Melbourne Airport rail link

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Airport rail business case kept secret

The Victorian government is refusing to release evidence backing the chosen route for its $13 billion airport rail project.

Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan has confirmed that the preliminary business case scrutinising the proposed new train service linking Melbourne Airport and the city via Sunshine has been finished but would not be publicly released.

The decision will likely raise eyebrows given the huge cost of the project and calls from Infrastructure Victoria to prioritise a cheaper solution of giving priority signals to SkyBus services, which it estimates would cost between $50 million and $100 million.

An airport train service is not needed for 15 to 30 years , Infrastructure Victoria claimed.

Ms Allan said the preliminary business case simply confirmed that the Sunshine route "stacked up the best", reiterating findings of the project's strategic appraisal released months ago.

Other options include a Flemington route that would pass through Newmarket and Highpoint; a Craigieburn route passing through Broadmeadows; and a link between Victoria University and Highpoint via the Maribyrnong Defence Site.

"We've released previously ... the strategic assessment of the four alignments, which is really what the preliminary business case was about, looking at those four alignments and giving [state and federal] governments the confidence that Sunshine stacked up the best,'' Ms Allan said. ''It does, and that's the input that will be taken into the full business case."

Ms Allan said the state government would release the full business analysis, which would "really put the meat on the bones".

Premier Daniel Andrews promised to spend $300 million on the full business case, which is set to be finalised in 2019-20.

The Andrews government wants to start building the airport train service in 2022 and finish eight years later.

The federal Coalition government first pledged $5 billion for the airport link, which was matched by the Andrews government, which took the project to the November state election.

Since then, a separate market-led proposal to build the link has been put forward by a consortium including Melbourne Airport, Metro Trains, Southern Cross Station and fund management giant IFM Investors.

The consortium says it would pay $5 billion, start work in 2020 and deliver 10-minute train services.

A spokesman for the federal Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, Alan Tudge, confirmed that $30 million in federal money had been spent on the preliminary business case after it received a project proposal report from the Victorian government in June.

"Following receipt of this ... , payments have been made to the Victorian government according to set milestones," he said.

Last year, the Andrews government promised to spend $10 million of the money it is owed through the Asset Recycling Initiative on the study, but a government spokeswoman could not confirm whether the money had been spent.

Mr Tudge's spokesman said the Victorian government had "not budgeted any funding for this project and only made an election commitment towards construction during the state election campaign".

"We have led the way with our initial $30 million commitment to the business case in the 2017-18 budget and then our $5 billion commitment towards construction in the 2018-19 budget this year," he said.

Multibillion-dollar train projects promised to Victorian voters in the lead up to November helped deliver Labor a thumping election victory.

They included the airport rail link and the $50 billion suburban rail loop.

The suburban loop would link nearly every suburban train line in a new orbital route spanning Cheltenham in the south-east, Reservoir in the north and Werribee in the west by 2050.

The north-western section of the suburban loop will be the airport train tracks that link the airport with Sunshine.

[ozbob]

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/drilling-underway-to-shape-airport-link/

Drilling Underway To Shape Airport Link

Minister for Transport Infrastructure

31 January 2019

Soil testing to help inform the detailed Business Case for Melbourne Airport Rail Link has begun as preliminary planning works ramp up.

Geotechnical drilling is the latest stage of preparatory work for the project that will boost connectivity between Melbourne and the regions.

Geotechnical investigations are used to establish ground conditions and soil quality, and involve drilling boreholes up to 25 centimetres in diameter and 45 metres deep to collect soil and rock samples.

Rail Projects Victoria, which will oversee delivery of the Melbourne Airport Rail Link (MARL), is assessing ground conditions across several locations to enable detailed planning.

These investigations are being conducted at six sites around the M80 Ring Road in Tullamarine and near the Maribyrnong River to guide further planning of the preferred Sunshine route. Each investigation takes around two weeks to complete.

The works will inform the design of the new rail line and how it will be built, with a further phase of testing to occur later this year.

The investigations are a crucial element of the full Business Case process, which is assessing design options for the long-awaited rail link to Melbourne Airport.

Expert technical advisors started initial environmental investigations in late 2018, with ecological surveys to identify any protected flora and fauna.

Construction of Melbourne Airport Rail Link is scheduled to start in 2022, subject to required approvals. Construction is expected to take up to nine years.

The Andrews Labor Government has committed up to $5 billion to build this vital project, which will run from the CBD to Melbourne Airport via Sunshine and form the north-western section of the Suburban Rail Loop. The Commonwealth has also committed funding to make the Link a reality.

The total cost of the project will be determined in the full Business Case and is estimated in the range of $8-$13 billion.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan

"Whether it's the Airport Rail Link, the Metro Tunnel, removing level crossings or planning for the Suburban Rail Loop – we're getting it done."

"We've made sure the Airport Rail Link will benefit all Victorians – delivering a new super-hub at Sunshine and paving the way for fast rail to the regions."

"It will deliver wider benefits beyond simply moving tourists and business people between the CBD and the airport. It will help us transform the way people live, work and travel right across Victoria."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/BrendanDonohoe7/status/1105594639715688448

[ozbob]

The Age --> Victorian government urged to ignore cut-price airport rail option

The Andrews government is considering a budget airport rail link that would scrap a tunnel to the city and stymie fast rail to Geelong.

The mayor of Geelong and a leading rail expert are calling on the state government to ditch the cheaper option, warning that it would make airport services slow and unreliable.

Their concerns have been echoed by federal Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge, who insists Victoria needs a dedicated airport line from the city to ensure fast, frequent services to the airport.

When the Andrews government confirmed last year that the airport rail to Tullamarine would follow a route through Sunshine, the project was estimated to cost $8-$13 billion. The cheaper option now on the table is believed to cost over $5 billion.

The new proposal would see airport trains use existing rail lines between Southern Cross and Sunshine, and add a new line between Sunshine and the airport, sources close to the project have said.

The airport rail line was a key election promise of both the state and federal governments, who have pledged a combined $10 billion towards the project, which is meant to be completed in 2027.

The original plan was to build a dedicated airport line between Sunshine and the CBD, most likely through a tunnel.

A state government spokeswoman said the government has not yet committed to any particular airport rail option or service frequency.

It was standard practice to consider different options when investigating a project's business case, she said, pointing out that four options were explored during planning for the Metro Tunnel.

"The options for Melbourne Airport Rail to access the CBD are being assessed as part of the standard planning and development and business case preparation," she said.

