Melbourne April 2017

[ozbob]

Visiting Melbourne over Easter. 

Hope there are not too many track closures but it will be good to escape the poor SEQ frequency and get some 10 minute train fix!

Sky Rail (Caulfield <> Dandenong) works will have commenced and there should be some stuff up in the air by then.  Will be interesting to see that. 

Still have plenty of cash on my myki ...

#FleeQLD

[SurfRail]

Fleeing Queensland is a popular pastime at the moment.

I'm going to NZ next week for 17 days.  When they cancel services (one of which I intended to catch), they at least have a decent excuse.

[ozbob]

^ happy travels!

Making progress with their recovery though ...

First train runs from Blenheim since NZ earthquake - https://t.co/HS5CnslCmj pic.twitter.com/siQtkEHJny

— Rail Express (@RailExpressNews) January 16, 2017

[ozbob]

Hope to check Caroline Springs station during my visit.  Hopefully no track closures in the way either ..

[ozbob]

First columns installed on Caulfield to Dandenong project

>> http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media-library/news/first-columns-installed-on-caulfield-to-dandenong-project

First of 352 columns for sky rail in place at Murrumbeena. @theheraldsun #springst pic.twitter.com/XXFPjaZgVF

— Tom Minear (@tminear) January 31, 2017

[ozbob]

Lots happening around Murrumbeena where I stay when in Melbourne.

Also significant construction further out along the line now too.

Looking forward to #FleeQLD 

Built-up embankment south of Riley Reserve & first cross beam of gantry crane at Murrumbeena station. pic.twitter.com/f5rofUoMUF

— Lou Cooper (@Louella_Cooper) March 8, 2017

[ozbob]

Early morning photograph ...

Someone has been busy overnight. Very impressive #skyrail pic.twitter.com/sRjCesXIFF

— Lachlan Kaaden (@Lkaaden) March 8, 2017

[ozbob]

We've installed the first support piers at #NoblePark, bringing us one step closer to elevated rail! #workinprogress #transformingMelbourne pic.twitter.com/etsBiAypwp

— Level Crossings (@levelcrossings) March 8, 2017

[ozbob]

It's all happening at Murrumbeena

pic.twitter.com/ORUSk1Z2t4

— Kylie (@boomerangmadi) March 18, 2017

[ozbob]

Murrumbeena June 2015





Photographs R Dow 29 June 2015

[ozbob]

For my reference:

https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/easter-disruptions/

Easter works blitz for April school holidays

Added: 21 March 2017

Over the Easter holiday period in April, there will be a number of service changes to allow vital works to be completed on the public transport network.

Work on major transport projects, including removing dangerous level crossings, preparing the Dandenong line for High Capacity Trains, and track and signalling works will be ramped up during this quieter period.

These works will also improve the safety and reliability of the existing rail and road network.

Despite this intensive program of works, public transport will help millions of people enjoy the holiday period, including those attending Run for the Kids and the start of the AFL season.

Passengers are encouraged to plan their journey ahead of time and allow additional travel time.

Trains, trams and buses will operate to a combination of Saturday, Sunday and public holiday timetables over the Easter period.

