the presumed cost.

Over the past couple of years, however, the city's rail service has been expanded under the Bendigo Metro project.

As recently as 2014, a study was ordered to look at whether an extension of the tram network was viable for the city's public transport plans.

But again, the financial outlay was found to be prohibitive.

Nonetheless, public transport has re-emerged as a hot topic due to Bendigo's predicted population growth.

It is forecast the city could be home to 200,000 people — about double the current total — by 2050.

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> Contractors listed for Bendigo upgrade

A shortlist of contractors has been named to deliver signalling upgrades at Bendigo in central Victoria aimed at improving passenger services in the region.

The state government says the signalling works, part of the Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade, will allow for faster and more frequent services to Echuca and more services between Epsom, Eaglehawk and Bendigo.

Two teams have made the shortlist to deliver the project. The first, VicConnect, is comprised of UGL Limited, Decmil and Arup. The second group is comprised of CPB Contractors, John Holland, WSP and SMEC.

The winning bidder will deliver a modernised signalling system between Epsom, Eaglehawk and Bendigo to deliver Bendigo Metro 2, which provides for more frequent services within Greater Bendigo.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2020, with a target completion in 2021, subject to planning and environmental approvals.

Another contractor will be appointed later this year to improve accessibility and comfort at Bendigo Station. Using designs put together by Bendigo company e+ Architecture, the upgrades include lowering ticket counters to improve access for people with disability, improving the waiting and customer service areas, upgrading the toilets, and installing a new Changing Places facility.

Works are also underway to upgrade the car park and forecourt at Eaglehawk Station, including 60 new car spaces and new accessible parking, as well as a new taxi rank, bus bays and a drop off zone.

The station improvements are part of a state government $15.8 million project, included under the $1.75 billion Regional Rail Revival program.

"We're getting on and delivering the infrastructure needed to run more trains more often between Epson, Eaglehawk and Bendigo," transport infrastructure minister – and member for Bendigo East – Jacinta Allan said.

"The upgrades to the waiting room and car parks will make it easier for all passengers to access services, particularly those with reduced mobility."

[ozbob]

Victorian Government Statement

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-stations-arriving-early-greater-bendigo

New Stations Arriving Early For Greater Bendigo

03 June 2022

Growing communities around Bendigo will be connected to train services sooner, with the Andrews Labor Government announcing new stations at Huntly and Raywood will open to passengers in mid-July – months ahead of schedule.

Huntly Station will open almost a year ahead of its original completion date of mid-2023, while Raywood is being delivered six months early. Each station features a single-sided platform, seating and shelter, bike hoops, and a car park with lighting and CCTV.

From Saturday, 16 July, 18 services a week will stop at Huntly's brand-new station, while 28 services a week will stop at Raywood Station from Sunday, 17 July as part of a revised timetable.

A weekend of community celebrations is being planned to open the new stations, which are part of the Government's $49.6 million investment in Bendigo Metro 3 and are being delivered as part of the Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade.

Minor works at Raywood will continue in the coming weeks with car park line-marking, fencing and landscaping nearing completion, with only finishing works remaining at Huntly including landscaping.

The opening of the new stations will coincide with an extension of the Myki ticketing zone to Raywood on the Swan Hill Line, and Huntly and Goornong on the Echuca Line. Passengers will need a valid Myki for travel towards Melbourne at these stations.

Timetables for the new stations will be available at vline.com.au, ptv.vic.gov.au and the PTV journey planner app from Friday 1 July. Kerang and Swan Hill coach departure will be adjusted from Sunday 17 July to align with the new train timetable and ensure connections are maintained.

The new stations join Goornong on the Echuca Line, which opened on 12 December 2021, restoring the town's connection to rail services after almost 43 years.

Works to improve train detection technology at level crossings in Bendigo will take place while sections of the Bendigo, Echuca and Swan Hill lines are closed for Sunbury Line Upgrade works until Wednesday 29 June.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

"We promised to deliver three new stations for Bendigo and that's exactly what we're doing – ahead of schedule."

"Whether it's investing in the local hospital, the law courts, TAFE or upgrading local schools – we're delivering for Bendigo."

Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan

"We've delivered upgrades to Bendigo station, delivered new trains and delivered these 3 new stations to get locals home safer and sooner."

Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards

"This is great news for our local economy – these new stations will better connect people from the region into Bendigo and the rest of Victoria."