South Morang extension - Mernda

[colinw]

With the South Morang extension now under construction, I thought I'd post some links.

South Morang and Mernda Rail Alliance - click here

Official project website - click here

The Age, June 13, 2009: Tracking The Cost - click here
(Note the length & quality of this article compared to transport reporting in Brisbane).

The Age, May 3, 2010: John Holland awarded Vic rail project - click here.

Some photos of the preliminary works for the extension - click here.

[ozbob]

Mernda Rail Extension Project

Published on 28 Jul 2015
The Mernda Rail Extension project has begun public consultation, for more information visit: http://ptv.vic.gov.au/getinvolved

[ozbob]

Leader --> Mernda rail plea falls on deaf ears

PUBLIC Transport Minister Jacinta Allan has refused to address the public outcry for three stations to be built as part of the Mernda rail extension.

Residents are calling on the State Government to build both Marymede and Hawkstowe stations during the extension from South Morang railway station.

In September 2014 the Labor Party promised, if elected, to build a new station at Mernda and an additional station between South Morang and Mernda.

Ms Allan was asked if the State Government had considered building both stations or if there was money in the budget to do so, but spokeswoman Sacha Fenton refused to answer the question.

Ms Fenton also refused to address concerns raised by residents that PTV staff members at the last round of community consultations had been trying to convince locals that one station option was better than the other.

"Extensive consultation has been undertaken to understand the preferences of the local community," Ms Fenton said.

"The Level Crossing Authority is currently working through detailed designs and more information about the project will be available shortly."

Mernda Rail Alliance spokesman Darren Peters said it was clear all three stations were desperately needed.

"The new carpark at South Morang has been overflowing," Mr Peters said.

"This should be sending a strong signal to the State Government that it should not be a question of building a station at Hawkstowe or Marymede as part of the Mernda extension, but looking at how both can be built to service our community."

Mr Peters said both Marymede and Hawkstowe locations already had established communities living in them.

"If a station is built at Marymede people from Hawkstowe are either going to have to drive to Marymede or drive backwards to Mernda and vice versa," he said.

"It will eliminate some cars but not as many cars as what we possibly could and that's the idea of public transport to remove cars from the road, so why not do that?"

[ozbob]

I was fortunate as a young lad to travel to Mernda and Whittlesea on the old rail motor.

I can remember very clearly the AEC Rail Motor, it is a clear memory I would have been about 3 years old.



Similar to this one, it might have been the same one.

> http://members.ozemail.com.au/~telica/The%20Whittlesea%20railway.html

History repeating almost hey?

[SurfRail]

There is absolutely no way that extension justifies more than 2 stations.  The existing route is already bad enough running all stations to the city except for some positioning movements, while basically rural sections of the Hurstbridge line which are also closer to the CBD get an express trip.

They should seriously consider whether they bother building any stations at all between South Morang and Mernda (at least while these trains still run via Jolimont and not a new route through Fitzroy).

[Gazza]

Knew this would happen.

They should have just proposed two stations and left it at that.

People will soon forever that the alternative midway station didn't get built.

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Could a sky rail arrive in Mernda?

[ozbob]

Mernda Rail will deliver trains to the heart of one of Melbourne's fastest growing suburbs. #GettingOnWithIthttps://t.co/eEv1xQPVPO

— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) February 28, 2016

[ozbob]

Twitter

Whittlesea Leader ‏@whittleseascoop 51 minutes ago

#vicbudget $587m to fully fund and deliver @merndarail extension, bidders asked to price a third station near Hawkstowe.

[ozbob]

Hurstbridge line upgrade. Mernda Rail.

We're getting it done for Melbourne's North. #VicBudgethttps://t.co/jHgtbXz8rI

— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) April 30, 2016

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Sky rail to run all the way to Mernda

Hundreds of metres of new elevated rail will be built through Melbourne's outer north when the South Morang line is extended to Mernda.

Five bridges will be built, including an 800-metre rail bridge over the planned Mernda town centre.

The eight-kilometre rail extension is due to open in 2019, with two new stations.

