HOBART LIGHT RAIL
Mac Point rail hub a cost-saver
MANY would agree with the proposal for the re-introduction of rail to Macquarie Point and now also the proposed use of light rail as a priority in Tasmania (Letters, August 1). Times have changed since passenger rail became too costly due to decline in use and staffing levels. Rail lines could be upgraded to use standard gauge rail and narrow gauge continued for our existing stock. We have one of the best ports in the world yet our rail hub is at Brighton. Rolling stock could be obtained from interstate and once again rail may be a viable alternative to our narrow, overcrowded roads that are sadly in disrepair in many areas. In the future the rail may extend to Dover, Smithton, further points of the East Coast and well into the North-East.
The expense of constructing roads along with maintenance and repairs may be far more costly than rail infrastructure that will outlive roads and be far safer. Federal funding will be required but with a federal election around the corner, Tasmania may well be in line for its fair share. to Bonorong, or up the Derwent Valley as far as National Park. The 3’6” gauge would suit all of them: freight, passenger, or light rail. Don’t just talk about it, let’s get on with it!
On track to cut traffic
IN the late 19th century a group of forward-thinking people built a railway line from Sorell to Bellerive. It wasn’t a great financial venture because it was for moving farm products. Now we have to try to move people from Sorell to Bellerive/ Hobart. Wouldn’t it be cheaper to rebuild the railway instead of trying to increase road traffic to Hobart? Construction companies have quoted a timetable for a new airport roundabout at Cambridge as three years. Both Queensland and New Zealand are selling old suburban railway electric motor units. All that would be needed to renovate these units is a bit of TLC and some overhead wires and the transport problem would be solved.
O-Bahn too expensive
THE reality of an O-Bahn as an alternative for the proposed light (medium) rail in the northern suburbs is the opposite of what reader Johannes Kelde suggests (Letters, August 2). The O-Bahn was a passing fad of the 1980s in Adelaide and has never been replicated in any Australian city or extended in substantial fashion in Adelaide, which reverted to extending light rail. It requires a bulky, concrete track and buses with special equipment, Cut councils to three, says TCCI This old chestnut again? Change takes intestinal fortitude and courage and history has shown that the gaggle of so called leaders we’ve had over the past decade have lacked these qualities and are perhaps more interested in maintaining the status quo, largely to meet their own political agendas and needs? both extraordinarily expensive. An OBahn track would be too wide for the rail corridor and require destruction of the Intercity bike path and possibly property resumption and conversion of what would otherwise be intermittently used level crossings to traffic light intersections. Otherwise it would require a giant viaduct. Finally, buses still don’t attract people from cars like rail does.
Rail already exists and with enhancements is ready to go. Rail has established priority at crossings so would be much faster. Rail has a long proven, far higher conversion capacity from private cars than buses. The proven success of light rail is being installed in the Gold Coast, Canberra, Sydney, soon in Perth, potentially in Cairns and most notably in Adelaide.
Nimble buses better
THE many items about light rail, including the editorial comment, provided much food for thought ( Mercury, August 1). Superficially, I usually appear to be opposed to light rail, but my real attitude is just doubt that authorities will do it well enough for benefits to exceed the liabilities. A light rail system that works well will be expensive. Our politicians and councillors are certain to pay more attention to cost than to quality, and build a crummy system that causes huge problems and much anguish. For every million dollars we spend, we’ll move way more people if we replace our big, ugly, clumsy, diesel buses with modern, small, attractive, comfortable nimble buses.
Turn left with care, please
HOW about some practical additions to assist the flow of existing traffic rather than punitive measures to try to reduce it? Why are there so few, if any, “Turn left with care at any time” signs around Hobart? They seem to be in other cities. Let’s put the emphasis back on drivers to take responsibility for their actions — and reduce distractions.
Ouch
OF course it may just be my imagination, but a couple of members of the State Government currently seem to look as comfortable as blokes with sandpaper in their jocks (“Premier denies links to sacking”, Mercury, August 1).
So much simpler
IAN Cole’s reminiscence of 1960s simplicity of choice (Talking Point, August 2) prompted a memory in South Australia where a bus passenger pondered with the driver regarding contemporary choice complexity. He exclaimed, “I can remember when there were two types of petrol, super and standard, and it still seemed to get us from Point A to Point B!”
Decisive
A FAVOURITE family saying — “choice is the enemy” (Ian Cole’s Talking Point, August 2).