"Rail Projects Victoria and its expert advisers are currently undertaking the detailed planning and development works for Melbourne Airport Rail and faster services to Geelong."

She said construction for the airport rail was still on track to start in 2022.

But Mr Tudge, who has pledged $5 billion for the airport rail, said a dedicated airport line from the CBD to Sunshine would likely be needed to deliver fast airport services.

The federal government has also promised $2 billion for fast rail to Geelong – a project that requires dedicated tracks to the state's second-biggest city, he said.

"Our ambition is to have a train journey to the airport from the city that is fast, affordable and meets the needs of travellers," Mr Tudge said.

"In order to achieve these objectives, the federal government considers it likely that new dedicated tracks will be required between Sunshine and the city. This would also provide additional capacity to support Geelong fast rail and improved regional services."

Mr Tudge said the federal government was working "constructively with the Victorian government" on the project.

"This is a huge and complex project and we need to get the planning right."

But the alternative airport rail plan would see airport trains "jammed in" with Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo services on heavily-congested rail lines, making airport trains unreliable, a leading rail expert has warned.

John Hearsch, who is the president of rail think tank Rail Futures Institute, said this meant that a trip to the airport could take 28 minutes, making it barely faster than the SkyBus.

"It will be used by backpackers and tourists travelling on a budget," said Mr Hearsch, who is a former V/Line executive.

Airport trains running less frequently than every 10 minutes would simply be a "third-rate service", he warned.

"It won't be competitive with SkyBus, that's what it comes down to ... people who are time-sensitive won't use it."

Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said that without a tunnel to Sunshine, desperately-needed fast rail services to the regions would not be possible.

"Quite simply, if the tunnel doesn't have the capacity for the rail connection to Tullamarine and the regions ... the regions are in a world of strife," Cr Harwood said.

Shifting population growth to the regions was critical to easing Melbourne's worsening congestion, he said.

"We need a solution now; we can't afford to wait five, seven, 10 years."

Infrastructure Australia warned earlier this month that the trip between the city and Tullamarine airport was Melbourne's most congested route, with cars facing 24-minute delays on trips.

But transport bureaucrats are under pressure to save cash on airport rail, with the Andrews government promising an ambitious $107 billion infrastructure program, despite a $5.2 billion stamp-duty write-down in this year's budget.

A private consortium including Melbourne Airport, Southern Cross station, Metro Trains and super fund giant IFM Investors, offered last year to tip in $5 billion on top of the state and federal $10 billion already pledged and build the project along the Sunshine alignment.

It is not yet clear if the consortium's market-led proposal would be adopted by the state government.

A spokesman for IFM Investors said they could not comment on the airport rail while the government was considering their proposal.

[timh]

Airport trains running less frequently than every 10 minutes would simply be a "third-rate service", he warned.

HA! QR/TL you hearing this?

More in relation to the article though, my understanding was that the route via the Sunshine/Jacana line had already been selected as the preferred option quite a while ago, why all the fuss now?

[AnonymouslyBad]

More in relation to the article though, my understanding was that the route via the Sunshine/Jacana line had already been selected as the preferred option quite a while ago, why all the fuss now?

That was my impression too. Sunshine means it can form part of a future suburban loop. A completely new city to airport line might be metro standard, but it's single purpose.

Melbourne Airport's in the middle of nowhere - a half hour trip from Southern Cross is nothing to complain about. That's actually making good time. But ultimately it's about reliability. On a good day, SkyBus is probably faster than any proposed rail line, but that's not the point.

[ozbob]

The Age --> Scott Morrison urges 'quick link' tunnel to Melbourne airport

Tracking the options

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has backed a "quick link" airport rail tunnel through Sunshine over the cheaper alternative of existing tracks being considered by the Andrews government.

The federal government has offered $5 billion to build an airport rail link that would see trains travel from Southern Cross to the airport, via Sunshine.

During a visit to Melbourne, Mr Morrison confirmed that his government was pushing for a "quick link" to the airport that would include a rail tunnel to Sunshine from Southern Cross.

Rail experts say that a tunnel is crucial to delivering 15-minute city-to-airport services running every 10 minutes, making the train competitive with SkyBus, taxis and ride-share operators.

This level of service would not be achieved without a tunnel, they say, and warn that fast rail to Geelong is not workable without a separate underground airport link, because the alternative plan would see airport trains "jammed in" with Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo services on the same lines.

The federal government committed $2 billion to Geelong's fast rail before the May election.

The airport rail line was a key election promise of the state and federal governments, who have pledged a combined $10 billion towards the project, which is meant to be completed in 2027.

"What we've talked about, and we've talked about together is ensuring that we have a quick link out to Tulla," Mr Morrison said.

"And that link to Sunshine is also very important in terms of how it connects to the Geelong [fast rail] project as well".

When asked if he would support dedicated tracks to the western suburb, Mr Morrison said: "That's been what we've been bringing to the table".

The Age revealed that the state government is considering an alternative option that would use existing tracks to Sunshine.

When the Andrews government confirmed the Sunshine route to the airport last year, the project was estimated to cost $8 billion-$13 billion. The cheaper option is believed to cost about $5 billion.

Premier Daniel Andrews said decisions were still yet to be made about how the airport rail would be built.

"There are two components to this project, there is Sunshine to the airport and there is the city to Sunshine. There are a whole bunch of engineering decisions to be made there, there's a private sector proposal that's come forward ... there are some key decisions to be made there," Mr Andrews said.

"But be in no doubt we will build something that is efficient, effective and represents value for money ... and is something that people will use."

The Premier said train frequencies and the cost of airport train tickets were still to be confirmed.

If the train was "slow and congested and stopping at all stations, people won't use it", he said.

The existing Regional Rail tracks are currently at capacity, with up to 17 trains running along the corridor at the busiest hour.

Adding airport trains along the congested corridor risks compromising desperately needed new services to Melbourne's booming western suburbs, president of rail think tank Rail Futures Institute John Hearsch warned.

"It would inhibit Wyndham Vale from getting the additional trains it needs," Mr Hearsch said, meaning that Wyndham Vale commuters would continue to use the overcrowded Geelong regional line.

[ozbob]

Scott Morrison urges 'quick link' tunnel to Melbourne airport https://t.co/1syCX4Uqpn via @theage #springst
Hey #qldpol 'The federal government has offered $5 billion to build a MEL airport rail link' and they give us nothing for @CrossRiverRail ?
We are being screwed ...