A potential third station at Hawkstowe Parade may be built also.

Jacinta Allan, the Minister for Public Transport, said the government had listened to the advice of experts in opting for a reference design that mostly favoured bridges over rail trenches.

Mernda rail will be built with no new level crossings.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/sky-rail-to-run-all-the-way-to-mernda-20160519-goyoew.html

[ozbob]

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/shortlisted-bidders-and-design-of-mernda-rail-revealed/

Shortlisted Bidders And Design Of Mernda Rail Revealed

The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled the full reference design for the new rail line to Mernda, which will deliver train services to the heart of one of Victoria's biggest growth areas for the first time.

Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan released the designs today and announced shortlisted bidders for the $588 million project, fully funded in last month's Victorian Budget 2016/17.

John Holland, and a McConnell Dowell Constructors/UGL Engineering joint venture, have been shortlisted to submit tenders for the eight-kilometre extension of the South Morang line to Mernda.

A new Premium Station will be built in Mernda, a second will be built near Marymede Catholic College, and bidders have been asked to price a third station near Hawkstowe Parade.

The project will also deliver new train stabling facilities and involves five grade separations, meaning no level crossings will be created by the new line.

The Labor Government is also boosting local bus services, with new Route 381 from South Morang to Diamond Creek via Doreen and Yarrambat beginning earlier this month.

Route 381 is part of a bigger, better local bus network that will begin in July and deliver more reliable, coordinated and extensive services throughout the whole growth corridor from South Morang to Whittlesea.

Today's announcement comes days after early works began on the duplication of the Hurstbridge line between Heidelberg and Rosanna, which will further improve services for passengers in Melbourne's growing north.

A contract for the Mernda Rail Extension is expected to be awarded in early 2017, and construction will begin shortly after. The new line will be complete and operational in 2019.

For more information about the project and upcoming consultation sessions, visit www.levelcrossings.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

"This is the first look at Melbourne's newest rail line, which will deliver trains to booming communities in Melbourne's north."

"We're not just talking about growth, we're building for it – extending public transport to new communities so they can get to work, school and appointments, and home again at the end of the day safer and sooner."

Quote attributable to Member for Mill Park Lily D'Ambrosio

"The last Labor Government extended the line to South Morang, and this Labor Government is extending it again to Mernda, so access to public transport grows as our community grows."

Quote attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green

"I and the local community have fought hard for new trains on Mernda, Hurstbridge and Seymour lines, plus better bus services too, and the Andrews Labor Government is not wasting a moment – we're getting it done."

[ozbob]

Take a look at how Mernda Rail will take shape. #GettingItDonehttps://t.co/8Ety2GVc77

— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) May 19, 2016

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Hawkstowe is go: Third train station announced for Mernda rail extension

A third railway station will be built as part of the Mernda rail extension, one more than was promised, after the Andrews government bowed to strong community sentiment.

The station will be built with elevated platforms above what is now parkland near Hawkstowe Parade in South Morang, Australia's fastest-growing suburb over the past 10 years.

Labor promised before the 2012 election to build an eight-kilometre rail extension from South Morang to Mernda, with two new stations and a possible future third station. It costed the project at $588 million, undercutting a Coalition promise to build it for $700 million.

On Tuesday morning, the government will announce a third station will be built as part of the project.

Premier Daniel Andrews revealed details on his Facebook page, ahead of a 9am press conference.

More than 8000 commuters a day are expected to use the three new stations when the extension opens in three years' time.

There will be a heavy focus on park-and-ride commuting at the three new stations, with almost 2000 new parking spaces to be built, including 1000 at Mernda's planned town centre alone.

John Holland has been selected to build the rail extension. Work will begin in 2017 and the line is set to open in 2019.

The government said the project would crete 3000 jobs during construction.

Mr Andrews said the rail extension would provide Melbourne's outer north with badly needed public transport.

"The Mernda rail extension will change people's lives for the better – creating work for thousands of people, and connecting one of Australia's fastest growing communities to employment, education and the rest of Victoria," Mr Andrews said.

