Annual Report 2009-10

The upgrade of Hallett Cove station commenced late January and has beenprogressing well. Following its expected completion in September 2010 theHallett Cove Beach station will be closed for a similar upgrade. This work hasrequired bus substitutes between stations and quite frequent weekend lineclosures. The disruption to services has been reflected by the fall in patronage onthe Noarlunga line over the past year.Preliminary works commenced in March on the 5.5 kilometre rail line extensionfrom Noarlunga Centre to Seaford. This work includes construction of a roadbridge at Noarlunga Centre and significant drainage upgrades, relocation ofservices and the establishment of site offices and works compounds.Rolling StockTransAdelaide’s rolling stock was given a boost in November 2009 with thefirst of six Alstom Citadis trams arriving from Madrid via Melbourne and the firstrefurbished 3000 series railcar re-entering service. All six Citadis trams hadentered service by March and been very well received by Adelaide’s commuters.Fifteen refurbished 3000/3100 series railcars had re-entered service by 30June 2010 leaving 55 to be completed. A great deal of effort has been made toincrease passenger comfort and thereby make commuting by rail more attractivefor people. The refurbishment completely remodels railcar interiors and providesa safer, modern, comfortable and refreshed environment for passengers.Refurbished railcars are Disability Discrimination Act compliant and have moredesignated spaces for wheelchairs and mobility aids as well as upgradedpassenger information systems with hearing loops for the visually impaired.Security is also improved with additional CCTV cameras, including a live feed tothe driver’s compartment and emergency call buttons. Whilst some 3000/3100railcars are to remain diesel powered for the Belair line, most are to be convertedto electric for operations along with 66 new electric railcars which are expectedto start arriving in late 2012 prior to electric operations in 2013.10 | TransAdelaide Annual Report 2009-10