Adelaide visit January 2016

[#Metro]

Is the adelaide metro network broad or standard gauge?

[hU0N]

Is the adelaide metro network broad or standard gauge?

Probably should wait for those currently there to answer, but IIRC SA freight and long distance is all standard gauge, but all metro is broad gauge. The two run on separate but sometimes parallel track. Part of the early works contracts for electrification involved resleepering with dual gauge convertible sleepers.

[petey3801]

Metro network is broad gauge.

With regards to the 4000s, when I was there last year, they seemed just like fatter versions of the 160/260s with (very) minor differences.

[#Metro]

Big fan of broad gauge. Leads to nice, spacious trains.

[verbatim9]

Big fan of broad gauge. Leads to nice, spacious trains.

As I lived down there for two years recently (2013-2015) from last year I saw the incoming change to emus on the Seaford line. The line is still very bumpy in parts despite the whole track being replaced. The whole network will be moved to standard guage once electrification is completed. The new emus and track are covertable to standard guage. The new metro trains are meant to be the same width as our bombardier trains that run to the coast.

[ozbob]

How ate the 4000's compared to our 160/260 series? There was a lot of gunzel whinging about them, with noisy A/C a main complaint.

Seemed fine to me.  Sound just like the 160/260s.  The condition of the rolling stock is good generally. One thing does stand out is the graffiti everywhere on lineside structures/stations.  It is everywhere.  A lot of the stations are very minimal though, some big station/interchanges eg. Elizabeth pics above, but basically many stations are just a basic platform with small shelters.

It is a marvellous network though,even if relatively small.  Some very quaint touches too ... the line to Grange is interesting.  It passes through a golf course on the way to Grange.  One of the drivers said the network could be improved by changing the everything goes to Adelaide and looking at some through routing.  I can't see that happening with out massive and expensive redesign. The line to Gawler has lonely power poles in parts - this was the line that was to be electrified but Abbott et al stopped it.

[ozbob]

Departed Adelaide on The Overland on time about to arrive at Murray Bridge.

[ozbob]

Photographs R Dow 8th January 2016

[ozbob]

Rolling along..  20 km past Murtoa

[ozbob]

Photographs R Dow 8th January 2016

[ozbob]

I was very impressed overall with Adelaide Metro and it is network.  All worked well, fares very reasonable.  Metro card works well.

Graffiti is bit of an issue on rail - lineside structures and stations.  Many of the stations are very minimal and there is no attempt by the looks of things to do anything about graffiti. Trains themselves are generally very clean with very little scratchiti / graffiti.

The bus service to and from Adelaide airport could be improved.  The dedicated express bus only runs at peaks, other times normal route buses.  These buses really do not have arrangements for luggage and it is all a bit clumsy.

[ozbob]

Some good news. Adelaide Airport express bus J1X currently only 8 trips per day Mon-Fri will be every 30 minutes Mon-Fri to 8pm with new timetables for Adelaide Metro from 26 Jan 2016 > http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Announcements/Planned-Disruptions/Bus-and-tram-timetable-changes-from-Tuesday-26-January

[verbatim9]

Thats really good.  Especially with all the events coinciding with Mad March coming up.

[ozbob]

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/labor-invests-10-million-in-overland-and-calls-on-federal-government-to-maintain-funding/

Labor Invests $10 Million In Overland And Calls On Federal Government To Maintain Funding

The Andrews Labor Government has secured the future of the Overland rail service to Adelaide, despite the Federal Government slashing its contribution to the service.

Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, announced today that the Labor Government will invest $10.35 million to keep the service running until at least the end of 2018.

The Overland runs between Melbourne and Adelaide, and provides a vital transport link for communities in Western Victoria including Ararat, Stawell, Horsham, Nhill and Bordertown.

Currently the Overland is funded by the Victorian and South Australian Governments, with the Federal Government providing a subsidy for concessionary travel on the service.

Both the Victorian and South Australian Governments have now committed funding for the service until the end of 2018.

However, the Federal Government has announced it will not continue its funding for the service beyond 30 June this year.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan

"The Andrews Labor Government is securing the future of rail services between Melbourne and Adelaide, despite the Federal Liberals and Nationals slashing their subsidy to the Overland."

"Our more than $10 million investment will ensure trains keep running until at least the end of 2018."

"Pressure is now on the Federal Liberal and National Government to explain why they have slashed funding to the Overland."

"I call on the Liberals and Nationals to stand up for the people they represent and maintain funding for the Overland, which services regional centres in Western Victoria including Ararat, Horsham, Nhill and Bordertown."

Quotes attributable to Great Southern Rail's Chief Executive Officer, Chris Tallent

"This is a fantastic result for Victorians and South Australians alike. We can now offer certainty about this important transport link for our passengers."

"Great Southern Rail will open new bookings for The Overland from today."

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