Article: Twice as many trains on the way by 2020 as population booms

[ozbob]

From the Herald Sun click here!

Twice as many trains on the way by 2020 as population booms

Twice as many trains on the way by 2020 as population booms

    * Ashley Gardiner
    * From: Herald Sun
    * March 29, 2010 12:00AM

MORNING peak train services are expected to double by 2020 to cope with Melbourne's booming population.

A confidential Metro document reveals the lines that can expect the greatest service improvements, and those expected to miss out.

The Werribee line, serving the city's booming outer south-western suburbs, will see the biggest increase in train services.

Its current 10 morning peak services are expected to increase to 26 by 2020, a 160 per cent jump.

The Alamein, Cranbourne, Lilydale and Upfield lines are set for only 33 per cent increases.

Most lines will get service boosts this year. Frankston's 14 morning peak services will jump to 20, and then to 27 by 2012.

Other lines, such as Ringwood and Belgrave, will have to wait until 2015; and commuters on the Lilydale and Upfield lines until 2016. Metro expects no service increases at all on the Williamstown line.

Metro chief executive Andrew Lezala said recently it was his company's goal to double train patronage over the next 10 years.

Metro's asset management plan, presented to the Government as part of its bid to run the system, was obtained by the Opposition under Freedom of Information.

It suggests a big upgrade of the overhead electrics will be required to cope with the extra services.

Opposition transport spokesman Terry Mulder said it revealed the electrics, like much of the infrastructure, were in a shabby state.

"It is not just elderly, but unsafe. It is old as May 1919 between Essendon, Prahran and Sandringham," Mr Mulder said.

Metro spokeswoman Lanie Harris said the plan used 2008 forecasts for infrastructure planning.

"The additional service numbers are indicative only. If we were to conduct this forecast mapping now, the picture would likely be very different," Ms Harris said.

"We use these indicative forecasts to identify where we need to improve power supplies.

"(This is) part of our plan to improve the reliability of the infrastructure so that we can transport more people, more often, with fewer cancellations and fewer delays."

Immediate works, due by June, include upgrades to three substations and 16km of new overhead wires. Ms Harris said actual service increases year to year would take account of factors such as the economy, employment, migration, vehicle use, and fuel prices.

[O_128]

As i read this i was hopefully switching the names with caboolture, ipswich and ferny grove lol