In regards to the Busway does anyone know how much merit this response on the north east links question portal holds?

"Q: There have been multiple answers as well as a small passage in the community engagement report for AUG - OCT 2017 that claim the project will not preclude potential Doncaster heavy rail in the future. Will/have there be any design provisions made with the Doncaster Busway such that it, or other parts of the Eastern Freeway may be transitioned to a heavy rail line in 15-20 years if potential patronage ever justifies the cost? (grade issues notwithstanding) Or is the non-preclusion merely stating that another corridor or tunnel option could always be procured for Doncaster heavy rail; If ever justified. Or is this something we will have to wait for the ESS for an answer on? Thanks!
Tom asked  14 days ago

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the question. The busway is being designed in a way that would make a transition to rail possible in the future should this be found to be a more viable option.

The busway would also not preclude other public transport projects, or corridors in the area from being considered and assessed for feasibility.

The North East Link team"

It surprises me they would not be spruiking this even just a little. (Other than to maybe avoid renewed calls for a rail line.)

(from https://jointheconversation.northeastlink.vic.gov.au/ask-a-question)

In regards to the Busway does anyone know how much merit this response on the north east links question portal holds?

"Q: There have been multiple answers as well as a small passage in the community engagement report for AUG - OCT 2017 that claim the project will not preclude potential Doncaster heavy rail in the future. Will/have there be any design provisions made with the Doncaster Busway such that it, or other parts of the Eastern Freeway may be transitioned to a heavy rail line in 15-20 years if potential patronage ever justifies the cost? (grade issues notwithstanding) Or is the non-preclusion merely stating that another corridor or tunnel option could always be procured for Doncaster heavy rail; If ever justified. Or is this something we will have to wait for the ESS for an answer on? Thanks!
Tom asked  14 days ago

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the question. The busway is being designed in a way that would make a transition to rail possible in the future should this be found to be a more viable option.

The busway would also not preclude other public transport projects, or corridors in the area from being considered and assessed for feasibility.

The North East Link team"

It surprises me they would not be spruiking this even just a little. (Other than to maybe avoid renewed calls for a rail line.)

(from https://jointheconversation.northeastlink.vic.gov.au/ask-a-question)

It's not at all their concern, they are building a road. Its the governments responsibility to manage rail line expectations. Which with the SRL I would say they have killed it.

It is interesting that they have responded in the way they have given that though. I would have expected something specifically about the various feasibility studies or SRL in response.

~(edit) If it is relatively inexpensive for them to design the Busway with possibly far future transition in mind I don't see a reason not too, although that may well be far more difficult to do than I believe it to be.

The NE Link will cost 16.5 Billion
So that’s 15.9 Billion for the road and 600 Million for the bussway

There’s also 1.75 Billion to build the road and 3 Billion locked away for the EW Link, that can be redirected

Rail line will cost around 2.5-3 Billion to build, Stations at Kew, Kew East (Bulleen Rd), Balwyn North and Doncaster Shoppingtown as we have discussed

That federal cash would pay for it and leave a bit left over along with the 600 Million directed towards the bussway and 1.75 Billion in fed money that can go towards NE Link.

The NE Link will cost 16.5 Billion
So that’s 15.9 Billion for the road and 600 Million for the bussway

There’s also 1.75 Billion to build the road and 3 Billion locked away for the EW Link, that can be redirected

Rail line will cost around 2.5-3 Billion to build, Stations at Kew, Kew East (Bulleen Rd), Balwyn North and Doncaster Shoppingtown as we have discussed

That federal cash would pay for it and leave a bit left over along with the 600 Million directed towards the bussway and 1.75 Billion in fed money that can go towards NE Link.

They are not going to build your beloved railway line proposal. time you build a bridge and get over It !

The current State Government has so many future transport projects promised, that they are oozing out of their ears.
Their plan on funding all of them Is a bit shaky (hoping there will be future rivers of gold coming In to Government coffers)

The Federal Government Is rather cash strapped and struggling to balance their budget.

The North East link is my biggest criticism of the Andrews Government. I thought that they had finally realised that building new toll-roads has little or no positive effect on traffic. $16 billion - there's the western section of Metro 2.
I've got nothing against periodically upgrading suburban roads, especially in the outer suburbs, but adding new freeways to a city which already has one of the world's most comprehensive freeway networks