Chief Minister Andrew Barr: “I’d like to see a service – that I currently consider to be 19th century – brought at least into the 20th century.” Photo: NSW Trainlink.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr says cutting the Canberra-Sydney train trip down to three hours is achievable for “less than a billion dollars” – and would finally make it a genuine alternative to driving or flying.
Speaking this week, Mr Barr said the ACT Government was continuing to push for upgrades to the Xplorer train service between Kingston Railway Station and Sydney’s Central Station.
He quickly ruled out any talk of high-speed rail but said a few practical improvements could transform the journey time.
“Three hours from here to Central Station would be very competitive with anyone seeking to drive that, particularly at peak time,” he said.
“And it would be very competitive with anyone wanting to fly, once you take into account the time you need to spend at the airport and the like.”
Mr Barr said newer, better-equipped trains could also attract more business travellers and cater for tourism peaks like Floriade, “which is why it does frustrate me that ever since I’ve been in primary school, the Australian governments have probably spent the equivalent of a billion dollars or more on feasibility studies into something that has yet to eventuate”.
“I’d like to see a service – that I currently consider to be 19th century – brought at least into the 20th century. It’s been done: Sydney to Newcastle has had new train improvements there. So Canberra to Sydney is the next logical route, and that’s why we want to pursue this.”
The Canberra-Sydney line is operated by Transport for NSW, although parts of the track are owned by private landholders. Only 9 km lie within the ACT, meaning progress largely depends on the support of the NSW and Federal governments.
The Canberra Railway Station is technically operated by the NSW Government. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
“This is principally about the NSW and Federal governments,” Mr Barr said. “But if you don’t ask, you don’t get – so we’re pushing it.”
The NSW Government owns the Kingston Railway Station itself, and the route includes stops at Queanbeyan, Bungendore, Goulburn, Bundanoon, Moss Vale, Bowral, Mittagong and Campbelltown. A working group has been set up to bring together the various network and track operators and owners.
Transport for NSW recently finished a community survey asking passengers how the service could be improved. New trains – already in use on the Sydney-Newcastle line – are also on the horizon.
NSW’s new Mariyung train fleet started work between Sydney and Newcastle in December last year. Photo: NSW Government.
“I’ve had the chance to catch one from Sydney to Newcastle – I can tell you it is a very pleasant experience,” Mr Barr said.
“Every seat has a power point and a USB and a desk you can work at. You don’t have to put everything above your head or under your feet like you do on a plane – you actually get some quality time to work.”
The Federal Government has already committed $2.8 million to the ACT’s $3 million contribution for planning a full redevelopment of Kingston Railway Station and the surrounding East Lake precinct.
The plan includes 1200 to 1500 new apartments, a business precinct, and potential sites for a school and childcare centre, alongside upgrades to the interstate rail station.
Mr Barr said he was confident the Commonwealth would also back improvements to the rail line itself.
“We’re working very closely with the NSW Government and the Commonwealth on the very fine detail of a number of small upgrades that will be necessary,” he said.
“Obviously, every state and territory infrastructure budget is somewhat stretched at the moment, so we’re realistic in the work that we’re doing to present really a laundry list of small improvements – each individually could shave a minute or two off the journey time, but collectively towards that half hour.
“This is a project that will be measured in the tens of millions of dollars’ worth of improvements. I’m sure when they’re ready to do so, the Commonwealth will make an investment decision at budget as we always do in the usual way.”
Australian Labor member for Bean David Smith, Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh at Canberra Railway Station. Photo: Ian Bushnell.
Upgrades are expected to include signal and crossing improvements, as well as timetable changes to prevent the Canberra-Sydney train from being delayed by suburban services.
“If the Canberra-Sydney train reaches Campbelltown four minutes earlier on a particular schedule, it will get through ahead of the suburban trains,” Mr Barr said. “So there is quite a significant engagement with Sydney Rail required as well, to give the train priority through the Sydney suburban network.”
He was also “encouraging the NSW Government at every opportunity” to add carriages to the existing train to allow for more passengers and fewer sold-out services.
Mr Barr reiterated the discussion was “not about bullet trains”.
“This is about making the four-hour journey closer to 3.5, and hopefully three hours. Each little step combined will make that journey quicker,” he said.
He said he hoped to see railway line upgrades included in next year’s budget.