Darren Peters, a community advocate for increased public transport to Mernda and South Morang, said it was clear a third station should be included in the project now, not at an unknown future date, given the rapid population growth in the area.

"Thanks to the continued pressure from the South Morang and Mernda Rail Alliance, common sense has prevailed and Hawkstowe station will open along with Marymede as part of the Mernda railway extension," Mr Peters said.

"We congratulate the Andrews government on the inclusion of the station and will look closely at other aspects of the final design to ensure they are to the satisfaction of the community."

[ozbob]

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/three-new-stations-and-up-to-3000-jobs-on-mernda-rail/

Three New Stations And Up To 3,000 Jobs On Mernda Rail

Premier 15 November 2016

The Andrews Labor Government will build an extra station on the new rail line to Mernda, connecting thousands of residents to trains for the first time.

Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan and local Members Lily D'Ambrosio, and Danielle Green to announce that John Holland will build the nearly $600 million Mernda Rail Extension, which will include a new station near Hawkstowe Parade in South Morang.

The new Hawkstowe station is in addition to the two new stations already announced in Mernda and near Marymede Catholic College. The three stations are expected to be used by more than 8,000 passengers a day.

Mernda Rail Extension will create up to 3,000 jobs – 1,200 directly during construction and as many as 1,800 indirectly in suppliers and other businesses supported by the project.

It will support more than 70 ongoing jobs once trains are running. Like every major Labor Government project, 10 per cent of work will be carried out by trainees, apprentices and engineering cadets – giving young and reskilling workers a head-start in their new career.

The project includes new walking and cycling paths, better bus connections, and train stabling in Mernda. There will also be extensive bike storage and up to 2,000 new car spaces across the three new stations.

Construction of the Mernda Rail Extension will begin next year, and trains will be running on the new line by 2019.

Information sessions will be held in December, where locals can see the latest designs and talk to the project team. For more information visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/merndarail.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

"We were elected to put people first, and we haven't wasted a day in the last two years building the transport projects Victoria needs – to create jobs, reduce congestion and get people home safer and sooner."

"The Mernda Rail Extension will change people's lives for the better – creating work for thousands of people, and connecting one of Australia's fastest growing communities to employment, education and the rest of Victoria."

Quote attributable to Member for Mill Park Lily D'Ambrosio 

"People said they wanted the third station and we're getting on with building it. We're listening to locals and delivering the projects and services that Victorians need."

Quote attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green

"This project will create thousands of jobs and connect thousands of locals in Mernda, Doreen and Whittlesea to work, education and each other. We're putting people first and getting it done."

[ozbob]

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/construction-begins-on-melbournes-newest-rail-line/

Construction Begins On Melbourne's Newest Rail Line

Minister for Public Transport 25 April 2017

Construction has kicked off on the brand new rail line to Mernda that will carry train services to the heart of one of Victoria's fastest growing areas.

Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan joined Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green in Mernda today to mark the start of works on the Andrews Labor Government's extension of the South Morang line to Mernda.

Over the coming weeks, construction crews will establish work areas, remove vegetation and prepare the rail corridor for major construction to ramp up later this year.

The $600 million Mernda Rail Extension will build eight kilometres of new, duplicated track and three state-of-the-art stations at Mernda, Hawkstowe and near Marymede Catholic College. The stations are expected to be used by around 8,000 passengers every day when they open in early 2019.

The last time a train line was extended by more than two stations was in 1930, when the East Malvern line was extended to Glen Waverley.

The project will create up to 3,000 jobs – 1,200 directly during construction and as many as 1,800 indirectly in local businesses and industries supported by the project. It is also expected to support more than 70 ongoing jobs once trains are up and running.

Like every major Labor Government project, the Mernda Rail Extension will also provide employment for young workers and people reskilling from other industries, with at least 10 per cent of work carried out by trainees, apprentices and engineering cadets.

The project includes new walking and cycling paths, better bus connections, and train stabling in Mernda. There will also be extensive bike storage and up to 2,000 new car spaces across the three new stations.

