NSW Railway Observations 2021

[mandonov]

They’ve tried to implement exit numbers into the wayfinding system but IMO the same exit number applies to way too many actual exit points.

https://transportnsw.info/document/3521 ... on-map.pdf

[boronia]

I was recently impressed by the displays at major stations in Brisbane where each platform has secondary screens showing the next departures on the other platforms/lines.

[Stonesourscotty]

B17 was running in Penrith Yesterday but not in service

Programmed are advertising for staff for the Tangara upgrade program. What involvement do they have in this process does anyone know? Or is it just a labour hire involvement?

[boronia]

https://programmed.com.au/staffing/skilled-workforce/

[boxythingy]

How hard is exit 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 or 2a, 2b etc? Hong Kong Has Exits e.g. A1, A2, A3 etc!

[Fleet Lists]

How many stations in Sydney would need that?

[moa999]

They’ve tried to implement exit numbers into the wayfinding system but IMO the same exit number applies to way too many actual exit points.

https://transportnsw.info/document/3521 ... on-map.pdf

51A537F7-2B67-402E-A933-E80D54751849.jpeg

I think the main difference is HK also includes pathways thru the other buildings..

That Town Hall example just ends at the station box.

[Fleet Lists]

https://transportnsw.info/news/2021/min ... e#homepage

Minor train timetable changes in June
Friday 28 May 2021

On Saturday 12 June 2021, some minor timetable adjustments are being made to train services.

These adjustments are being introduced as part of a regular review of train services to help improve network resilience and reliability.

There will be some minor timing adjustments of up to one minute to departure and arrival times and platform changes to a small number of services on the T1 Western Line, T2 Inner West & Leppington Line, T3 Bankstown Line, T8 Airport and South Line, T9 Northern Line, Blue Mountains Line and Central Coast & Newcastle Line.

You can plan your new trip using the Trip Planner from 28 May to see if your travel is affected by the changes. You can also check transport apps, indicator screens on platforms or listen for announcements at stations.
Changes by line
T1 Western Line

Minor adjustments have been made to departure and arrival times on some services:

Weekdays

The weekday 7.58am Central to Blacktown service will arrive at Blacktown one minute later at 8.37 am, instead of the current 8.36am
The weekday 6.19pm Central to Penrith service will arrive at Penrith one minute later at 7.17pm, instead of the current 7.16pm
The weekday 7.14pm Emu Plains to Central service now departs from Emu Plains one minute earlier at 7.13 pm
The weekday 9.14pm Emu Plains to Central service will depart Clyde one minute later at 9.59pm, instead of the current 9.58pm.

Weekends and Public Holidays

The weekend 5.28am Penrith to Central service will depart Toongabbie one minute later at 5.58am, instead of the current 5.57am.

T2 Inner West & Leppington Line

Minor adjustments have been made to some weekend services

The weekend 11.17am Museum to Homebush service now departs St James one minute later at 11.19am, instead of 11.18am.
The weekend 9.17pm Museum to Homebush service now departs St James one minute later at 9.19pm, instead of 9.18pm.

T3 Bankstown Line

Platform changes on some services

The weekday 3.54am Liverpool to Central service now departs Liverpool on Platform 2 instead of Platform 3.
The weekend late night 12am Campsie to Liverpool service now departs Campsie on Platform 2 instead of Platform 1.

T8 Airport & South Line

Minor adjustments have been made to departure times on some services

Weekdays

The weekday 7.22am Campbelltown to Circular Quay via Sydenham service will depart Museum one minute later at 8.20am, instead of the current 8.19am.
The weekday 7.37am Campbelltown to Circular Quay via Sydenham service will depart Museum one minute later at 8.35am, instead of the current 8.34am
The weekday 4pm Central to Macarthur via Airport service will depart one minute later than current from the following stations:
Revesby at 4.28pm (instead of 4.27pm)
East Hills at 4.33pm (instead of 4.32pm)
Holsworthy at 4.36pm (instead of 4.35pm)

Weekends and Public Holidays

The weekend 10.11am Macarthur to Circular Quay via Airport service will depart St James one minute later at 11.19am, instead of the current 11.18am.
The Saturday 8.13pm Macarthur to Circular Quay via Airport service will depart St James one minute later at 9.19pm, instead of the current 9.18pm.