— RAIL_BoT_Forum (@railbotforum) September 4, 2019

[#Metro]

$5 billion to save 5 min over skybus.

What would $5 billion pay for by modifying the median of the Tullamarine freeway to take light rail or BRT?

Was there even a proper mode choice analysis? What are the BCR and NPV values with this suggestion?

What is more important? Save 5 min to Melbourne Airport, or SCL upgrades that will also benefit freight??

[Gazza]

If the tunnel can be used by other lines, much like the Sydney Airport tunnel, itll be worth it.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/GrahamCurrie1/status/1172039028440350721

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> AirRail's bid for the Melbourne airport tunnel

The Victorian government is under pressure from the Commonwealth to accept a proposal for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link which would see the line privately owned and operated, according to a report.

The MARL, with an estimated price tag of $15 billion, has so far had matching $5 billion commitments from both federal and state governments. A plan from private consortium AirRail would offer the remaining $5 billion needed, but as part of the offer the consortium would own and operate the tunnel.

The Age is reporting this week the federal government is pressuring Victoria to go ahead with the deal, but that Victorian officials are averse to the prospect of a privately owned and operated tunnel being added to the city's Metro Trains and the region's V/Line network.

The airport link would connect with the planned Geelong fast rail via a new rail tunnel to Sunshine, and federal urban infrastructure and cities minister Alan Tudge says the MARL is important for the federal government's vision of the Geelong project.

AirRail Melbourne would see some of Victoria's transport providers partner with IFM Investors, a global fund manager with $112 billion.

The Victorian government is reportedly considering a cheaper, above ground alternative which would consist of building new tracks as well as utilising the existing railway line from the western suburban junction to the CBD.

[ozbob]

Herald Sun --> Rail experts make last-ditch effort for airport rail link tunnel

Rail experts are making a last-ditch effort to convince the state and federal governments that Melbourne's airport rail link needs a tunnel between the CBD and Sunshine.

The Herald Sun reported on Friday that while the federal government preferred the tunnel option, it was open to adopting Victoria's cheaper proposal that would rely on existing above-ground tracks.

Rail Futures Institute president John Hearsch said that would be an "extremely short sighted" and "third-rate solution", limiting the ability to run quick, regular and direct services to Tullamarine.

"Melbourne has but one chance to learn from overseas and get this right," he said.

"New underground tracks starting from Southern Cross are the only practical solution to avoid massive property acquisition and unlock additional train capacity between Southern Cross and Sunshine."

"These will not only carry airport trains but also have ample capacity to provide the first section of infrastructure needed for fast trains to Geelong and in future, Ballarat."

The Australasian Railway Association, the industry's peak body, also said it was crucial the project be able to deliver the "fast and frequent journey times" expected in an international city.

"We need visionary thinking from our elected leaders to ensure the infrastructure we build for the future meets customers' expectations, is efficient and delivers adequate capacity for the population growth that Melbourne will undergo," association chair Danny Broad said.

After the Herald Sun reported that a $5 billion private sector offer — including a new tunnel — was likely to be rejected, Mr Broad encouraged both governments to consider it if "financing is an issue" in delivering the long-awaited project.

A decision on the final route is expected to be made early next year after Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Premier Daniel Andrews held what insiders described as productive and positive talks in Melbourne on Thursday.

Both governments have put $5 billion on the table to fund the long-awaited project.

In September, Mr Andrews said that if the airport rail service was "slow and congested and stopping at all stations, people won't use it".

"We will build something that is efficient, effective and represents value for money ... and is something that people will use," he said at the time.

[ozbob]

^

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1205513761068445696

[ozbob]

Herald Sun --> New push for Airport Rail tunnel could finalise plans

A coalition of community leaders are making a last-ditch effort to persuade the state and federal governments that Melbourne's long-awaited airport rail link needs a tunnel for fast and easy travel.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Premier Daniel Andrews have received a letter signed by 19 groups — including councils, regional bodies and tourism associations — urging them to make 2020 "the year of action on an airport rail link that benefits all Victorians".

Both governments have $5 billion on the table for the project, while a consortium including Melbourne Airport, Metro Trains and Southern Cross station is offering another $5 billion for a link featuring a tunnel between the CBD and Sunshine.

But the Herald Sun understands the federal government is leaning towards accepting the state government's preferred option, which would see the link use existing above-ground tracks to Sunshine.

Commuters would then have to change trains to reach the airport, as the Victoria wants to include airport rail in its ambitious Suburban Rail Loop, which will use its own fleet of trains.

Mr Andrews and Mr Morrison held talks about the project in December but the bushfire crisis delayed a final decision on the design.

The letter, obtained by the Herald Sun, says the groups represent 3600 organisations across the tourism, transport, business, education and community sectors.

It argues the project requires a tunnel to Sunshine to relieve congestion on metro tracks and enable improved regional rail services, while giving travellers a 20-minute route to Tullamarine.

"Should the Victorian or federal governments be considering an alternate solution that delivers the key elements of the project ... we are keen to hear about them as soon as possible," the letter said.

A state government spokeswoman said every option on the table would stop at Sunshine and provide "connections to Victoria's major regional rail lines — Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo".

"We continue to work closely with the federal government on the best design for airport rail — that will get people to and from the airport quickly with minimal interchanges," she said.

The coalition — including the committees for Melbourne, Shepparton, Ballarat and Wyndham, the Victorian Tourism Industry Council and six local councils — argue a public-private partnership is the best way to deliver the project.

But it is understood some in the state government have been concerned about the cost of the tunnel, and giving the private consortium the right to charge for access to the new tracks.

[Gazza]

Cant they use surface tracks initially then do a tunnel when it starts reaching capacity?

[timh]

From the documents Ive seen from PTV that seems to be their preferred option. Use the Albion-Jacana line as the route for the time being, then run a dedicated tunnel from airport to Sx in the future

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Scrapped airport rail link plan on the cards again


2012 Plan


2016 Plan

A multibillion-dollar airport rail plan being considered by the state and federal governments was rejected four years ago by Victorian bureaucrats because it would starve booming suburbs in Melbourne's west of desperately needed train services.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Prime Minister Scott Morrison are believed to be moving ahead with plans to announce the $8-$13 billion project, with sources saying a dedicated airport tunnel from the city to Sunshine is likely to be ditched.