The Labor Government's Mernda Rail Extension is being delivered by the Level Crossing Removal Authority, which is also getting rid of 50 of Victoria's most dangerous and congested level crossings forever.

For more information or to sign up for updates, visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

"This massive project will change people's lives for the better – creating thousands of jobs and connecting one of Victoria's fastest growing areas to the public transport they deserve."

"The project is fully funded, construction is underway and we're not wasting a moment getting on with it."

Quote attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green

"The community fought for this project and now we are delivering it – to bring frequent, reliable services to the heart of our growing community."

[ozbob]

" ... The last time a train line was extended by more than two stations was in 1930, when the East Malvern line was extended to Glen Waverley. ... "

Interesting fact.

I was fortunate as a young lad to travel to Mernda and Whittlesea on the old rail motor.

I can remember very clearly the AEC Rail Motor, it is a clear memory I would have been about 3 years old.



Similar to this one, it might have been the same one.

> http://members.ozemail.com.au/~telica/The%20Whittlesea%20railway.html

History repeating almost hey?

My grandfather's ticket.
[My ticket was in my scrapbook which was lost in a garage fire in the 1960s]

[ozbob]

The last time a Melbourne rail line was extended by 3 or more new stations, Elvis wasn't born yet.

And best of all?

Work. Has. Started. pic.twitter.com/vPu5x0Ax7c

— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) April 25, 2017

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/levelcrossings/status/931402624963772416

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/976270565219581957

[ozbob]

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/mernda-test-trains-to-run-by-the-end-of-september/

Mernda Test Trains To Run By The End Of September

Minister for Public Transport

2 April 2018

The Andrews Labor Government's $600 million Mernda Rail Extension is six months ahead of schedule, with the first test trains to Mernda to be running by the end of September.

Acting Premier and Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan, joined Member for Mill Park Lily D'Ambrosio and Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green in Mernda today to announce train testing will begin months earlier than expected.

It was a Labor Government that extended the line from Epping to South Morang and the early opening of the new rail line from South Morang to Mernda continues the Andrews Labor Government's record of delivering major public transport projects ahead of schedule.

To date, the project has excavated more than 21,000 cubic metres of basalt rock from under McDonalds Road and South Morang Station, and new rail has started arriving on overnight rail trains to South Morang.

Over coming months, works will continue on signalling, electrical systems and station buildings, and track will continue to be laid from South Morang to Mernda. In order for testing of trains to begin ahead of schedule, construction will ramp up over the coming months, including extending work hours in some key locations.

The Labor Government also revealed the names of the three new stations today – Mernda, Hawkstowe and Middle Gorge.

Mernda Rail will deliver better transport and facilities for local residents – with three new stations, community and open spaces, better connections for pedestrians and cyclists and improved access overall.

The three new stations are expected to cater for up to 8,000 commuters a day, helping ease congestion along Plenty Road. A new shared user path will connect the stations and provide alternative transport options.

Passenger trains will begin after a comprehensive testing and commissioning period, with details of dates and timetables to be finalised in coming months.

Quotes attributable to Acting Premier and Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

"We're getting it done – Mernda Rail Extension is ahead of schedule, creating thousands of jobs and giving people in our fastest growing suburbs the transport they deserve."

"Work has progressed well and we expect to begin testing trains by the end of September. It's a wonderful result for communities in Melbourne's north."

Quote attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green

"This is great news for the people of South Morang, Mernda and surrounding areas. I'd like to thank teams here on site who have worked so hard since construction started last April."

Quote attributable to Member for Mill Park Lily D'Ambrosio

"It won't be long until people will be able to catch the train to get where they need to work, school or wherever they need to go – which is exciting for our local community."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/skateanderson/status/980629544364253189

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/981074957781254145

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/981206433092923392

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/levelcrossings/status/997370247781826560

For interest I also asked about a possible future extension to Whittlesea.  I was informed by the Level Crossings that the extension is future proofed for that!   

https://twitter.com/levelcrossings/status/996198448217997312

[ozbob]

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/test-train-on-track-to-mernda-next-month/

Test Train On Track To Mernda Next Month

Minister for Public Transport 21 June 2018

A train will arrive in Mernda for the first time in nearly 60 years next month thanks to the Andrews Labor Government, with the first test train on track in preparation for passenger trains running later this year.