T9 Northern Line

Minor adjustments have been made to arrival times at Hornsby

Weekday late night services departing Central at 9.48pm, 10.03pm, 10.18pm, 10.48pm, 11.03pm, 11.18pm, 11.33pm, 11.48pm and the Friday late night 12.33pm service will arrive at Hornsby one minute earlier.

Central Coast and Newcastle Line

Minor adjustments have been made to departure and arrival times on some services

Weekdays

The 5.39am Gosford to Newcastle Interchange service will depart Wyee and Awaba one minute later than current at 6.14am and 6.34am respectively.
The 6.03pm Wyong to Gosford service will arrive at Gosford one minute earlier at 6.24pm instead of 6.25pm, and on platform 2 instead of platform 3.
The 6.57pm Gosford to Newcastle Interchange service will depart Dora Creek one minute later at 7.39pm, instead of the current 7.38pm
The 8.15pm Central to Newcastle Interchange will depart Hamilton one minute later at 10.59pm, instead of the current 10.58pm.
The Friday night 9.15pm Central to Newcastle Interchange service will arrive at Newcastle Interchange one minute later at 12.02am instead of the current 12.01am.

There are two platform changes:

The weekday 5.23am Newcastle Interchange to Central will depart Newcastle Interchange from Platform 3 instead of Platform 2.
The weekday 5:04pm Central to Newcastle Interchange service will depart Gosford on Platform 2 instead of Platform 3.

Weekends and Public Holidays

The 7.21am service from Gosford to Newcastle Interchange will depart from Dora Creek one minute later at 8.03am instead of 8.02am.

Blue Mountains Line

Minor adjustments have been made to departure and arrival times on some services

Weekdays

The weekday 4.22am Central to Lithgow service will depart Penrith one minute later at 5.12am, instead of the current 5.11am.
The weekday 4.47pm Central to Katoomba service will depart one minute later than current from the following stations:
Glenbrook at 5.49pm (instead of 5.48pm)
Springwood at 6.05pm (instead of 6.04pm)
Hazelbrook at 6.20pm (instead of 6.19pm)
All weekday services travelling towards Springwood, Katoomba and beyond will depart one minute later than current from the following stations:
Emu Plains
Lapstone
Warrimoo
Valley Heights

Except services departing Central at 5.01pm, 5.17pm, 5.31pm and 6.02pm

Weekends and Public Holidays

The weekend 4.24am Central to Lithgow service will depart Glenbrook and Blaxland one minute later than current at 5.28am and 5.33am respectively.

[lyjjimmy]

They’ve tried to implement exit numbers into the wayfinding system but IMO the same exit number applies to way too many actual exit points.

https://transportnsw.info/document/3521 ... on-map.pdf
51A537F7-2B67-402E-A933-E80D54751849.jpeg

I think the main difference is HK also includes pathways thru the other buildings..

That Town Hall example just ends at the station box.

undoubtedly all of them will just lead you to George St, but they should have a secondary place to help. For example, from north to south
2A - George St, Park St (B)
2B - George St (L)
2C (stair and lift) - George St, Bathurst St (L)
5A - Sydney Town Hall, Druitt St (B)
5B - Town Hall Square

[Fleet Lists]

https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-a ... sign-phase

Cowra Lines Moves to Concept Design Phase
Published28 May 2021

The reactivation of Cowra Lines is a step closer, with SMEC Australia Pty Ltd now appointed to develop a concept design that will investigate options to reinstate the Blayney to Demondrille rail line.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the work would examine reinstatement costs and ongoing viability of the 179-kilometre line to deliver future freight opportunities.

“With the freight task growing, we know the Cowra Lines have potential to be a part of the NSW Government’s plan for a strong regional rail network,” Mr Toole said.

“A feasibility study has shown this line has the potential to be economically viable when freight capacity on the Main West is constrained in the future and to build improved resilience into the rail network. This next piece of work will help us understand exactly what it will take to reinstate the corridor.”

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said work on the concept design will start in June and be completed next year.