Instead, trains would be wedged on to congested tracks between the city and Sunshine and enter the CBD via the new $11 billion Metro Tunnel. A new track between Tullamarine and Sunshine would be built.

This is despite a state government promise to build "additional tracks" between the city and Sunshine, most probably through a tunnel – an upgrade that rail experts say is necessary for an efficient airport train service and fast trains to Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo.

Lobby groups in Melbourne's west are now warning this would be disastrous for commuters in the city's fastest-growing region, who are already being squeezed on to overcrowded and infrequent V/Line services.

They say airport trains would clog any spare capacity in the Metro Tunnel for extra Sunbury and Melton trains, while Wyndham Vale services would also suffer.

The state and federal governments have each pledged $5 billion for the airport rail project, which is set to open in 2027. A private consortium has offered to chip in $5 billion to build a 7-kilometre tunnel from Southern Cross to West Footscray.

In a bid to reduce project costs and get an airport rail link built fast, the federal and state governments appear to be reviving an old plan to run airport trains through the Metro Tunnel – an option that was ditched by state rail planners in 2016.

The 2016 Metro Tunnel business case rejected a 2012 Public Transport Victoria plan to run six airport trains an hour through the Metro Tunnel.

This decision was made to create space for an extra three Melton services and two Sunbury services an hour through the tunnel, in the wake of runaway growth in Melbourne's west and north-west.

All up, Melton would get nine services an hour and Sunbury would have 14. The Metro Tunnel would have a maximum capacity of 23 trains an hour, leaving no room for airport trains.

Future links to Melbourne Airport and Rowville could be possible as part of the Metro Tunnel, the business case found, but these options would require "a complete new network (likely including long tunnels back to central Melbourne) rather than making use of existing tracks".

The current proposal to run airport trains along existing tracks and via the new Metro Tunnel would reduce the number of Melton or Sunbury trains, with Melton believed to be more likely.

The Rail Futures Institute estimates that by the time the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025, Melton would probably end up with just three trains an hour – or one every 20 minutes – which is no different from the current situation. This could be increased down the track to six services an hour, once the tunnel is at full capacity.

But Melton will need 10 trains an hour by the early 2030s, the experts say, with the Ballarat corridor (which includes Melton) set to service an extra 300,000 people in 16 years' time.

Chief executive of Committee for Ballarat, Michael Poulton, said the airport rail tunnel would disentangle Ballarat and Melton train lines, giving more services to Melton.

"This is not political for us, it's a logical solution to say if you want to free up capacity, that has to be delivered to Melbourne's west and you have to take regional rail off the current suburban network," Mr Poulton said.

"There are three new railway stations on the Ballarat line to Melton which has slowed the line down ... its standing room only."

Meanwhile, the Committee for Wyndham is warning that desperately needed services to Wyndham Vale would not be possible without a fifth and sixth track between the city and Sunshine.

Chief executive Barbara McLure said the airport rail tunnel would enable fast trains to Geelong, which was promised by the state and federal governments before their respective elections.

Feeding Geelong trains through an airport rail tunnel would also free up capacity for more Wyndham Vale services to the city.

"We've got to build for the future," Ms McLure said. "We are not getting good rail services now."

An airport rail tunnel is understood to have been favoured over a sky rail option, as the raised rail line would have to be built some 20-metres high, over a series of bridges through Footscray and North Melbourne.

Sources said the state government has dismissed an earlier option to run airport trains along the new Regional Rail Link between the city and Sunshine, as this corridor is too congested.

A state government spokeswoman said every airport rail option being assessed would include a stop at Sunshine to connect to Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo services.

"We continue to work closely with the federal government on the best design for airport rail - that will get people to and from the airport quickly with minimal interchanges."

A spokesman for federal Cities Minister Alan Tudge said building an airport service that was "fast, affordable and meets the needs of travellers" was the government's priority.

"We want to see the Melbourne airport rail link built as soon as possible."

[verbatim9]

^^It's just a another delay tactic by the Vic Government. Obviously is not really on their prioriity infrastructure timeline.

[ozbob]

Herald Sun --> An 11th-hour cash splash for a tunnel from city to Sunshine for airport rail link

Above ground on existing tracks or a dedicated tunnel, Melbourne's airport rail has endured a lot of talk but now a consortium has promised big bucks to get their preferred infrastructure.

The state and federal governments are being offered an extra $2 billion in an 11th-hour bid for a tunnel from the CBD to Sunshine in Melbourne's airport rail link.

A powerful consortium including Melbourne Airport and Metro Trains has now put $7 billion on the table to convince both governments to back its vision to deliver 20-minute trips to Tullamarine.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Prime Minister Scott Morrison are close to finalising a route that would use existing above-ground tracks to Sunshine and force travellers to change trains there.

But the Herald Sun can reveal the consortium has written to both leaders and upped its $5 billion offer in a last-ditch effort to partner on the project.

The AirRail Melbourne consortium, bankrolled by super fund giant IFM Investors, has also offered to return the 6km tunnel to the state's hands sooner than its proposed 40-year concession and to share any "super-profits".

Mr Andrews and Mr Morrison have committed $5 billion to the project, tipped to cost $8-13 billion. The consortium said its extra investment could ensure airport rail "does not fall victim to short-term financial headwinds" linked to this summer's bushfires.

"Our solution is the only plan on the table that delivers a fast, reliable and dedicated airport mass-transit service that debottlenecks transport links in Melbourne's west, improves regional access to Melbourne and paves the way for high-speed rail to Geelong," it said.

The Herald Sun believes all options being considered allow for fast rail to Geelong and Ballarat, as well as extra Metro services through the western suburbs.

State government figures have concerns that a privately owned tunnel will allow the consortium to charge access fees for other rail services.

The consortium said there "may be some misunderstanding" of its proposal, maintaining the government would have control of services, pricing and timetabling for regional and Metro services using the tunnel.

It dismissed concerns the tunnel was "under-costed and too expensive", arguing it did not have underground complexities involved in projects like the Metro Tunnel.

A state government spokeswoman said it would be inappropriate to comment on the market-led proposal.

Federal Urban Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge said: "Our ambition is to have a train journey to the airport from the city that is fast, affordable and meets the needs of travellers."

The federal government has also offered $2 billion for fast rail to Geelong. Planning that project is a key sticking point in the final stages of talks.

