POLL: Toowoomba Regional Rapid Rail

[#Metro]

5 day poll. Results on voting. Change vote at anytime until poll close.

[ozbob]

Of course.  This is really contingent on the dual gauge Inland Freight Rail line being constructed from Gowrie Junction <> Calvert.

Again Tilts could make a very quick trip to and from Toowoomba ...

[verbatim9]

I am in 100% support as long as there is initial lobbying for electrification of the line with two tracks dual guage delivered together with inland rail. "Aim high for potential best results and outcomes'

[ozbob]

^ I don't think it will be electrified.  As far as I understand it needs to be double stack capable on the standard gauge.

[Otto]

Of course.  This is really contingent on the dual gauge Inland Freight Rail line being constructed from Gowrie Junction <> Calvert.

Again Tilts could make a very quick trip to and from Toowoomba ...

[verbatim9]

Double stack freight running underneath higher catenary with an emu connected glyding by in opposing direction.

[ozbob]

Due to 3' 6" loading gauge restraints don't think it will fly.  No harm in asking though.

[verbatim9]

Not sure of the reach standard Qld emu pantographs can reach that high. If not longer reach pantographs can be sourced and replaced on some rolling stock?

[ozbob]

Not sure of the reach standard Qld emu pantographs can reach that high. If not longer reach pantographs can be sourced and replaced on some rolling stock?

Would need to be seriously engineered extra reach panto's to enable stability at high speeds.

By the time this all happens (10, 20 years) there will no doubt be hybrid tilt rail cars suitable to run under wires to Rosewood and then switch over to battery/fuel cell with rapid charge capability say at Toowoomba.  I don't think the cost of OHT electrification will stand up. 

If the Inland Freight Line was going to electrified then a possibility.  But to electrify for just Toowoomba passenger hard to justify IMO.

[verbatim9]

Due to 3' 6" loading gauge restraints don't think it will fly.  No harm in asking though.

Thanks will get the engineers thinking

[verbatim9]

Not sure of the reach standard Qld emu pantographs can reach that high. If not longer reach pantographs can be sourced and replaced on some rolling stock?

Would need to be seriously engineered extra reach panto's to enable stability at high speeds.

By the time this all happens (10, 20 years) there will no doubt be hybrid tilt rail cars suitable to run under wires to Rosewood and then switch over to battery/fuel cell with rapid charge capability say at Toowoomba.  I don't think the cost of OHT electrification will stand up. 

If the Inland Freight Line was going to electrified then a possibility.  But to electrify for just Toowoomba passenger hard to justify IMO.

True The big test will be Newcastle LRT running catenary free in sections.

[tazzer9]

Toowoomba does deserve an electrified service.   IF you don't lobby for it to be electrified from the start, then they will half ass any form of diesel service.

[ozbob]

Toowoomba does deserve an electrified service.   IF you don't lobby for it to be electrified from the start, then they will half ass any form of diesel service.

Simple matter of cost benefit.  Might well up with electric trains but probably not via OHT.

[Cazza]

My general opinion in regards to urban sprawl is that it should be limited where possible (increases traffic congestion, puts strain on inner city road/rail network, commuting is longer, therefore worse for environment etc.). As Brisbane's west (e.g Springfield, Ripley and Ipswich region) is a location set to have a housing boom in the next decade or so (if it already hasn't happened), then passenger rail to Toowoomba is a MUST.

First and most obvious, the positive outcomes, not only for the people effected directly, but the overall population. The economies of both cities (+ the state's) economies will have great outcomes for the short and long term. Jobs will be produced (planning, construction and operation of the line) and it will be an ongoing source of income.

The line will stop at (as far as I'm aware) Ipswich, Darra and Indooroopilly. Customers will then be drawn to these stations to catch this train (as it will be much quicker than the all stopper). Customers in the Ipswich region will feed into Ipswich station and the Springfield/Forest Lake/Centenary region will feed into Darra. An extra stop at Redbank or Goodna could be beneficial also for those growing suburbs.

Not only will the line help support this rapid growth region, but it will also help it boom with as a strong spine of public transport is available. This line could be the start of QLD's version of V-Line- services to Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast (maybe Gympie or even Maryborough) and Toowoomba.

[Gazza]

There is no point electrifying it because the density of passenger would not be worthwhile.
And if you want some of the stuff in the initial stages wouldn't that be better spent on longer passing Loops?

[#Metro]

REMINDER - Voting closes TODAY!

[#Metro]

Full support for new train services to Toowoomba on the back of Inland Rail project. Thank you to all who voted.

[verbatim9]

Great !