Happy memories of train travel
TRANSPORT
THE announcement of light rail by the Government and Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding is a step in the right direction. This will branch out from our popular city of Hobart and extend to Brighton with many stations on the way. Benefits include a choice of transport for our weary drivers. Many traffic-light intersections and bottlenecks along with the other traffic hazards will be avoided. It offers commuters a chance to travel in relaxing style and enjoyment and will embrace our river views.
Hobart is returning to the iconic city it used to be. Stops will include New Town station which brings back unforgettable memories for me. As a past train conductor I have vivid memories of embarking and disembarking at New Town station. It was close to home so I could get to work without any driving or parking hassles. limit, might I suggest 20km/h, although that is the speed on some days of already long convoys. The Caves road needs sealing though, if only to satisfy Hertz and Avis. What we really need is a sealed highway from Derwent Valley to Esperance Bridge. Do A Go Fund Me on that.
Paint speed on road
WHEN will the powers-that-be start painting the road speed on the road surface. This is the best way for drivers to know what speed they have to travel. It is sometimes impossible to see let alone read the speed sign by the side of the road. It is much easier to see what is before them and aids concentration rather than being on the lookout for small signs.
I travelled from Hobart to Launceston and at times I was unsure of the limit. If councils can paint green cycleways and turn signals on roads, surely speed signs are not much to expect. Other states have the speed painted on the road. If I was cynical, I’d say that by not doing so was an exercise in revenue raising rather than safety. Hopefully someone will take up the idea and motorists will have a safer ride.
Upgrade Wielangta Rd
PROPOSALS for tourist roads omitted an obvious link, the upgrade of the Wielangta Rd from Copping to Orford. Tourists using this connection to the East Coast would avoid backtracking to Sorell, it would reduce traffic on a difficult section of the Arthur Highway, provide magnificent views of forest and Maria Island and themercury.com.au readers have a new way to have their say. It’s free to use, just register and have your say. For more details and to register, visit the website. access outstanding forest reserves. The link would also reduce travel time between the World Heritage sites of Maria Island and Port Arthur.
Elevate rail
SADLY, it isn’t a promise to build a light rail system within five years, just a promise to complete a feasibility study within five years. Despite Rene Hidding’s current enthusiasm, I anticipate at least one other problem. The plan seems to be to build it at ground level. That’ll save money but clutter transport systems with level crossings. By the time trackless trams become practical, autonomous electric buses will be practical, and much more versatile. If the system uses virtual or physical tracks, it needs to be electric and elevated, with two tracks, a walking path and bicycle path.
White elephant
APPEARS we are to be saddled with another white elephant or is it pigs might fly? This time a rail link from Hobart to Bridgewater. Oh well it will complement the subsidies of $36 million to Metro yearly so a bit more coming out of the taxpayers pockets will suffice. In Glenorchy there are 46,500 people. If a third of these who live in close proximity choose to use the service I am quite sure it would not be viable. Traffic problems are rife in the area and this will add to the bedlam. I feel a better use of this $200 million would be a highway from Cascade Brewery to Tolosa St.
Ships in national parks
IT is hard to understand why cruise ships are permitted to drop anchor in our national parks. Not only is there potential damage to the shore and sea bed, but it is also a visual monstrosity to see a large ship anchored off the beautiful Port Arthur and Wineglass Bay, destroying photographs for those unfortunate to be there at the same time.
Best-laid plans
THE cartoon (Hobart Gridlock, Polly, January 18) says it all. For many years we have state government promises, plans, talkfests and further costly talkfests, for what? Nothing much happens, except many dollars spent on bubbles.
Gasping at poo
GOING by the amount of dogs and their mess left on the GASP boardwalk at Montrose Bay, you have to wonder if the Glenorchy Council has the intestinal fortitude to enforce the bylaw of no dogs allowed.
Too hot on court
YOU don’t leave children or pets in a car on a hot day but apparently it’s OK to leave tennis players on court in 69C.
Cricket in the way
JUST imagine how much further ahead in the polls the Liberals would be if it hadn’t been for all those annoying pieces of cricket interrupting their Ashes election ads campaign.