Please visit the Live Travel Updates page for further information.
Schedule of works over the Easter period Mode   Line/Route   Date works commence   Normal services return
Metropolitan train icon    Craigieburn line    Sunday 2 April, from 9pm to last service each night    Friday 7 April, first service
Metropolitan train icon    Craigieburn line    Monday 10 April, from 9pm to last service each night     Thursday 13 April, first service
Metropolitan train icon    Cranbourne line (detailed information to be provided soon)    Friday 7 April, 11.45pm     Monday 10 April, first service
Metropolitan train icon    Cranbourne line    Saturday 1 April, 1.30am     Monday 3 April, first service
Metropolitan train icon    Frankston line (detailed information to be provided soon)    Friday 7 April, 9pm     Monday 10 April, first service
Metropolitan train icon    Pakenham line    Saturday 1 April, 1.30am    Thursday 6 April, first service
Metropolitan train icon    Pakenham line (detailed information to be provided soon)    Friday 7 April, 11.45pm    Monday 10 April, first service
Metropolitan train icon    Sandringham line
   Saturday 2 April, from 9pm to last service each night     Thursday 6 April, first service
Metropolitan train icon     South Morang line (detailed information to be provided soon)    Sunday 9 April, from 9pm to last service each night     Thursday 13 April, first service
Metropolitan tram icon    Route 8 (detailed information to be provided soon)    Saturday 15 April, 2am      Monday 17 April, first service
Metropolitan tram icon    Routes 12, 78 and 109 (detailed information to be provided soon)     Saturday 8 April, 12.01am    Tuesday 11 April, 5am
Regional train icon    Bairnsdale line
   Saturday 1 April, first service      Thursday 6 April, first service
Regional train icon     Bairnsdale line (detailed information to be provided soon)     Saturday 8 April, first service     Monday 10 April, first service
Regional train icon     Geelong line (detailed information to be provided soon)    Saturday 8 April, first service     Monday, 17 April, first service
Regional train icon    Maryborough line    Saturday 1 April, first service     Tuesday 4 April, first service
Regional train icon     Seymour line    Sunday 2 April, from 9pm to last service each night      Friday 7 April, first service
Regional train icon    Seymour line (detailed information to be provided soon)    Monday 10 April, from 9pm to last service each night    Thursday 13 April, first service
Regional train icon    Traralgon line    Saturday 1 April, first service     Thursday 6 April, first service
Regional train icon    Traralgon line (detailed information to be provided soon)    Saturday 8 April, first service     Monday 10 April, first service
Regional train icon    Warrnambool line (detailed information to be provided soon)     Saturday 8 April, first service    Tuesday 16 April, first service

If you require assistance or further information, please contact the PTV call centre on 1800 800 007.

[ozbob]

Saturday 15th April

Caulfield 9.22am Frankston 10.02am

Frankston 10.26am Stony Point 11.02am

Stony Point 11.11am Frankston 11.47am

Frankston 11.54am Caulfield  12.43pm

[ozbob]

For something different this trip, I booked my return tickets for Goodna to Brisbane Airport online via the Airtrain website.

With the discount works out marginally cheaper than using go card.  Seamless process.

[ozbob]

Caroline Springs 16th April (Sunday)

DEP   

Sun 9:34am Southern Cross Railway Station (Melbourne City)
Take the train towards Wendouree

Sun 9:57am Caroline Springs Railway Station (Ravenhall)

==================

Sun 10:09am Caroline Springs Railway Station (Ravenhall)
Take the train towards Southern Cross

Sun 10:38am Southern Cross Railway Station (Melbourne City)

[ozbob]

Caroline Springs railway station > https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caroline_Springs_railway_station

[ozbob]

Weather looking good!

http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/forecasts/melbourne.shtml

[ozbob]

http://www.metrotrains.com.au/easter-travel-period-2017/

Easter Public Holiday Timetable

Over the Easter weekend, services on all lines will operate to the following timetables:

    Good Friday, 14 April – Sunday timetable (with Night Train services on Friday night)

    Easter Saturday, 15 April – Normal Saturday timetable

    Easter Sunday, 16 April – Normal Sunday timetable

    Easter Monday, 17 April – Saturday timetable (with no Night Train services)

JP > https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/journey#jpsearch%5Baction%5D=showPlanner

[ozbob]

Saturday 15th April

Caulfield 9.22am Frankston 10.02am

Frankston 10.26am Stony Point 11.02am

Stony Point 11.11am Frankston 11.47am

Frankston 11.54am Caulfield  12.43pm

Stony Point railway line > https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stony_Point_railway_line

The Stony Point line was opened from Frankston to Baxter station in 1888, and Hastings, Bittern and Stony Point in 1889. Branches were opened from Baxter to Mornington in 1889, and from Bittern to Red Hill in 1921. The 300-metre (330 yd) long branch from Long Island Junction to Long Island was opened on 29 April 1969 to serve the adjacent steel mill.[3]

The Red Hill line was closed in 1953. The Mornington line remained until 1981, but the line south of Moorooduc is now operated by the Mornington Railway as a tourist railway. Passenger services on the entire line were withdrawn on 10 June 1981,[4] and the line from Long Island Junction to Stony Point closed from 22 June 1981, until 26 September 1984 when passenger services were reintroduced.[5] For the reopening DRC railcars DRC40 and DRC 41 used, with two MTH carriages in between them making up a 4 car train. The DRC railcars were frequently used, either in multiple or with MTH trailer cars. Frequent breakdowns saw diesel locomotives called in to haul the consist instead.[5]

In December 1989 to celebrate the centenary of the opening of the line, DERM 58RM was used to provide shuttles.[6] On that day the DRC railcar had failed, and a third series T class was used with two MTH carriages to provide the regular service.