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Melbourne Airport urges dedicated rail line, tunnel to cut congestion

Melbourne Airport has called on the state government to reject a multi-billion airport rail plan that uses existing tracks, arguing that a dedicated tunnel from the city to Sunshine was a "once-in-a-generation" opportunity that ensured western suburbs commuters were not short-changed.

The state and federal governments have each pledged $5 billion to building the airport rail project but are yet to agree on the exact form the project will take.

The Andrews government insists it is considering all options but The Sunday Age reported it appeared to be leaning towards a cheaper alternative that would put trains onto congested tracks between the city and Sunshine and enter the CBD through the new $11 billion Metro Tunnel.

A government spokeswoman said all options would allow for increased train services on every train line in Melbourne's west.

Melbourne Airport is part of a consortium vying to build the rail link project that is expected to cost between $8 billion and $13 billion and open in 2027. The consortium wants a dedicated tunnel to be included in the rail link and has offered $5 billion as part of its pitch to build the project.

Melbourne Airport landside access chief Lorie Argus said yesterday that communities in the west would be short-changed without a dedicated tunnel to ensure services run more efficiently. She claimed the dedicated tunnel would also allow for fast trains to Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo.

"A plan that needs one community to miss out so the airport gets the capacity it will need in the future doesn't seem to make sense. This is a once-in-a-generation project. Let's not cut corners," she said.

Ms Argus said the airport rail link needed to be fast, frequent and affordable for passengers in order to be successful.

"We backed the proposal with tunnels because it delivers on these principles, which we've talked about from day one."

The Andrews government has come under mounting pressure over blowouts in some of its biggest infrastructure projects including the Metro Rail Tunnel that is expected to cost $11 billion. Work has also stalled on the West Gate Tunnel project where a stoush over who will pay for the rising cost of soil contamination has brought work to a halt.

The airport rail consortium's vision includes a seven-kilometre tunnel between Southern Cross and West Footscray. The Age has been told by sources close to negotiations that Melbourne Airport has also written to the Department of Transport arguing for a tunnel to be included in the airport rail link.

A state government spokeswoman said all options were still being assessed for the airport rail with a stop in Sunshine and connections to major regional lines.

"We're working closely with the Commonwealth government on all options for airport rail that will get people to and from the airport quickly with minimal interchanges," she said.

Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen disputed suggestions a tunnel was necessary for the project to go ahead. He said it was more important to build a rail line to the airport first and then construct a tunnel later if it was necessary in a staged process.

"The airport link shouldn't depend on that tunnel from day one," he said. "The most important thing is to get that line built and running and providing that service into the airport."

But Rail Futures Institute secretary David Hardy said Melbourne's fast-growing western suburbs and the airport's traffic projections meant there would be many more people travelling to the airport in coming years, making it crucial that additional track capacity between Southern Cross and Sunshine — incorporating a tunnel to West Footscray — was part of the project.

He said the existing four tracks between the city and Sunshine would very quickly reach capacity and would be unable to handle future growth if airport trains were forced onto existing lines.

"The reason why there's one opportunity to get it right is the western suburbs of Melbourne are booming," Mr Hardy said. "The whole system is creaking at the joints now."

Shadow transport spokesman David Davis said the rail link needed a tunnel because Melbourne Metro would be "over capacity" when it opened.

"It's clear the tunnel is the superior option that supports genuine, fast, dedicated airport rail and facilitates the fast regional rail to Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo," he said.

RACV corporate affairs general manager Bryce Prosser said the government should choose an option that was fast, cost-effective and did not place extra stress on an "already strained network".

[Gazza]

Why not do 9 tph Sunbury, 9tph Melton and 6tph Airport?

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/andrew_lund/status/1226647719030095872

[Gazza]

Yeah, I don't get what they are stressing about.
Sunbury is only running at 6tph at the moment. Melton doesn't even have its electrification.
Just get the line open, and be ready to build a tunnel when demand from the west dictates.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ptua/status/1227693090871205888

[verbatim9]

@ozbob Surely an airport line can be achieved now and a tunnel built as demand grows on the corridor?

[ozbob]

Herald Sun --> Direct services every 10 minutes locked in for Melbourne's airport rail link

As a decision nears on the design of Melbourne's long-awaited airport rail link, commuters have been guaranteed direct services from Melbourne Airport to the CBD running every 10 minutes.

Melbourne's airport rail link will take commuters directly from Tullamarine to the CBD, regardless of which design is chosen to deliver the long-awaited project.

The Herald Sun can reveal the state government's preferred option — moving people into the city via the Metro Tunnel — allows travellers to avoid changing trains on their journey to and from the CBD.

The Metro Tunnel option also enables airport services every 10 minutes, with some only stopping at the Sunshine rail hub and others likely stopping at suburban stations through the inner west.

A decision on the final design of the project is imminent, with the state and federal governments also considering a private sector offer featuring a new 6km tunnel from West Footscray to Southern Cross station.

This proposal — backed by a $7 billion investment from a consortium including Metro Trains and Melbourne Airport — also offers direct services every 10 minutes.

The Herald Sun can reveal this option has been costed at $11.5 billion, including $6.5 billion for the tunnel and $1.2 billion to redevelop Sunshine station, but government modelling has put the bill as high as $14-20 billion.

Sources close to the deliberations say some government bureaucrats found the market-led proposal was unique and represented value-for-money — two key criteria for it to be approved.

But the state government has been concerned about the consortium — which is bankrolled by super fund giant IFM Investors — owning the tunnel and charging access fees for other rail services which use it.

The Herald Sun understands the consortium has rejected overtures to ditch its tunnel plan and invest in different versions of the proposed project.

Having spent $40 million on its bid, it maintains the tunnel is the most effective solution, and has offered to take on the risk of the underground build — another key issue given the problems gripping construction of the West Gate Tunnel and Metro Tunnel.

After months of negotiations, the state and federal governments are believed to be close to locking in the final design of the project, to which both governments have committed $5 billion.

If the consortium's offer is rejected, a key sticking point will be how to create extra track capacity through Melbourne's west to improve services to a booming growth corridor and deliver fast rail to Geelong.

This could involve longer-term works, with a second Metro Tunnel — taking trains through Werribee and then under the CBD via Newport, Fishermans Bend and Clifton Hill — touted as a potential solution.

A state government spokeswoman said all options being assessed for the airport rail link would stop at Sunshine and connect to the Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo lines.

Federal Urban Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge said the project "frankly should have been built decades ago".

"Our objective has always been to deliver a rail connection that is fast, affordable and built as quickly as possible," he said.

