with the latest update for the tripview app it now shows the south west rail link
SWRL Construction Progress
michael1970
Junior Train Controller
normw
Junior Train Controller
It would have been nice to meet and say thanks to at least a few contributors to this now deceased thread but as no one was evident I didn't get to.
Prior to 10am Leppington and Campbelltown services were using P3 and Macarthur P4; after 10am P3 had the Leppington and 'turn-back' services. Ex-Leppington trains were using P2.
A 'Change at Glenfield for Leppington services' type announcement was lacking on the automatic on-train announcements on approach to Glenfield.
Regrettably the ~8.40am service from Glenfield arrived at Leppington in time for the official opening ceremony, with the unveiling a little after 9am (no pic; no visibility) on the main concourse, but the plaque was mounted on a mobile stand, so they either don't trust vandals or they were reluctant to drill holes in the new station. Decided to catch the ~9.15am train back to Glenfield, but so did the politicians, press and multiple hangers-on, that got me a 'What do you think of it?' from the Transport Minister and a 'It's the best we've got' from me. (which was the kindest 'political' reply I could think of at short notice.)
At least one train from Leppington terminated on P2 at Glenfield in the p.m. then set back into P3 for the return to Leppington. No idea why.
At this time not had a look at what I got photo-wise, but as we were pulling away from Leppington I heard the 'familiar' voice of Phil, the 'Sydney Trains Vlogs' man, apparently making a recording of the journey, this time from the southern side of the train; this may be something to track down in the near future.
Coming back to Campbelltown it was of course necessary to change platforms at Glenfield. Alas, I heard the guard give the right-of-way as I stepped on to the bottom step, less than 2 car lengths from the train guards position; if changing platforms is to become 'necessary', it would auger well for everyones happiness (including the guards) if this process could be be better handled.
If I add anything further to my 'photo album' will repost a link back here.
Prior to 10am Leppington and Campbelltown services were using P3 and Macarthur P4; after 10am P3 had the Leppington and 'turn-back' services. Ex-Leppington trains were using P2.
A 'Change at Glenfield for Leppington services' type announcement was lacking on the automatic on-train announcements on approach to Glenfield.
Regrettably the ~8.40am service from Glenfield arrived at Leppington in time for the official opening ceremony, with the unveiling a little after 9am (no pic; no visibility) on the main concourse, but the plaque was mounted on a mobile stand, so they either don't trust vandals or they were reluctant to drill holes in the new station. Decided to catch the ~9.15am train back to Glenfield, but so did the politicians, press and multiple hangers-on, that got me a 'What do you think of it?' from the Transport Minister and a 'It's the best we've got' from me. (which was the kindest 'political' reply I could think of at short notice.)
At least one train from Leppington terminated on P2 at Glenfield in the p.m. then set back into P3 for the return to Leppington. No idea why.
At this time not had a look at what I got photo-wise, but as we were pulling away from Leppington I heard the 'familiar' voice of Phil, the 'Sydney Trains Vlogs' man, apparently making a recording of the journey, this time from the southern side of the train; this may be something to track down in the near future.
Coming back to Campbelltown it was of course necessary to change platforms at Glenfield. Alas, I heard the guard give the right-of-way as I stepped on to the bottom step, less than 2 car lengths from the train guards position; if changing platforms is to become 'necessary', it would auger well for everyones happiness (including the guards) if this process could be be better handled.
If I add anything further to my 'photo album' will repost a link back here.
s3_gunzel
Not a gunzel developer
Location: Western Sydney, AU
ivahri
Train Controller
I wasn't quite as crazy as to catch the 5:03am... I caught the one after 9am from Glenfield- the desto first said "Special" then "Terminates" but the down signal was showing "double yellow" so we knew where it was going! As soon as it stopped the doors opened and the guard yelled out "Get on... going to Leppington!" So we did... the almost immediate thing noticed was that here was a Millenium free of all signs of dirt or human habitation. You could eat your meal off the floor and seats... it was scrubbed clean down to the paint... we may never see this happen again in our lifetimes!
The "official" train was in Leppington platform 2 when I arrived and I took the ride back to Glenfield (via Liverpool) on the next service...
A memorable day for SW Sydney...
Cheers
Richard
The "official" train was in Leppington platform 2 when I arrived and I took the ride back to Glenfield (via Liverpool) on the next service...
A memorable day for SW Sydney...