In November 1987 locomotives used on the service included P15, T403, T355, P12 and P18. The locomotives were changed on a daily basis due to excessive wear of brake blocks from the constant stopping and setting back movements.[7] Despite their failures the DRC railcars remained the preferred rolling stock until at least 1990.[8]

In August 1994 a T class with two MTH carriages were used,[9] but by November 1995 weekday services were being operated by a P class with 2 MTH carriages, with an A class used on weekends with an extra MTH car.[10] On another occasion in November 1995 a X class diesel in V/Line Freight livery was used with three MTH carriages,[11] but these kinds of workings disappeared after V/Line was separated into passenger and freight divisions.

By the 2000s the service had settled down, with the A class locomotive and a single MTH carriage sent between Frankston and Spencer Street on a regular basis for refuelling and maintenance. Two MTH carriages would be used on the train, a third stabled at Frankston, and the fourth would be at Spencer Street or the Newport Workshops undergoing repairs. An A class locomotive and two car MTH consist could carry 126 passengers, weighed 199 tonnes and was 56.9 metres long; but with an extra car a total of 238 passengers could be carried, which weighed 238 tonnes and was 76.1 metres long.[12] At some point the ownership of the MTH carriages was transferred from country operator V/Line to suburban operator M>Train, and later Connex Melbourne.[13] On a limited number of occasions V/Line underwent locomotive shortages, with leased A classes from Freight Australia and later Pacific National appearing on the train in their green and yellow livery.[14]

In late 2007 the safeworking on the line was altered, with the Electric Staff and Train Staff and Ticket sections replaced by Automatic and Track Control signalling controlled remotely from Frankston Signal Box.[15]

On 27 April 2008 diesel railcars were again introduced on the line,[1] this time with the Sprinter units originally purchased by V/Line in 1993.[16] Two units usually operate the service, with a single unit returning to Southern Cross for servicing on a regular basis, with another sent in the opposite direction to replace it. The units are selected from the normal V/Line fleet, and are not dedicated to the run. No ticketing equipment is fitted, but new locks were fitted to the toilet doors to prevent their use when being used by Metro Trains Melbourne.

On 1 April 2015, passenger services were suspended indefinitely following a series of safety breaches where boom gates failed to drop for an approaching train.[17] After three months of remedial works, a full passenger service returned to the line on 30 June 2015.[18]

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

Vline Easter Services --> https://www.vline.com.au/News-Alerts/News-Articles/Easter-services-2017

V/Line train and coach services will run to an altered timetable on the Good Friday public holiday 14 April and Easter Monday 17 April.

Thursday 13 April

The normal Thursday timetable will apply except for some coach services which will run to a Friday timetable.

Friday 14 April

All trains will operate to a Sunday timetable. Coaches will operate to a different timetable or will not run.

Saturday 15 April

Saturday timetable applies.

Sunday 16 April

Sunday timetable applies.

Monday 17 April

Trains will operate to a Saturday timetable, with the exception of the 13:30 Swan Hill to Southern Cross train which will be altered to depart at 16:27. Coaches will operate to a different timetable or will not run.

Use the 'Plan trip/buy tickets' to book tickets or check times before travelling.

Geelong and Warrnambool line

V/Line is delivering a $4.4 million package of improvements on the Geelong and Warrnambool lines this Easter.

Coaches will replace trains between Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool from Saturday 8 April until Sunday 16 April.