"We are working constructively with the state government on determining the best approach for this once-in-a-generation project."

OPTION ONE: AIRRAIL CONSORTIUM'S $7 BILLION BID

A tunnel through Melbourne's inner west is the centrepiece of an airport rail plan pushed by a powerful private consortium including Melbourne Airport and Metro Trains.

The Herald Sun revealed this week that the AirRail Melbourne group had upped its proposed $5 billion contribution to the project to $7 billion in a last-ditch effort to win government support.

The consortium — bankrolled by super fund giant IFM Investors — delivered its market-led proposal to the state government in September 2018, promising to run custom-built trains around the clock every 10 minutes.

Tickets would be $20 and fully integrated with the existing myki system.

The plan includes a 6km tunnel built from Southern Cross station to West Footscray, with new tracks running into Sunshine station and north to Tullamarine.

A smaller cut-and-cover tunnel would be built into an underground station below the airport forecourt, integrated with the terminals.

The plan has been costed at $11.5 billion, including $6.5 billion for the 6km tunnel and $1.2 billion to redevelop Sunshine station.

Travellers would only stop at Sunshine between the airport and the CBD, and it is understood the whole trip would likely take 18 minutes — which could even be cut to 16 minutes.

The new city access tunnel would be capable of handling 22 trains every hour, with 16 of those to be regional services to enable a fast rail connection to Geelong.

The consortium would own the tunnel for up to 40 years and charge access fees to the government for other rail services using it to recover its $7 billion investment.

In an effort to ease the government's concerns about this arrangement, the consortium offered to let the charges be independently regulated and to share any "super-profits" with the state.

IFM has long been considered an obvious investor in the airport rail project, given it owns Southern Cross station and a quarter of Melbourne Airport.

The Herald Sun understands the consortium had 100 people working on its market-led proposal for a year before it was lodged with the government, and has so far spent about $40 million on the bid.

It had initially told the government it would be ready to start construction this year.

OPTION TWO: MAKE USE OF METRO TUNNEL

A rail link to Melbourne Airport using the $11 billion Metro Tunnel would be cheaper and quicker to build than constructing another new tunnel to access the CBD.

This option, preferred by senior state government figures, would require new above-ground tracks to be built from the airport to a redeveloped Sunshine station.

Commuters would then be able to catch one train all the way from the airport to the CBD, travelling into city via the Metro Tunnel.

The Herald Sun understands services could run every 10 minutes, with the option of direct services stopping only at Sunshine and other services stopping at existing suburban stations in the inner west.

The Metro Tunnel project — due to be finished in 2025 — means trains will run all the way from Sunbury out to the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines into Melbourne's southeastern suburbs.

State government figures have warmed to using the Metro Tunnel as part of the airport rail link because it provides easier access for travellers wanting to get to Tullamarine from the southeast.

It also offers a direct route to the airport from the Metro Tunnel's five new stations — Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac — instead of taking commuters only to Southern Cross station.

While travel times to the city have not been made public, the Herald Sun understands the state government believes it would be similar to the consortium's plan, given most commuters would have to catch another train or tram from Southern Cross.

Research shows 93 per cent of airport travellers make their way to Tullamarine from their homes.

Transport bureaucrats have also been working on a $150 million program to determine how to create track extra capacity into the CBD for fast regional services, particularly to and from Geelong.

Integrating the airport rail link into the Metro Tunnel means other tracks will likely be needed in the future to enable improved regional services.

One option on the table involves the construction of a second Metro Tunnel, which would enable regional services from the west to connect through Werribee into an underground link via Newport, Fishermans Bend, the CBD and Clifton Hill.

But it is understood more work is needed to determine a final solution for adding extra tracks into the CBD from the west.

[verbatim9]

The Age ---> Private airport rail plan unlikely to proceed

The giant investment fund that pledged $7 billion towards a Melbourne Airport rail line is unlikely to see its plan proceed, with the Andrews government moving to instead run trains to Tullamarine via its new Metro Tunnel project.

It comes as the Victorian opposition demands that the state government guarantee it will not divert federal funds promised for airport rail to bail out the troubled Metro Tunnel project, running up to $3 billion over budget.

The Sunday Age revealed last week that the plan to run airport trains via the Metro Tunnel had been rejected four years ago by Victorian bureaucrats – because it would starve booming suburbs in Melbourne's west of desperately-needed train services.

IFM Investors, a global fund manager chaired by former Labor MP and ACTU secretary Greg Combet, has spent two years and more than $30 million developing its AirRail plan.

IFM wants to combine its $7 billion with $5 billion each from Canberra and Victoria. This money would fund a dedicated airport rail line from Southern Cross Station – which IFM owns and operates – to Melbourne Airport. The plan would include a new six-kilometre tunnel under the city's inner west.

But the state government is unlikely to back the plan, concerned both that IFM's proposal could cost dramatically more than promised, and at what one Labor MP referred to as the "Transurbanisation" of Melbourne's rail system.

Under its plan, IFM would own the tunnel for four decades and charge access fees to the state to recover its investment.

The state government wants to use the funding from Canberra, first offered by Malcolm Turnbull in 2018, to build new rail tracks between the airport and Sunshine.

Airport trains would then run via the Metro Tunnel rail loop under central Melbourne, now under construction. The Metro Tunnel, originally budgeted at $11 billion, was justified by a promise to dramatically increase services to Melbourne's west.

The possibility IFM's bid will be rejected has angered both Wyndham and Geelong councils, which would have benefited from the new dedicated tracks into Melbourne Airport.

Wyndham mayor Josh Gilligan said the state government was happy to dump contaminated soil from the West Gate Tunnel in the city's west, but not give it better transport options by allowing dedicated airport rail track from the city centre to be built.

"We are worth more than cheap and quick decisions about prisons, and contaminated waste. We should be getting the best transport options and choices that delivers the best connectivity within our city and between Geelong, Werribee and Melbourne," he said.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher has also said places like the west of Melbourne and Geelong were "taking the bulk of the population growth with little to no transport infrastructure".

The state opposition infrastructure spokesman, David Davis, said a key reason the government did not want to proceed with the market-led bid was that it needed the federal money to help bail out the Metro Tunnel.

That project is in crisis, running well over budget for the consortium building it, Cross Yarra Partnership. But the state government on Saturday rejected the claim by Mr Davis that money from Canberra for an airport rail line could be used to balance the books on Metro Tunnel.