“We know the community is passionate about the potential of the Cowra Lines. The concept design will include surveys to determine reconstruction costs, as well as assessments of level crossings, drainage, loops and sidings to confirm what infrastructure would be required to meet the needs of today’s freight trains,” Ms Cooke said.

“Some of the features of the line, like the heritage-listed Cowra Rail Bridge and Carcoar Tunnel, are more than 130-years-old and will need special attention to ensure they are both strong enough and provide the clearances needed for freight operations into the future.

“Undertaking this high level design now, will speed up work on any future reactivation of the line.”

SMEC is a leading engineering consultancy that support nation-building infrastructure across Australia, including the construction of the Snowy Hydro Scheme, the building of the Sydney Metro Northwest and currently supporting the Inland Rail project.

The Cowra Lines Feasibility Study can be found at: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/system ... ummary.pdf

[Stonesourscotty]

There was severe overcrowding on a few single m sets yesterday as some where scheduled between Schofield's and Olympic Park but didn't seem big enough based on atleast 3 events at Olympic Park yesterday with a top 4 nrl clash aswell which attracted 20k plus.

[Scott4570]

This Weekend, May 29 & 30, due to a Possession between Granville and Cabramatta, Schofields to Liverpool services (both directions), operated by 4car M sets, were diverted to instead run to Olympic Park.

With severe overcrowding, as mentioned by Stonesourscotty above, this should warrant a Build-up to 8car consist, when such Events and Track Possession are programmed together.

[Stonesourscotty]

It was further compounded by late running T7 from Lidcombe just before kick-off so everyone got pushed onto a 4 car on P1 I assure you each carriage was about 250 people+.

We all know so few M sets are used nowadays so it it's not acceptable on match days for a top 4 nrl game personally?

[Campbelltown busboy]

It’s extremely rare to see M sets run in 8 car sets these days if there is a 8 car M set operating outside the am or pm peaks then it’s most likely replacing a sector 2 assigned A set Waratah

[Stonesourscotty]

Two Rakes of Oscars are stabled at Penrith today both stabled in places where Waratahs or Tangaras normally stable rather than the edge of the station Normally occupied by Oscars.

Usually its just the one 8 carriage rake ever since Springwood lost its Oscars Monday to Friday off peak only.

[boronia]

Not uncommon. For operational reasons they come to Penrith instead of stabling at Blacktown. They work T1-CCN services. IIRC, there are two sets on this work.

[boxythingy]

How would the frequency be affected if two M-Sets formed an 8 car consist?

[Stonesourscotty]

Boronia To get two 8 car Oscar sets in Penrith is very rare these days especially stabled on the Westfield side of the sidings at Penrith normally there on the Quest side.

[Jurassic_Joke]

It’s extremely rare to see M sets run in 8 car sets these days if there is a 8 car M set operating outside the am or pm peaks then it’s most likely replacing a sector 2 assigned A set Waratah

I wouldn’t go as far as to say 8 car M sets, ie those that run on the city circle lines, altogether are rare - more like not as common as they used to be in recent years. And I would bet thats thanks to batch after batch of B sets coming in, and the insistence on keeping them in the same sector the M’s run in, so of course it looks better to run the shiny new ones as much as they can. K SETS, those, I would say now, are rare. It’s an absolute novelty seeing a K set show up and with the C sets now gone, they’re the last silver sets remaining on the network.

It is however noteworthy that M sets do not normally run on the city circle lines during the weekends in the normal timetable anymore (neither do K sets), weekday exclusive now or sometimes they show up during a different roster from weekend trackwork. M’s are still an easy enough find during weekdays, but again, nowhere near as common as say in 2017. Can’t comment on their Cumberland line runs.

I also wonder sometimes about the possibility of the M’s eventually facing the same fate as the Variotrams - get retired prematurely and be replaced with an additional batch of the same new thing (B sets) to streamline the fleet instead of keeping an orphan fleet of trains that have had a troublesome history and apparently are very unpopular with train crew that work them. Although I reckon this is unlikely considering the M’s just went through another overhaul with ATP and interior lighting refresh. Don’t forget though - the C sets were younger than the K sets, and they were retired and disposed of before the older K sets were, which still remain in service today.

