‘Fixing’ the Trains in Sydney: 1855 Revisted

[somebody]

Self published (not by me) paper on Sydney's current transport plan: http://catalyst.com.au/Public_files/Fixing_the_trains_in_Sydney_1855_revisited_Sandy_Thomas_February_2013.pdf (7.0 Mb pdf)

It's an excellent article, only issue I see is that I'm not sure that the winding back of sectorisation is a fact.

[BrizCommuter]

Very interesting article, thanks for linking. However, more actual numbers are needed to make the authors case - for example comparisons of DD trains vs single decks in terms train capacity (at specific passenger densities), and comparisons between double door DD trains vs triple door single deck trains in terms of dwell times. No mention of platform re-occupation times and operating margin, two of the three key factors in frequency.

[somebody]

Reoccupation times can be relatively quick, thanks to the 5th position on some of the signals.  Signal positions are: G/G, G/Y, G/R, R/R/G, R/R.  4th in the list isn't available at all signals and proceeding is limited to 25km/h enforced by train stops.  I don't claim to be across all the details though.

I'd estimate that Town Hall platform 3 (the most critical one at present, heading towards the Harbour Bridge) can get as low as 60s, and if the procedure from generations past of allowing trains to enter a section with a signal at R/R (danger) is returned, that could save 15s.  I think you're going to have kittens about that one though.  They are already allowed to approach within metres of a train stopped at a station.  Perhaps the speed limits for R/R/G followed by R/R lower on approach to the R/R platform entry signal.

These procedures lower train speed and increase journey times, of course, so they aren't really desirable.

[somebody]

Further to my last post, I think that paper is targeted at non-technically minded people which makes it completely reasonable to omit the points you raise.

I don't know of anyone who is arguing that Cityrail double deck stock should be able to run with 120s headways.

[somebody]

If you want to move forward perhaps the days of signals and driver control in the tunnels and very busy section either side of the CBD should be behind us.

Why?  Unless we are going driverless, I don't see why drivers can't be trusted not to ram the train in front at low speed.  We trust millions of car drivers every day with far more complex judgements, which are far more likely to have fatal consequences.