"The contribution from the Commonwealth is to build a Melbourne Airport Rail and that's exactly what it will be spent on," a government spokeswoman said.

Federal Cities and Urban Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge said the $5 billion the Morrison government had allocated towards construction of an airport rail link "is for that purpose only".

The state opposition's Mr Davis said there was a serious risk, though, that the money could ultimately be used to "bail out or backfill the Metro Tunnel cost blowout".

Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said the most important part of building an airport rail line was getting it started.

"If the airport train depends on having a brand new tunnel serving it from day one, we will still be talking about doing it in a decade," Mr Bowen said. "And if the West Gate Tunnel has shown us anything, it's that tunnelling in the inner west is really challenging."

An airport rail line was first proposed for Melbourne in 1963, seven years before Tullamarine opened.

[ozbob]

Herald Sun --> New research shows Victorians believe private-sector offer for airport rail should be considered

Most Victorians would be happy using industry super funds to deliver a bigger vision of Melbourne's Airport Rail, according to new research from the consortium seeking to build the project.

IFM Investors has commissioned a survey of more than 1000 people living in the state as it seeks to prove the government should seriously consider its plans for the railway.

A powerful consortium has offered state and federal governments an extra $7 billion to partner on the project and build a service that would dig a tunnel and lay new tracks between Sunshine and the city.

But this market-led proposal is not the Andrews Government's preferred option and state authorities have pushed for their own less costly version that runs through the Metro Tunnel.

Both levels of government have committed $5 billion for the project.

The looming decision has sparked a strong reaction from advocates who believe the extra tunnel is vital to unlocking capacity in Melbourne's booming western suburbs.

Figures within the government have returned fire by pointing to Transurban's handling of the toxic soil at the West Gate Tunnel as an example of how projects can go wrong.

The survey found a majority of Victorians believe the state government should consider the industry super fund's proposal, and most people are confident community needs would still be met.

Less than 10 per cent of those surveyed did not agree with the consortium's involvement.

It comes after IFM Investors wrote to Treasurer Tim Pallas urging him to look at the long-term benefits of their proposal.

[ozbob]

Herald Sun --> Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher, Wyndham Mayor Josh Gilligan push for airport rail tunnel

With their residents already facing crammed daily train services, the mayors of Geelong and Wyndham have called on the state government to address the "urgent and pressing need for additional capacity", saying things will only get worse under the expected airport rail link plan.

Geelong and Wyndham residents are facing "significant discomfort" on bursting train services, the mayors of both areas have warned, as they call for action to boost rail capacity.

The leaders say they are "seriously concerned" the state government is leaning towards building Melbourne's airport rail link without a new tunnel that could handle extra suburban and regional services.

The Herald Sun understands the state and federal governments are close to locking in the design of the long-awaited project, likely to see airport trains running into the CBD via the Metro Tunnel.

But supporters of a separate airport rail tunnel — which a powerful consortium backed by super fund giant IFM Investors is pitching to build — have intensified their last-ditch lobbying effort.

Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher and Wyndham Mayor Josh Gilligan said their communities were frustrated because information about the government's plans was "sorely lacking".

"We believe a new tunnel is the only viable solution to increase capacity for more trains to travel between Sunshine and the CBD and accommodate the growing west of Melbourne and allow future delivery of faster rail regional Victoria," they said, in a letter obtained by the Herald Sun.

The state government maintains all options on the table allow for increased services to the western suburbs and improved regional rail.

"All options being assessed for the airport rail will stop at Sunshine for connections to Victoria's major regional lines, such as Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo," a spokeswoman said.

With patronage on the Geelong line surging by 131 per cent in just five years, Cr Asher and Cr Gilligan called on the government to respond to the "unprecedented demand" for extra rail services identified in its own Western Rail Plan.

"There is an urgent and pressing need for additional capacity on the rail network now, to enable more frequent and less crowded rail services for commuters from Geelong and Wyndham," they said.

"We seek an urgent update and a clear timeline on these matters and a renewed government commitment to providing the best public transport solutions for Geelong and Melbourne's west."

The Committee for Melbourne yesterday (MON) wrote to Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg to argue that using the Metro Tunnel for airport trains would not add capacity to the rail network and could "risk further exacerbating the congestion issues".

And the Committee for Ballarat wrote to Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, calling on him to "show the leadership required" and renew the federal government's "earlier support" for a new airport rail tunnel.

[ozbob]

Herald Sun --> Coalition MP lashes out at as divisions emerge over Melbourne Airport Rail project

Melbourne's Airport Rail has sparked an internal battle within the federal government, with a group of MPs and cabinet ministers divided over a looming decision to build the project without a tunnel between Sunshine and Southern Cross Station.

Coalition members representing regional Victoria are increasingly concerned the state government's preferred version of the railway will be approved.

They believe leaders have already agreed to build a lower-cost version of the rail line that runs through the Metro Tunnel despite objections raised by some senior Victorian Liberals.

Opponents of the proposal believe country Victorians could miss out on the full benefits of V/Line improvements and fast rail if new tracks are not built through a new tunnel corridor.

In a scathing attack on the plan, senior Nationals MP Damian Drum said politics was winning out over long-term interests.

"This has got to be a project for the future," he told the Herald Sun.

"This is not the project to compromise on."

The Member for Nicholls said if no new tracks were added trip times would blow out while regional areas continued grow.

"This is not the project to say, let's just do a cheap one," he said.

"Wallan will continue to grow, Seymour will continue to grow.

"They will all grow into the future. Just like all the places out to Bendigo or Castlemaine will grow.

"So these train lines are just going to get busier."

The Herald Sun understands some federal Nationals and Liberals in Victoria have pushed the federal government to up its spend and get the option they see as better for the regions.

It comes after a group of state Labor MPs last month sought an assurance from Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan the project would improve services in Melbourne's west.

A state government spokeswoman said there were no announcements to make.

"We've been working closely with the Federal Government on the best design that will get people to and from the airport quickly with minimal interchanges," she said.

"We've been clear that all options being assessed will stop at Sunshine for connections to Victoria's major regional rail lines – Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo.

"We're also working closely with the Federal Government on options for Geelong Fast Rail."

[ozbob]

Herald Sun --> New billion-dollar plan for airport rail link revealed

A deal for a new $8-13 billion airport rail link is set to be inked, paving the way for trains between Tullamarine and the heart of Melbourne's CBD in under half an hour.