Coaches will also replace trains on the Warrnambool line on Monday 17 April.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

13th April 2017

#FleeQLD for Easter

Good Morning,

Off to Melbourne today.  And I am looking forward to being able to use a proper connected public transport network with good frequency.  Trains and trams are running normal timetables essentially in Melbourne over Easter.  No service cuts as in the case with SEQ.

A failed rail operator in SEQ that has not only reduced service frequency to the worst in the Nation, but has also treated public transport users with contempt by moving from the clock face times and rendering the bus/rail connections largely ineffective and subject to long waits for users.  This compounds with the low frequency on the rail system.  TransLink has failed the community by standing aside and allowing this mess to occur.

Melbourne service notices

Yarra trams: http://www.yarratrams.com.au/using-trams/service-changes/service-changes/2017/easter-public-holidays-friday-14-monday-17-april/

VLine trains: https://www.vline.com.au/News-Alerts/News-Articles/Easter-services-2017

Metro trains: http://www.metrotrains.com.au/easter-travel-period-2017/

The only  public transport jurisdiction that is unable to properly service its community is SEQ.

My advice is to allow 2 hours longer on public transport journeys, 4 hours if heading to or from the Sunshine Coast.

Yes, it has come to this sadly.

Happy Easter!

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

[ Attached: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12713.msg190856#msg190856 ]

[ozbob]

At BNE





Photographs R Dow 13th April 2017

[ozbob]

Away we go! Yo Metro 🎉 pic.twitter.com/Uvxcrbdjag

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 13, 2017

[ozbob]

I had to wait 5 minutes for my train
Slack hey

[ozbob]

Murrumbeena





















Photographs R Dow 13th April 2017

[ozbob]

Hughesdale - very wide platform.  Used to use this station regularly once in my school days.











8.03am city service at Hughesdale





Photographs R Dow 14th April 2017

[ozbob]

That freighter above was around 900m and is running in 10 minutes Metro trains sub frequency.

[#Metro]

* close eyes *

<can't be done in qld> <can't be done in qld> <can't be done in qld> <can't be done in qld>

[Stillwater]

^^ rubbish bins 

[ozbob]

Unusual departure for City from platform 3 Dandenong







PID at Caulfield = frequency = lots of passengers





Photographs R Dow 14th April 2017

[Cazza]

Did you go to the AFL game?

[ozbob]

Did you go to the AFL game?

No. Too busy riding trains 

[Cazza]

Did you go to the AFL game?

No. Too busy riding trains 

Haha yeah good call

[James]

I remember when I was in Melbourne earlier this year being struck by the number of passengers using the train all day, every day over there. It was miles ahead of Brisbane.

11:30pm on a Sunday night there were still about 10-20 pax per carriage, even on the quieter lines. QR can barely get 1 or 2 pax per carriage on the Ipswich line at that time... Likewise daytime & weekend patronage is significantly higher.

[ozbob]

Frankston  - Stony Point











Photographs R Dow 15th April 2017

[ozbob]

Caroline Springs 16th April (Sunday)

DEP   

Sun 9:34am Southern Cross Railway Station (Melbourne City)
Take the train towards Wendouree

Sun 9:57am Caroline Springs Railway Station (Ravenhall)

==================

Sun 10:09am Caroline Springs Railway Station (Ravenhall)
Take the train towards Southern Cross

Sun 10:38am Southern Cross Railway Station (Melbourne City)

About to depart Southern Cross on VL1200

[ozbob]

Just left Sunshine mission accomplished 

[ozbob]

Caroline Springs
















N in new PTV/Vline livery (at Southern Cross from train)





Photographs R Dow 16th April 2017

[ozbob]

Back to Brisbane today, and the poor frequency.  Will be a shock after 10 minute services ...

Easter Monday is a busy day for airports

Farewell Murrumbeena back to Brisbane today pic.twitter.com/5Isb8tAWHh

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 16, 2017

Few random photographs on journey to Melbourne Airport this morning ...















