Three construction industry sources, speaking anonymously to detail confidential discussions, estimated the station interchange works could be worth between $4 billion and $6 billion, and included some of the most challenging parts of the project. A Suburban Rail Loop spokesperson disputed that estimate, as they said the project was “on time and on budget”.
At its surface, the project seems simple. The successful bidder will create the connections between the new SRL East stations and the existing Metro stations and bus routes that sit above them, a key feature of the project’s pledge to create an orbital rail line rather than a “hub-and-spoke” system that requires travelling into the CBD to access other rail lines.
Board minutes from the Suburban Rail Loop Authority, obtained by this masthead under freedom of information laws, not only confirm the existence of the package but highlight some of these technical difficulties.
Great news!
The article mentioned that SRL Authority had told the City of Monash that there would be no underground connection between the SRL and Metro stations at Glen Waverley.
I always think the simplest solution to connect the two station is to built a subway below Coleman Parade, and built a lift, stairs and/or escalators that emerge in the middle of Metro station island platform.
Someone forgot to put the brakes on…
Similar happened in Melbourne some years ago on a passenger train that got up to speeds of 102 km/h 
There wouldn’t be much room to do so.
I don’t think it massively matters if there’s an out of station interchange or not. Out of station interchanges exist in places like New York and London.
The first of 100 of Melbourne’s new G Class tram entered into passenger service today on Route 59 from Essendon Tram Depot to Flinders Street Station.
The G Class will replace the Z and A class trams. And will serve on Routes 57, 59 and 82 at first before expanding to Routes 12, 48 and 58.
The Transport Victoria logo is prominent on the new G Class tram. In contrast, Yarra Trams is only shown as a label “Operated by Yarra Trams” on the driver’s side.
Similar to Metro Trains, a few years ago they started stripping the Metro logo next to the doors and on the front cabs and replacing them with PTV logos.
The HCMT’s (and now the X’Trap 2.0’s) went a step further and fully removed the “Metro” wording from the train livery.
Stopped at 8am this morning
Bus network propaganda
As Australia’s cities expanded and traffic congestion intensified during the 1970s, governments across the country searched for new ways to move people more efficiently. Take a Ride explores ambitious transport projects, emerging public transport strategies and urban planning initiatives designed to reduce dependence on private cars and prepare Australia’s capital cities for the future.
Produced by Film Australia for the Commonwealth Department of Transport, this fascinating documentary visits Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, examining major developments including rail electrification, new train fleets, bus interchanges, bikeway networks, ferry upgrades, transit lanes and the Melbourne Underground Loop. Many of the projects featured were expected to shape Australian cities well into the twenty-first century.
Viewed today, Take a Ride offers a remarkable snapshot of how transport planners imagined Australia’s future, revealing which predictions succeeded, which challenges remain, and how debates about congestion, sustainability and public transport investment continue to influence urban life.
Whether you’re interested in Australian history, trains, trams, buses, infrastructure, urban planning or transport policy, this film provides a unique record of a pivotal period in the development of Australia’s cities.
It’s coming.
Works on the new Karnup Railway Station (along the Mandurah Line) will commence in 2028.
The last of the V/Lo sets goes into V/Line service this week (VL141). And no plans beyond that…
Have all of the old loco/carriage sets been replaced? I know many of the lines only use VLocities now.
No. There are 3 N-sets and 5 N-class locos that are cycled for use on the Swan Hill line.
Talking of which - there is very much an uncertain future regarding passenger services on that line given there are 50 level crossings to be upgraded before V/Los (a downgrade) can use it. And there is no funding and no money to do so.
Lipstick on a pig stuck in traffic?
https://www.railexpress.com.au/new-update-on-buses-to-replace-axed-gold-coast-light-rail-extension/
Alstom awarded €270 million contract for 25 more trains
The Victorian Government has awarded Alstom a €270 million contract for 25 additional X’Trapolis 2.0 trains.
The government has exercised a contract option for 25 more trains, adding to the 25 trains currently being delivered under the initial contract awarded in 2021.
€270 million = A$442.4 million at today’s exchange rate