Newcastle light rail, renewal & integrated transport

[Glen]

The latest from Newcastle, including planned building heights:

https://www.vision6.com.au/v/55229/1099 ... QQDy5NpXcM

[mk2n75]

Keolis Downer announced transport provider for Newcastle

[Fleet Lists]

Reference please.

[Tonymercury]

Something is to be announced today -

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/43488 ... ts/?cs=305

[Glen]

Reference please.

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/43498 ... rt/?cs=305

[Tonymercury]

http://www.skynews.com.au/business/busi ... tract.html

[Newcastle Flyer]

And a source has stated that anyone with a gold public transport pass will now have to pay after July 2017.

[boronia]

They already have to on other "private" transport.

[mandonov]

So does this new entity include Hunter Valley Buses, or at least the regions in Western Newcastle and Lake Macquarie that they operate in?

[Fleet Lists]

I believe not and neither Rover Coaches and the other Newcastle regions. I believe it only applies to the region operated by State Transit Newcastle buses.

[mandonov]

That's a shame. It's currently a bit disjointed in the way the two operators interact and connect. There's no real integration.

[burrumbus]

I believe not and neither Rover Coaches and the other Newcastle regions. I believe it only applies to the region operated by State Transit Newcastle buses.

It only covers State Transit Authority Newcastle Buses contract area,the Stockton ferry and the to be built light rail project.

[mandonov]

Reading the brochure for associated road upgrades, it looks like the maintenance depot will be on the site of the exisiting Wickham station. And by the looks of the green outlines, it seems the old Store site will be the location for a bus interchange.



Higher quality image link: http://i.imgur.com/10MyvlF.png

[Fleet Lists]

http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/newsroo ... -transport

New Era for Newcastle transport
12 December 2016

Newcastle is set for a new era of public transport, with better and more frequent services and a new timetabling system that will link bus, ferry and light rail timetables to ensure the best services for customers.

NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance announced today that a new operator Newcastle Transport will start running services next year.

“We are investing more than $500 million to breathe new life into Newcastle, and we will now have a transport system in place to support the extra jobs and activity at the heart of a truly revitalised Newcastle,” Mr Baird said.

“Newcastle Transport will guarantee better and more frequent public transport options, giving Novocastrians the world-class transport they deserve.”

Mr Constance said the successful Keolis Downer bid for Newcastle Transport delivered massive service improvements for Newcastle commuters, which is why it was chosen over lower cost bids.

“For the first time, the operator will have to guarantee a better deal for locals. Ferry commuters will get a service every 15 minutes throughout the day. Light rail customers will get a service every 7.5 minutes, an improvement on the expected 10 minute wait,” Mr Constance said.

“Under this plan, buses will cover more ground, a new “night owl” bus service will be set up to support the weekend night-time economy, and the city will get on-demand buses.

“In an Australian-first upgrade, Newcastle Transport will chuck out-dated timetables in the bin, and work with locals to create a network that works for this unique, booming city.

“In addition to more frequent ferry services, the fleet will also be refurbished to improve reliability and comfort.”

Newcastle Transport will start running bus and ferry services in July 2017, and service changes will start in 2018 to minimise disruption. It will run the light rail when it opens in 2019.

Transport workers will be protected, with all State Transit operational staff retaining their jobs under Newcastle Transport. Fares will remain part of the Opal system.

Today the NSW Government also signed Stage Two of the contract with Downer EDI as Managing Contractor to design, construct and commission the new light rail, including a stabling and maintenance facility and associated precinct works.

[mandonov]

http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/newsroo ... nterchange

New transport hub to don the name 'Newcastle Interchange'

The new transport interchange under construction in Newcastle’s west end will be called “Newcastle Interchange” with the Geographical Names Board recommending the official name.

Revitalising Newcastle Program Director, Michael Cassel said the decision was a great outcome.

“It is important that the name of this key multi-modal transport hub meets the needs of locals and visitors.”

“The name Newcastle Interchange reflects the primacy of this facility as the new major public transport hub serving the Newcastle urban centre, and reflects the role of the interchange as a gateway to this great city.”

Newcastle Interchange will be the terminus of the existing Central Coast & Newcastle and Hunter train lines, with many people travelling to the station from outside the Newcastle area.

“The Revitalising Newcastle program is all about bringing people back into Newcastle’s city centre, creating new jobs, more public spaces and delivering better transport.”

Customers will be able to use Newcastle Interchange from late next year to connect with trains, buses and taxis, and take advantage of facilities for cyclists and car drop-off and pick-ups.

Customers will also be able to connect with light rail at the interchange when services start in 2019.

Newcastle Interchange is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $510 million program to revitalise Newcastle.

[boronia]

I noticed the other day that the train indicators at Central now include "Queens Wharf" as a (bus) stop.

[Glen]

http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/newsroo ... nterchange

New transport hub to don the name 'Newcastle Interchange'

The new transport interchange under construction in Newcastle’s west end will be called “Newcastle Interchange” with the Geographical Names Board recommending the official name.

It's good to see that trains will again run to Newcastle after all. Anyway, that's only a slight difference to the name on the original sign:

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/24588 ... o-wycombe/

[kypros1992]

The new logo hidden away in the IP register
https://search.ipaustralia.gov.au/trade ... +transport

[Fleet Lists]

see here

[I Follow PAFC]

Was a bit annoying on Saturday night getting to my hotel had signaling problem got to Hamilton 5mins late and the bus had already gone.

[tonyp]

Was a bit annoying on Saturday night getting to my hotel had signaling problem got to Hamilton 5mins late and the bus had already gone.

I tried to find a timetable to follow up your account and a web search revealed nothing whatsoever about Newcastle public transport - just a lot of "page not found" etc! Is there a timetable for this shuttle bus and is it free? Indeed is there any PT in Newcastle at all nowadays?

[mubd]

I was in Newcastle a few weeks after the train service was removed.

The shuttle bus ran a bit late, so the train left as we pulled into the station. So myself and a bunch of other people on that bus had to wait another hour for the bloody train. You'd think they'd have had the presence of mind to implement some kind of arrangement where the train or bus will be held if either are running late.

[mandonov]

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/45611 ... ot/?cs=305

Newcastle light rail vehicle design unveiled

Matthew Kelly
29 Mar 2017, 10 a.m.



They are bright red with a dynamite N shape representing Newcastle.

The final livery design for the city’s fleet of light vehicles captures the feel of a vibrant and evolving city and its people.

The vehicle manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles has already cut the steel for the Newcastle fleet’s bogie frames and the first vehicle body shell will receive a coat of paint next month.

The light rail vehicles design also aligns with the logo of the new light rail operator, Newcastle Transport.

“At the end of the day, while the look and feel of Newcastle’s new transport network is important, we know that delivering reliable, modern, well-connected services is what locals really care about,” Revitalising Newcastle program director, Michael Cassel said.

“Newcastle Transport will deliver the world class public transport system Newcastle deserves.

“With Newcastle’s bus and ferry timetables being overhauled in early 2018, and with light rail services set to start in early 2019, Novocastrians will soon have better transport services and more travel choices than ever before.

[boronia]

I wonder what numbers will be allocated to these trams.

Perhaps start at 2401, in deference to the L/P trams of the previous system which went up to 395

[Tonymercury]

My money is on 2125 onwards.