Cheers
Richard
bingley hall
Minister for Railways
Location: Last train to Skaville
Stupid question from an interstater - looking at the online timetable, it's just a $1.8bn shuttle service (about the same as the whole Mandurah line in WA cost).
I'm obviously missing something here, but is it safe to say there no through services to the CBD?
Thanks in advance.
I'm obviously missing something here, but is it safe to say there no through services to the CBD?
Thanks in advance.
ivahri
Train Controller
It is a temporary timetable until they integrate the line into the Sydney Trains network... I believe there is a new timetable coming out later in the year. There will be through services for certain but we don't know what the pattern will be yet (via East Hills, via Granville or via Bankstown- or an extension of the Cumberland line services).
Cheers
Richard
Cheers
Richard
thadocta
Chief Commissioner
Location: Katoomba
Stupid question from an interstater - looking at the online timetable, it's just a $1.8bn shuttle service (about the same as the whole Mandurah line in WA cost).At the moment.
I'm obviously missing something here, but is it safe to say there no through services to the CBD?
Thanks in advance.
But the history in NSW is that all new extensions operate as shuttles at first, and are then integrated into the network after a bedding down period.
We saw this with the ESR (trains ran Central-Bondi Junction only), the ECRL (shuttles ran as Epping-Chatswood and return), eventually they were integrated.
Who knows what will happen with this one though, we will have to wait and see.
There seems to be a mindset developing though - and it is not without merit - that there is a need to eliminate the "one seat ride" mentality, namely that you should be able to get from anywhere to anywhere without changing trains.
Perhaps making the SWRL a non-CBD route might be the first major part of implementing this policy?
Who knows.
Dave
bingley hall
Minister for Railways
Location: Last train to Skaville
Thanks for the replies.
gmanning1
Locomotive Driver
Location: Sydney
there is a need to eliminate the "one seat ride" mentality, namely that you should be able to get from anywhere to anywhere without changing trains.As an Inner West train user, since the last major timetable change, any trip heading west involves a change of train as all the local ones now stop at Homebush. It was annoying at first, and particularly when travelling to Olympic Park where you now need to change twice, but it really doesn't take any extra time.
I mainly use a phone app these days, which stores all my regular trips, and it's really no hassle as it pretty much tells you which station and platform to use for interchanges.
Perhaps making the SWRL a non-CBD route might be the first major part of implementing this policy?I could see the sence in leaving it the way it is until it gets extended or the patronage increases significantly. The option to change at both Glenfield and Liverpool pretty much covers any destination.
At half hour frequency, alternating between the four different lines (Airport/East Hills, Main South, Bankstown & Cumberland) doesn't make much sence if they are all equally utalized.
Newcastle Express
Chief Commissioner
Good grief, don't tell me Sydney Vlogs stayed at Leppington for almost 5 hours?
You might say that he was "pre-occupied".
You might say that he was "pre-occupied".
ivahri
Train Controller
Given that there are peak hour 4 car Cumberland line services originating at Campbelltown it would make the most sense (for now) to integrate the SWRL with these services- that would result in the least number of passengers from between Macarthur and Macquarie Fields having to change at Glenfield.
Cheers
Richard
Cheers
Richard
s3_gunzel
Not a gunzel developer
Location: Western Sydney, AU
Good grief, don't tell me Sydney Vlogs stayed at Leppington for almost 5 hours?Don't tell me you're surprised. His track record at Wondabyne is in itself proof this isn't at all unusual.
RTT_Rules
Dr Beeching
Location: Dubai UAE
The NWRL project probably kicked this off well entruely
There seems to be a mindset developing though - and it is not without merit - that there is a need to eliminate the "one seat ride" mentality, namely that you should be able to get from anywhere to anywhere without changing trains.
Perhaps making the SWRL a non-CBD route might be the first major part of implementing this policy?
Who knows.