Photographs R Dow 17th April 2017

[ozbob]

Myki history (concession)

Very cheap fares on myki

====================

Date   Time   Transaction Type   Service   Zone   Description   Credit   Debit   myki money Balance
17/04/2017   06:51:34   Touch off   Train   1   Southern Cross Station -    -    -
17/04/2017   05:37:56   Touch on   Train   1   Murrumbeena Station   -    -    - 
16/04/2017   15:39:29   Touch off   Train   1   Caulfield Station   -    -    -
16/04/2017   15:11:32   Touch on   Train   1   Southern Cross Station   -    -    -
16/04/2017   13:29:46   Touch off   Train   1   Southern Cross Station   -    -    -
16/04/2017   12:59:21   Touch on   Train   1   Murrumbeena Station   -    -    -
16/04/2017   12:36:42   Touch off   Train   1   Murrumbeena Station   -    -    -
16/04/2017   12:06:01   Touch on   Train   2   Dandenong Station   -    -    -
16/04/2017   11:27:07   Touch off   Train   2   Dandenong Station   -    -    -
16/04/2017   10:03:35   Touch on   Train   2   Caroline Springs Station   -    -    -
16/04/2017   10:01:58   Touch off*   Train   2   Caroline Springs Station   -    $0.95    $33.65
16/04/2017   09:11:05   Touch on   Train   1   Southern Cross Station   -    -    -
16/04/2017   09:08:02   Touch off   Train   1   Southern Cross Station   -    -    -
16/04/2017   08:19:45   Touch on   Train   1   Murrumbeena Station   -    -    -
16/04/2017   06:56:18   Touch off*   Train   1   Murrumbeena Station   -    $2.05    $34.60
16/04/2017   06:42:08   Touch on   Train   1/2   Oakleigh Station   -    -    -
15/04/2017   15:51:55   Touch off   Train   2   Cardinia Railway Station   -    -    -
15/04/2017   15:00:52   Touch on   Train   1   Murrumbeena Station   -    -    -
15/04/2017   13:42:54   Touch off   Train   1   Murrumbeena Station   -    -    -
15/04/2017   12:40:20   Touch on   Train   2   Frankston Station   -    -    -
15/04/2017   11:47:19   Touch off*   Train   2   Frankston Station   -    $0.95    $36.65
15/04/2017   11:06:26   Touch on   Train   2   Stony Point Station   -    -    -
15/04/2017   11:06:26   Touch off (Default Fare)*   Train   2   Stony Point Station   -    $2.05    $37.60
15/04/2017   08:31:26   Touch on   Train   1   Murrumbeena Station   -    -    -
14/04/2017   20:02:21   Touch off   Train   1   Murrumbeena Station   -    -    -
14/04/2017   19:50:12   Touch on   Train   1   Caulfield Station   -    -    -
14/04/2017   12:50:58   Touch off   Train   1   Caulfield Station   -    -    -
14/04/2017   12:41:49   Touch on   Train   1   Murrumbeena Station   -    -    -
14/04/2017   12:08:01   Touch off*   Train   1   Murrumbeena Station   -    $0.95    $39.65
14/04/2017   11:40:36   Touch on   Train   2   Dandenong Station   -    -    -
14/04/2017   11:39:52   Touch off   Train   2   Dandenong Station   -    -    -
14/04/2017   11:39:08   Touch on   Train   2   Dandenong Station   -    -    -
14/04/2017   08:05:39   Touch off*   Train   1   Murrumbeena Station   -    $2.05    $40.60
14/04/2017   07:54:47   Touch on   Train   1/2   Hughesdale Station   -    -    -
13/04/2017   20:19:02   Touch off   Train   1   Murrumbeena Station   -    -    -
13/04/2017   20:11:00   Touch on   Train   1   Carnegie Station   -    -    -
13/04/2017   19:39:50   Touch off*   Train   1   Carnegie Station   -    $2.05    $42.65
13/04/2017   19:35:20   Touch on   Train   1   Caulfield Station   -    -    -
13/04/2017   14:55:37   Touch off   Train   1   Caulfield Station   -    -    -
13/04/2017   14:44:01   Touch on   Train   1   Murrumbeena Station   -    -    -
13/04/2017   13:53:41   Touch off*   Train   1   Murrumbeena Station   -    $2.05    $44.70
13/04/2017   13:16:45   Top up myki money   -   -   -   $20.00    -    $46.75
13/04/2017   13:16:45   Touch on   Train   1   Southern Cross Station   -    -    -