Construction crews are installing the final section of track in the Plenty Road area, allowing the first test train to arrive in Mernda in July – six months ahead of schedule – collecting data to inform the new timetable as it travels up the line.

It was a Labor Government that extended the line from Epping to South Morang, and now we're delivering the new Mernda Rail months ahead of schedule.

Mernda Rail construction crews have made better than expected progress in the last few months as they have worked around the clock to remove rock, install tracks and build signaling and power infrastructure to get the job done sooner, reducing the overall length of disruption to the community.

More than 25,000 cubic metres of rock underneath Plenty Road has been removed, and more than 700 workers are currently on site helping to complete critical works ahead of testing and commissioning the new line.

As part of the project, more than 100 young apprentices, cadets and trainees have worked on site, many for whom this has been their first role in the industry. The eight kilometre new Mernda Rail will deliver better transport and facilities for locals – with three new stations, community and open spaces, better connections for pedestrians and cyclists and improved access.

The three new stations are expected to cater for up to 8000 commuters a day, helping to ease congestion along Plenty Road. In another win for the community, an additional 40 car spaces are being built at the new Hawkstowe Station, increasing the number of car parks at this station to 397, and the total number of car spaces to 2,000.

To get ready for test trains to safely run on the new line, buses will replace trains between Clifton Hill and South Morang from the evening of Friday 29 June to the last service on Sunday 1 July.

When the Mernda Rail Extension opens later this year passengers will have access to 982 services every week, with details of dates and timetables to be finalised in coming months.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

"This is one of the biggest infrastructure projects ever undertaken here in South Morang and Mernda and we're getting it done, months ahead of schedule."

"Mernda Rail has created thousands of local jobs and will give people in Melbourne's north the world-class transport they deserve."

Quote attributable to Member for Mill Park Lily D'Ambrosio

"We are grateful to the community for their patience while our works have been underway. We can't wait to open our brand new rail line."

Quote attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green

"Reaching this landmark moment is testament to the hard work of our engineers and construction workers. Being 6 months ahead of schedule will delight Mernda and Doreen locals."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/levelcrossings/status/1010040557001830400

[ozbob]

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/mernda-trains-return-after-60-years/

Mernda Trains Return After 60 Years

Premier 22 July 2018

Passenger trains will return to Mernda for the first time in almost 60 years from Sunday 26 August, with the South Morang line to become the new Mernda line.

Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan, Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green and Member for Mill Park Lily D'Ambrosio to announce the opening date of the new line, and the new timetable that will see hundreds of new services run along it and neighbouring corridor lines.

Part of the Andrews Labor Government's investment in our rapidly growing outer suburbs, the new Mernda line will mean families in Melbourne's north have the transport they need to get home, and to and from work, sooner.

The first test train ran to Mernda earlier this month, testing the track, overhead wiring and rail infrastructure, confirming passenger trains can commence in late August – well ahead of schedule.

Following the success of the test trains, the construction team has been working around the clock along the rail corridor, including putting the finishing touches on the three new stations.  Driver training along the new Mernda line will begin in the coming weeks.

With a date now locked in for the opening of the Mernda rail line, this will also mean new services for the metropolitan train timetable will commence on 26 August with new weekday services added to the Mernda, Werribee, Hurstbridge and Dandenong Corridor lines.

190 new metropolitan train services will be added every week across these lines as well as hundreds of extended services. The new Mernda Station will give passengers access to 982 services to the city every week, with two new and seven realigned bus routes connecting passengers with the three new stations on the Mernda line.

It will be the first time a passenger train has run to Mernda since the former Whittlesea line was decommissioned in 1959.

Members of the public will be able to check out the three brand new stations on the Mernda line before they open, with a community day planned for Sunday 19 August.