Dave
normw
Junior Train Controller
This thread has largely focused on the South-West Rail Link, its construction and, recently, timetabling - it's never been about any individual's photography predilictions - or skill.
lsrailfan
Chief Commissioner
Location: Somewhere you're not
Afternoon everyone, Today I took the opportunity to visit the 2 new Stations on the South West Rail Link, for some Photographs, they are as follows
https://www.flickr.com/photos/32678796@N05/16504383581/in/photostream/- Edmondson Park Station Sign, on the Platform
https://www.flickr.com/photos/32678796@N05/16505097962/in/photostream/- Looking along the length of Edmondson Park, and the stairs which lead to the top, and the Concourse area
https://www.flickr.com/photos/32678796@N05/16504388791/in/photostream/- Edmondson Park Station, from the outside
https://www.flickr.com/photos/32678796@N05/16506126115/in/photostream/- Sign at Leppington Station
https://www.flickr.com/photos/32678796@N05/16320212157/in/photostream/- Leppington Station from the outside,
Kind Regards
https://www.flickr.com/photos/32678796@N05/16504383581/in/photostream/- Edmondson Park Station Sign, on the Platform
https://www.flickr.com/photos/32678796@N05/16505097962/in/photostream/- Looking along the length of Edmondson Park, and the stairs which lead to the top, and the Concourse area
https://www.flickr.com/photos/32678796@N05/16504388791/in/photostream/- Edmondson Park Station, from the outside
https://www.flickr.com/photos/32678796@N05/16506126115/in/photostream/- Sign at Leppington Station
https://www.flickr.com/photos/32678796@N05/16320212157/in/photostream/- Leppington Station from the outside,
Kind Regards
normw
Junior Train Controller
Done a bit of digging but not found any pix of the 'opening day' placque at Leppington actually being unveiled or finally afixed to a wall; it does exist, because I had a quick glimpse of it before a person closed the curtain on it prior to the 'official opening'. I thought this would be an appropriate pix to end my photo 'album' but haven't been able to find it... anyone know why or where it is now?
normw
Junior Train Controller
See also the following forum thread for excellent DJI views of Leppington and Edmondson Park:
"Forums""New South Wales""SWRL Lepington and Edmondson Park station aerial footage"
"Forums""New South Wales""SWRL Lepington and Edmondson Park station aerial footage"
wurx
Lithgovian Ambassador-at-Large
Location: The mystical lost principality of Daptovia
See also the following forum thread for excellent DJI views of Leppington and Edmondson Park:Thanks a bunch for supplying the link norm
"Forums""New South Wales""SWRL Lepington and Edmondson Park station aerial footage"
https://www.railpage.com.au/f-t11380787-s0.htm
normw
Junior Train Controller
Done a bit of digging but not found any pix of the 'opening day' placque at Leppington actually being unveiled or finally afixed to a wall; it does exist, because I had a quick glimpse of it before a person closed the curtain on it prior to the 'official opening'. I thought this would be an appropriate pix to end my photo 'album' but haven't been able to find it... anyone know why or where it is now?Given the silence on this question, I assume either the original plate had a typo or they intend to hide it somewhere - like in the Leppington Station Mast---oops Managers office?
normw
Junior Train Controller
Thanks a bunch for supplying the link normThanks for providing a proper active link.
https://www.railpage.com.au/f-t11380787-s0.htm
jcouch
Assistant Commissioner
Location: Asleep on a commuter train
Last week the state government released the first set of discussion papers and track route proposals for the southern extension of the SWRL.
http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects-swrl-extension-corridor-preservation
Interesting path they have chosen - through some protected forest land (tunnel maybe as it is a bit of a ridge) and, according to this SMH article today, right in a brand new development that they just had a whole heap of people sign contracts for a couple of weeks ago. Developers will loooove that - brand new homes getting demolished that are less than (say) 5-10 years old at the point this all gets built.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-16/south-west-sydney-residents-shocked-by-rail-plan/6549026
http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects-swrl-extension-corridor-preservation
Interesting path they have chosen - through some protected forest land (tunnel maybe as it is a bit of a ridge) and, according to this SMH article today, right in a brand new development that they just had a whole heap of people sign contracts for a couple of weeks ago. Developers will loooove that - brand new homes getting demolished that are less than (say) 5-10 years old at the point this all gets built.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-16/south-west-sydney-residents-shocked-by-rail-plan/6549026
normw
Junior Train Controller
Last week the state government released the first set of discussion papers and track route proposals for the southern extension of the SWRL.Thanks 'jcouch'... I was beginning to think this thread was dead.