[swtt]

It’s extremely rare to see M sets run in 8 car sets these days if there is a 8 car M set operating outside the am or pm peaks then it’s most likely replacing a sector 2 assigned A set Waratah

I wouldn’t go as far as to say 8 car M sets, ie those that run on the city circle lines, altogether are rare - more like not as common as they used to be in recent years. And I would bet thats thanks to batch after batch of B sets coming in, and the insistence on keeping them in the same sector the M’s run in, so of course it looks better to run the shiny new ones as much as they can. K SETS, those, I would say now, are rare. It’s an absolute novelty seeing a K set show up and with the C sets now gone, they’re the last silver sets remaining on the network.

It is however noteworthy that M sets do not normally run on the city circle lines during the weekends in the normal timetable anymore (neither do K sets), weekday exclusive now or sometimes they show up during a different roster from weekend trackwork. M’s are still an easy enough find during weekdays, but again, nowhere near as common as say in 2017. Can’t comment on their Cumberland line runs.

I also wonder sometimes about the possibility of the M’s eventually facing the same fate as the Variotrams - get retired prematurely and be replaced with an additional batch of the same new thing (B sets) to streamline the fleet instead of keeping an orphan fleet of trains that have had a troublesome history and apparently are very unpopular with train crew that work them. Although I reckon this is unlikely considering the M’s just went through another overhaul with ATP and interior lighting refresh. Don’t forget though - the C sets were younger than the K sets, and they were retired and disposed of before the older K sets were, which still remain in service today.

But in terms of reliability, the M sets aren't rated very highly.

[Scott4570]

To incorporate the Full deployment of the 2nd batch of B sets into the Timetable, a re-allocation of set-types will take place as from Saturday, June 12.

Weekday Roster changes, from Tuesday, June 15:-
4 x 8B set Rosters added to the current 33, total deployment of 37 sets to the Timetable. Note, 4 x 8B sets for the Maintenance Cycle. Total Fleet 41.
4 x 8K set Rosters deleted, reducing to a total of 8.

Weekend Roster changes, from Saturday, June 12:-
15 x 8B set Rosters added to the current 21, total 36.
15 x 8A set Rosters deleted, reducing to a total of 7.

[swtt]

To incorporate the Full deployment of the 2nd batch of B sets into the Timetable, a re-allocation of set-types will take place as from Saturday, June 12.

Weekday Roster changes, from Tuesday, June 15:-
4 x 8B set Rosters added to the current 33, total deployment of 37 sets to the Timetable. Note, 4 x 8B sets for the Maintenance Cycle. Total Fleet 41.
4 x 8K set Rosters deleted, reducing to a total of 8.

Weekend Roster changes, from Saturday, June 12:-
15 x 8B set Rosters added to the current 21, total 36.
15 x 8A set Rosters deleted, reducing to a total of 7.

Wow - why the huge decrease in the number of A sets running around on the weekends?

And no cascading of these 8A rosters to replace the 8T trains on T1/T9?

[mandonov]

But in terms of reliability, the M sets aren't rated very highly.

I can see the M’s replacement being tacked onto the end of a T set replacement, or in conjunction with and just prior to an Oscar replacement.

[Scott4570]

Further to the above post from swtt.

The decrease in A sets at Weekends, as Jurassic_Joke stated, looks better to run the shiny new ones (that is B sets) as much as they can.

In respect to T sets working T1/T9 services at Weekends:-
3 x 8T start and finish Hornsby MC. There is 1 x 8A Standing, but maybe required for Maintenance on Monday.
1 x 8T start and finish Sydney Terminal.
1 x 8T start and finish Penrith Sidings.

On Weekdays, Crews are captive in their Sectors. On Weekends, Crews were still running trains outside their Sectors.
Crews on Sector 1 (that is Mortdale, Cronulla and Waterfall), are generally not qualified in A, B, and M sets.
Crews on Sector 2, have more opportunity to keep qualified to work T sets.

[boronia]

The average passenger would not know the difference between an A or a B.

More likely, they want to get kilometres up within the "warranty period".