Rail Freight Task Force - Final Report (7737 kb) - City of Mitcham

9. ALTERNATIVE USESSuggested Future Use of the Existing Rail Corridor9.1 The relocation of rail freight movements away from the current Adelaide Hills route via theproposed northern bypass would create a number of exciting and very real opportunities for anexpanded public transport service.9.2 The current rail corridor from the City of Adelaide to Belair could be converted back to a twin trackpassenger line. It is considered that this would be most efficiently carried out when the proposedconversion of metropolitan rail system to standard gauge takes place, as to replace the existingstandard gauge line with broad gauge would be a retrograde step.9.3 A dual passenger line would once again allow TransAdelaide the opportunity to provide proper andappropriate scheduling of commuter trains, something which has not been possible in the currentsingle line scenario.9.4 Once a reliable and sustainable timetabling frequency could be established, it would then befeasible to reopen the current suburban stations which were made ‘redundant’ by the then StateGovernment when the existing freight line was standardised some twelve years ago. These‘redundant’ stations, namely Hawthorn, Clapham and Millswood could also be complimented bythe construction of possible new stations along the route.9.5 Associated expansion of “Park n Ride” facilities would encourage many more commuters to utilisepassenger trains, an imperative for the future with rising fuel costs, climate change considerations,air pollution and an inadequate, congested, and rapidly deteriorating public road system.9.6 The Adelaide Hills line from Belair to Mount Barker could then be upgraded to a passenger servicewhich would facilitate the reopening all of the existing railway stations along the route as it oncedid. As part of a quickly growing Adelaide Hills town, Mount Barker residents would undoubtedlyprovide substantial patronage for such an expanded service.9.7 It would then also be possible for tourists to catch a train at Adelaide Railway Station to link up withthe Steam Ranger Heritage Railway at Mt Barker.9.8 There may also be an opportunity to upgrade the current line from Mount Barker to Victor Harbor toa dual gauge line thereby allowing commuter trains to once more service the southern towns ofStrathalbyn, Goolwa, Port Elliott and Victor Harbor, whilst still accommodating the Steam RangerHeritage Railway.9.9 The opportunities previously mentioned are not exhaustive. Another option could be the creation ofan O’Bahn system. This would enable the purpose built vehicles to travel the track and thendeviate from the route via public roads as the Adelaide O’Bahn currently does.9.10 Electrification of the conventional rail system is another future option. This would bring SouthAustralia into line with most other states in Australia. Electrification of selected Adelaide suburbanlines was announced in the 2007 budget. Alternatively, this electrification could also be combinedwith purpose built O’Bahn vehicles, thereby eliminating exhaust pollution in built up areas. It isworth noting that electric buses are now widely used in many cities throughout the world wherethey operate efficiently and effectively.9.11 Additionally, the opportunity to create public walking trails and bicycle tracks alongside any futurepublic transport system should not be ignored.Page 30