Govt scraps proposed fast rail link to Western Sydney

4001firstdiesel · Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 4:24 pm

This was sourced off www.yahoo.com.au and should be of interest. Apparently, the project discussed would have disadvantaged rail commuters in other areas.

Please explain: Govt ditched $3.9b 'fast rail'

Monday August 25, 2008, 1:28 pm

A private consortium pushing for a fast train from Sydney's outer west to the city is demanding an explanation as to why the Government has scrapped the project.

The $3.9 billion network would transport passengers between Penrith and the CBD in 30 minutes.

The Government announced that it had ruled out the project two weeks ago.

But the head of the consortium, Michael Easson, says the Government has failed to adequately review the proposal.

"We submitted and we were promised a six-month review and feedback. It hasn't occurred," he said.

"We've been promised a further review of costings. Until a few weeks ago, we were never told that the Government believed that our cost estimates were out of wack."

Transport Minister John Watkins has defended the Government's decision, saying the plan cannot proceed in its current form.

"Of course we'll give this iteration a very careful look, but I have to say to this point it simply does not stack up," he said.

"It doesn't stack up to the tax payer, but more importantly I don't think it stacks up for the commuters that use the rail system in western Sydney"

GeoffreyHansen · Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 9:53 pm

I heard about this on the television news about a week or two ago. Does anyone know any details of what exactly was planned?

Bring the 3900s back to Brisbane
Bring Karlsruhe Tramtrains to Australian cities
Extend the proposed Metro to Taylor Square
Extend the Gold Coast line to the Tweed