And the Sunday Herald Sun can reveal that the construction of the mega-project could be fast-tracked to help stimulate the state's economy after the coronavirus crisis.

The business case for the line is finalised, with the federal and state governments keen to get on with the build, and will make a joint announcement once COVID-19 cases fall in Victoria.

Construction is slated to start in 2022 and could take nine years to build, but the finish date is likely to be brought forward.
Planning is ongoing, with experts considering whether the new Melbourne Airport station is built underground to enhance transfers and minimise disruption, even though the line will run above ground.

Some federal backbenchers continue to agitate over route details, pushing for a separate tunnel under Melbourne's west to Southern Cross Station — a private proposal bankrolled by IFM Investors — which they say would boost regional services.

The Andrews Government is sticking to its plan for an above-ground line from Tullamarine to Sunshine, however, with trains sent through the $11 billion Melbourne Metro tunnel.

This would allow for services to run through five new inner city stations — including the university precinct and prime inner city venues — before continuing on a suburban line.

Express services stopping only at Sunshine would arrive at Arden in North Melbourne in about 20 minutes, while passengers would also get access to Parkville, State Library and Town Hall stations, along with Anzac station on St Kilda Road, close to the Grand Prix track.

The Sunday Herald Sun understands that even by using the new Metro tunnel, a separate regional project would allow for fast rail services between the CBD and Geelong in under 40 minutes.

The Commonwealth and State governments have agreed to pay $5 billion each towards the airport rail project, which will cost closer to the upper end of an estimated $8-13 billion price tag.

Urban Infastructure Minister Alan Tudge said the federal government had worked constructively with the state government and "we want to see it built as soon as possible".

"We will continue to work with them to deliver the best result for Victorians," he said.

"Our ambition is to have a train journey to the airport from the city that is fast, affordable and meets the needs of travellers," he said.

"Melbourne Airport Rail Link will support thousands of jobs and boost the Victorian economy."

[ozbob]

Herald Sun --> Melbourne Airport rail works to begin within months

Works to kickstart the new Melbourne Airport rail link will begin within months, with money flowing this financial year and turbocharging Victoria's pandemic recovery.

The state and federal governments are on the verge of confirming the design of the project, which the Herald Sun can reveal will create 11,000 jobs.

Crucial geotechnical investigations have already been completed, and the Morrison government expects $70m to be shelled out on the project by June – on top of $30m spent on a business case.

Federal infrastructure department documents show the commonwealth has also set aside $180m next year, as part of an overall $5bn commitment.

The link, connecting Tullamarine to the heart of the CBD via a new Sunshine superstation, will be a centrepiece of the Andrews government's forthcoming big-spending budget.

Works were not expected to get underway until 2022, but a tender process is now ready to proceed after 152 preparatory boreholes were dug between Sunshine and Tullamarine.

A director of Melbourne Airport Rail was also appointed in September and a probity plan is now complete, allowing the $8-13bn project to take flight as soon as Scott Morrison and Daniel Andrews finalise a deal on the route.

Victorian Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said she looked forward to announcing the final design soon — which is expected to link into the new Metro Tunnel.

"We've been working for over a year with the commonwealth on all the planning work to make this much-talked-about project a reality," she said.

Federal Urban Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge said: "I want to see work cracking on this as soon as we can".

A national partnership between the federal and state governments has locked in up to $10bn for the project, with documents showing $400m of federal money earmarked for 2022-23, after its initial $250m investment.

At that stage, major tunnelling will be ready to begin, because the $11bn Metro Tunnel project will be nearing completion.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is expected to tour the proposed site once Melbourne's strict coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

So far, 1800 utility pits have been surveyed over more than 1400 field hours, to ensure a smooth transition to construction.

Mr Tudge said the federal government "got the ball rolling" with its $5bn commitment in 2018. "Melbourne and Victoria need the airport rail link," he said.

"It will get thousands of Victorians into work and inject valuable dollars into the state economy. Now more than ever we need to see construction and economic activity underway."

[ozbob]

Melbourne Airport Rail

https://airportrail.vic.gov.au

[ozbob]

Herald Sun --> A deal has finally been struck for Victoria's airport rail link - here's how it'll work $

Melbourne's long-awaited $10bn airport rail link will take travellers from Tullamarine into the heart of the CBD in less than half an hour via the Metro Tunnel.

Daniel Andrews and Scott Morrison have finally struck an agreement on the design of the project and will contribute $5bn each to start construction in 2022.

The link is expected to be finished by 2029, enabling commuters to travel from the airport all the way along the Cranbourne/Pakenham line — Melbourne's busiest rail corridor — without changing trains.

Turn-up-and-go services on new high capacity trains will run every 10 minutes. ...

Melbourne Airport rail journey times.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1329793292700008449

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1329794455965036545

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Melbourne Airport Rail Link construction to start 2022, trains to run to CBD every 10 minutes

Key points:

Passengers along the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines will be able to ride to the airport without changing trains

An exchange at Sunshine will connect Geelong passengers in an hour, Ballarat in 90 minutes and Bendigo in two hours

The travel time between Traralgon and Melbourne Airport is estimated to be three hours

The Victorian Government and Federal Government have each committed $5 billion to the project, which Prime Minister Scott Morrison said would begin construction in 2022 and support up to 8,000 jobs.

[timh]

Again Melbourne making me sad with the current state of rail projects in Queensland 

They are getting such a huge chunk of federal funding too, whereas the hopeless mob at TMR can't manage to convince the feds to give them one cent 

[ozbob]

Yes timh.  Hopeless ...

I think this sums up how poor strategic infrastructure planning and implementation is in Queensland.

Victoria can get $5 billion for Melbourne Airport Rail, Queensland gets zero dollars for Cross River Rail.

Despite being built with public funds they still intend to charge punters a fare at least equivalent to SkyBus to and from MEL.



Airport rail should be built as for BNE - BOOT !

ABC News --> Melbourne Airport Rail Link construction to start 2022, trains to run to CBD every 10 minutes

Key points:

Passengers along the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines will be able to ride to the airport without changing trains

An exchange at Sunshine will connect Geelong passengers in an hour, Ballarat in 90 minutes and Bendigo in two hours

The travel time between Traralgon and Melbourne Airport is estimated to be three hours

The Victorian Government and Federal Government have each committed $5 billion to the project, which Prime Minister Scott Morrison said would begin construction in 2022 and support up to 8,000 jobs.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/AlanTudgeMP/status/1329977767388008448