Additional services will also run on the Dandenong corridor, Werribee Line and Hurstbridge Line, with passengers living between Eltham and the city offered more options to get to work, school or leisure activities with 35 new and extended services each week.

The new timetable will help make public transport a convenient and attractive transport option in the lead up to the opening of the Metro Tunnel, which will create space to run more trains, more often, right across Melbourne.

The three new stations will cater for up to 8,000 commuters a day, helping to ease congestion along Plenty and Yan Yean roads. New shared walking and cycling paths will connect the stations and provide alternative transport options. Full timetables will be available from late July at ptv.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

"This is the first new rail line in 60 years. We said we'd deliver better public transport to get people in Melbourne's north where they need to go, sooner – and that's exactly what we've done."

"Whether it's here in Mernda or across our growing suburbs, we're investing in the services local families need."

Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

"It was a Labor Government that extended the line from Epping to South Morang and the Andrews Labor Government will open this new rail line ahead of schedule and within budget – we're getting it done."

Quote attributable to Danielle Green Member for Yan Yean

"I look forward to welcoming visitors travelling by train to our wonderful region from next month. This long-awaited investment will be welcomed by Mernda locals."

Quote attributable to Lily D'Ambrosio Member for Mill Park

"Getting from the northern suburbs to the Melbourne CBD is about to become a lot faster and safer with the Andrews Labor Government delivering on our newest stations well ahead of schedule."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/levelcrossings/status/1021242059611516928

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/trainspotter67/status/1031004977341202434

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/levelcrossings/status/1031024576803663872

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> Locals get Mernda Line sneak peek

Locals rode a shuttle train and viewed three new stations on Melbourne's new Mernda Line on Sunday.

6,000 locals and train enthusiasts were invited to visit the new stations at Middle Gorge, Hawkstowe and Mernda, as part of celebrations recognising the completion of the project.

The project is an eight-kilometre extension of the South Morang Line in Melbourne's north-east.

The South Morang Line has been renamed Mernda to mark completion of the project. The first official train service will run along the extension on Sunday 26 August.

It will be the first passenger train to Mernda since the Whittlesea Line was decommissioned in 1959.

The Level Crossing Removal Authority successfully tested track, overhead wiring and rail infrastructure in July.

Driver training took place in August.

Work has been underway on the new rail line for approximately a year, having begun in late April 2017.

The project included the construction of three new stations, three rail bridges and two underpasses, as well as a train stabling yard at the end of the line.

Finishing works, such as landscaping around the new stations, are still underway.

Mernda Station will give passengers access to 982 services to the city every week, with two new and seven realigned bus routes connecting passengers to the three new stations on the extension.

The three stations should cater for up to 8,000 commuters a day, helping ease congestion along Plenty Road.

New shared walking and cycling paths will connect the stations and provide alternative transport options.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/1033552841627979777

[SurfRail]

Was down in Vic over the long weekend and had a look at Mernda.  Few things struck me:

- The station is somewhat reminiscent of Springfield Central
- Key difference being that they actually put stabling in and not just a dead end on the platform
- Feeder buses in the local area actually connect people to trains (albeit it isn't brilliant but they do exist which is more than can be said for Springfield 5 years after the event)

The Xtrapolis sets are noticeably better on newer or reconditioned track.  Slightest smell of the geometry being less than perfect and they start feeling like the single bogie Birney car I rode in Bendigo the day before.

[ozbob]

Was down in Vic over the long weekend and had a look at Mernda.  Few things struck me:

- The station is somewhat reminiscent of Springfield Central
- Key difference being that they actually put stabling in and not just a dead end on the platform
- Feeder buses in the local area actually connect people to trains (albeit it isn't brilliant but they do exist which is more than can be said for Springfield 5 years after the event)

The Xtrapolis sets are noticeably better on newer or reconditioned track.  Slightest smell of the geometry being less than perfect and they start feeling like the single bogie Birney car I rode in Bendigo the day before.

Thanks for the report  
Hopefully I will be able to have look when I am in Melbourne in January.

[ozbob]