http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects-swrl-extension-corridor-preservation
Interesting path they have chosen - through some protected forest land (tunnel maybe as it is a bit of a ridge) and, according to this SMH article today, right in a brand new development that they just had a whole heap of people sign contracts for a couple of weeks ago. Developers will loooove that - brand new homes getting demolished that are less than (say) 5-10 years old at the point this all gets built.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-16/south-west-sydney-residents-shocked-by-rail-plan/6549026
Took a trip out to Leppington yesterday around lunchtime; the carparks were less than a quarter full, the ticket windows firmly closed, the station and environs amazingly free of grafitti (Hope I don't jinx it), the 'shop' on the northern side still empty, and still no sign of the 'opening day' plaque. Even Edmondson Park appeared to be grafitti-free, and it's not until the train gets back to the flyovers at south Glenfield that their visual pollution becomes (too) evident. Leppington platforms still look 'as new', and while platforms 3 & 4 were at least handling through trains bound for Rossmore, its unknown (to me) if regular services use them in peak hours. Off-peak services at least still arrive and leave from P2.
Thanks for links above.... The 'corridor reservation project' seems to have got started a few years too late, given the time it took to get to Leppington, It seems tunnels are the least embarrassing option for the Narellan extension!
ub3r21
Station Master
From 13th December, the SWRL will be connected to the T2 South Line:
http://www.sydneytrains.info/news/2015/151015-swrl
The article notes that the frequency will increase from 2tph to 4tph during most of the day.
It is interesting that the article mentions that travel data (presumably from Opal cards) indicates that most travellers travel towards Liverpool & Parramatta - Parramatta especially given that there isn't currently a direct service from Edmondson Park/Leppington and the Cumberland line operating with 2tph on weekdays and 10-20 min waits between connecting SWRL and Cumberland line services.
Having said that, was there ever a chance of a service to the City via Sydenham/Airport, given recent clearways projects and capacity constraints in the City Circle? There are 8tph currently operating to/from Cambelltown in the peaks together with 4tph Revesby starters and 8tph from Bankstown (correct me if I'm wrong). I would imagine that any sort of service from the SWRL via Sydenham/airport would have reduced the number of trains operating between Macarthur and Glenfield - unlikely to have happened given the catchment of the line south of Glenfield compared to the SWRL.
Will the new service result in a re-write of the timetable - or simply an extension of the South line Glenfield starters? Currently, during the peaks, 4tph start/terminate at Glenfield from Granville while in the off-peak this is 2tph - consistent with the planned frequency of the SWRL after integration with the T2 South Line.
Would be interesting to see the proportion of users changing at Glenfield for a quicker service to the City (more than 15 mins quicker in the peak to Central).
http://www.sydneytrains.info/news/2015/151015-swrl
The article notes that the frequency will increase from 2tph to 4tph during most of the day.
It is interesting that the article mentions that travel data (presumably from Opal cards) indicates that most travellers travel towards Liverpool & Parramatta - Parramatta especially given that there isn't currently a direct service from Edmondson Park/Leppington and the Cumberland line operating with 2tph on weekdays and 10-20 min waits between connecting SWRL and Cumberland line services.
Having said that, was there ever a chance of a service to the City via Sydenham/Airport, given recent clearways projects and capacity constraints in the City Circle? There are 8tph currently operating to/from Cambelltown in the peaks together with 4tph Revesby starters and 8tph from Bankstown (correct me if I'm wrong). I would imagine that any sort of service from the SWRL via Sydenham/airport would have reduced the number of trains operating between Macarthur and Glenfield - unlikely to have happened given the catchment of the line south of Glenfield compared to the SWRL.
Will the new service result in a re-write of the timetable - or simply an extension of the South line Glenfield starters? Currently, during the peaks, 4tph start/terminate at Glenfield from Granville while in the off-peak this is 2tph - consistent with the planned frequency of the SWRL after integration with the T2 South Line.
Would be interesting to see the proportion of users changing at Glenfield for a quicker service to the City (more than 15 mins quicker in the peak to Central).
s3_gunzel
Not a gunzel developer
Location: Western Sydney, AU
Will the new service result in a re-write of the timetable - or simply an extension of the South line Glenfield starters? Currently, during the peaks, 4tph start/terminate at Glenfield from Granville while in the off-peak this is 2tph - consistent with the planned frequency of the SWRL after integration with the T2 South Line.
I'm secretly hoping for a rewrite to at least sector 2.
Aurora8
Assistant Commissioner
Location: Sydney
The timetable is a revision to the one now in use. Glenfield terminators will be extended to Leppington and some other tweaks as are required.
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