Connex.....DUMPED!

[balthazarr]

Originally Posted by paul84

Meh, I see it as different coloured trains and few staff turned over. United still have the maintenance contract. Just a shuffle of the chairs. Back around in a circle we go.
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Why can't they just pick a freakin' name/colour scheme and stick with it... what's wrong with Metlink?

How much money are they going to spend re-branding stations and the rolling stock? Couldn't this money be better spent improving the stuff that matters - like the infrastructure?

The government should own the branding IP, and license it to the operator as part of the deal...

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[balthazarr]

Originally Posted by saam

explain why melbourne airport doesnt have a rail system linked to it like all other major citys?
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I have nothing to back this up, but I heard rumours a few years back that, as part of the Citylink agreement with Transurban, the government agreed that they wouldn't implement any public transport links (rail/light rail) to the airport for the duration of the agreement. I guess the reasoning behind this is that it would guarantee more traffic along the Tullamarine Freeway.

[Buzz Box]

Originally Posted by balthazarr

I have nothing to back this up, but I heard rumours a few years back that, as part of the Citylink agreement with Transurban, the government agreed that they wouldn't implement any public transport links (rail/light rail) to the airport for the duration of the agreement. I guess the reasoning behind this is that it would guarantee more traffic along the Tullamarine Freeway.

Theres multiple reasons and multiple spots for it and they have the rail reserve set aside so they COULD do it quite easily but.........

They would have to pay compensation to citylink, they just built that new ramp at essendon and new shopping centre and expansion of essendon airport etc.

Also if your running cars how many lobbists and lobby groups have you got? (think cars manufactures, taxi companies, petrol companies, parking operators, rent a car companies, bus operators plus many more) versus 1 little person going oh build me a rail line please........

Plus the fact the rail network can't even keep up with what it has got let alone building more theres way to many other rail projects that urgently need the money versus something that is being heavily lobbied against.

[cycle myth]

Your points sound and seem probably right.

The issue is really doing the right thing for Melbourne and the people who live there.... so we can count on the government doing stuff all about this as they have no idea.

World's most livable city??

Increased pollution, poor mass transit network, road congestion, more time in traffic, increased pollution, urban sprawl, pressure on housing, cost of living, = reduce quality of life.

[balthazarr]

So much for the conspiracy theory... according to these documents -

http://www.contracts.vic.gov.au/majo...ssion_Deed.pdf
http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/NR/rd...0/ExhibitJ.pdf

- the only consequence of a new rail link to the airport (that I could find) is that Transurban is no longer required to have dedicated bus/taxi lanes on the Tulla (clause 2.4(i) of the Deed & Exhibit J).

[Buzz Box]

Don't get me wrong I am 100% behind 2 projects in melbourne.

1. Train line to the airport
2. An actual RING road - I personally believe this could be the best thing for melbourne second only to a train line to the airport.

But when you got 50 lobbists to 1 for the train line and thousands of established wealthy greenies for the second I ain't holding my breath. But we can all dream.........

[18htan]

Originally Posted by Buzz Box

Can I be the bearer of bad news having had worked for Connex I can tell you the only thing that change is the uniform and the stickers on the side of the train. It's exactly the same drivers, signallers, managers, fitters, ticket inspectors etc

All that changes is the uniform and the stickers.

Something tells me there will be a lot more changes than that.

Obviosuly they are not going to replace and retrain all the staff, but some fat cats heads will roll. MTR will want to look like it is actually doing something.

Either way Connex or MTR... It will be hard to manage an outdated system lacking funded.

MTR is going to have there work cut out for them.