----- Forwarded Message -----
  To: Tdu Transportdownunder transportdownunder@...>
Sent: Monday, 3 December 2018, 10:21
Subject: Fri.30.12.18 daily digest

Roderick.
Fri.30.11.18 Metro Twitter.
9.59 Major delays (an operational incident between Clayton and Westall).
- 10.21 Minor and clearing.
Get a SEAT in the safety zone at Frankston station.  Every other station has a disability safety zone with a seat by the first door of the first carriage.
This photo is from our Public Transport collection and is said to be school buses from 1972.
14.20 Major delays (a trespasser between Craigieburn and Roxburgh Park).
- 14.42 clearing.
- 15.20 The 15.09 from Flinders St was cancelled because of a trespasser at Roxy? You have to be kidding me.
- 15.22 Haven’t you gotten the guy off the tracks in the last hour?  Any reason why we’re still crawling at 5km/h?
- 15.23 Police remain in the area searching for the person of interest.  For their safety, trains remain slowed through the affected area.
14.48 Frankston line: Minor delays (a track fault near Flinders Street).
- 15.13 clearing.
- 15.50 I caught 14.24 up Frankston, with confusion for those between Malvern & Hawksburn.  School kids were running from pfm 1 to try to make the train, other passengers were still waiting on pfm 1; The pfn 3 screens were showing 'Melbourne trains on pfm 1'.  A VLine train overtook us before Armadale.
- 15.53 Frankston line: Minor delays (an equipment fault near Richmond).  Citybound trains may depart from altered platforms Caulfield - Richmond..
- 17.03 clearing.
- 17.35 A poor excuse.
- 17.35 How do we get compensated?
- 17.37 You people can’t run a chook raffle.
14.59 Werribee line: Minor delays (a track fault near Flinders Street).
16.34 Sandringham line: Major delays citybound (an equipment fault near Balaclava).
- 17.11 There is no point planning around the timetable; even allowing for the inevitable broken stuff, it is pointless.
- 17.31 We have staff on site working on fixing the faults.  Delays are up to 30 minutes on citybound trains and up to 10 minutes on outbound ones.
- 17.43 Will all be okay for return train tonight?
- 18.08 If there had of been an announcement made at Sandringham I could have chosen a different route.  Fault already happened - why no announcement?
- 18.22 clearing.
17.26 Pakenham/Cranbourne/Frankston lines: Minor delays through Melbourne Southern Cross (a train fault).
- 17.28 Minor delays you say... The train in question has been sitting at Southern Cross for 10 minutes.
- 17.32 clearing.
- 17.36 It doesn't help when you run a train not taking passengers through the loop, which holds up the other trains.
- 17.42 The train which ran empty through the loop was the train which developed a fault at Southern Cross.  That train had to be moved empty to a maintenance facility to allow trains behind it to continue their journeys..
- There are issues on the Cranbourne line almost every day, morning and evening.
- Has a Metro train ever run on time?
- Only once.
- Same **** different day, really. It’s really not acceptable.
- Cranbourne line is stepson for Metro!  And more time on road to come close to Christmas.
- 17.44 You mean Metro is at fault?
- 18.14 I still can't understand why you terminate a Cranbourne train at Dandenong because of late running, when all trains are running 15-20 min late..
17.48 Glen Waverley line: Minor delays (an ill passenger requiring ambulance assistance at Darling).
- 17.55 clearing.
18.20 Upfield line: Minor delays (police attending to a trespasser near Coburg).
19.04 Frankston/Werribee/Williamstown lines: Minor delays through Flinders St after an earlier equipment fault caused train crews and train consists to be displaced.

Today marks 93 years since the first electric train arrived at Lilydale.
With the original electrification of the suburban network completed in 1923, electric trains were extended to Croydon in 1924, and then to Lilydale in 1925.
First Electric Train arrives at Lilydale (PROV H 2302): http://wiki.prov.vic.gov.au/imagefiles/12800-P0001-000088-030.jpg
First Electric Train arrives at Lilydale (PROV H 2302): http://wiki.prov.vic.gov.au/imagefiles/12800-P0001-000088-020.jpg
'New Electric Train', The Argus, 25 Nov 1925 (NLA): https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/2168805
[The thread has been up before.  The photo is on the inaugural day, but is not the first train of the day].

Melbourne Express: Friday, November 30, 2018
8.57 Metro had a great morning, with very few delays.
Buses are replacing trams along part of route 11 until the last tram tonight.
Metro is trialling the first new single-deck train, which will eventually run through the Swanston St Tunnel.  The tests have been running along lines in the south-east as their new maintenance depot is in Pakenham East.
Bourke Street Mall.  Credit: Daniel Pockett
7.12 Metro services are still running well.
6.08:
- All Metro lines are running a good service.
- The four-year closure of two left-turn lanes on Flinders Street to allow for Metro Tunnel works is under way. Just one lane is in use so allow extra travel time.
- VLine Geelong trains are running some morning services at reduced capacity.
First light at Flinders Street. Credit: Pat Scala.
<www.theage.com.au/melbourne-news/melbourne-express-friday-november-30-2018-20181130-p50jaa.html>

Temperatures on track for 5-degree rise by 2100 after another hot year 29 November 2018.
<www.watoday.com.au/environment/climate-change/temperatures-on-track-for-5-degree-rise-by-2100-after-another-hot-year-20181129-p50j8g.html>

Buses replace trains between Parliament and Elsternwick from 1.20 Saturday 1 December to the last train of Sunday 2 December ('upgrade' works).
Buses replace trains South Yarra - Elsternwick during Night Network service hours.
Passengers with special needs are advised to contact their local station in advance or ask staff at the replacement bus stops to organise travel.
This may [will] increase your journey by up to 45 minutes.
Download journey times between Parliament and Elsternwick stations: Saturday 1 December and Sunday 2 December 2019, from first to last service (PDF) 223kB
Travel restrictions for rail replacement services.
For the safety and comfort of all passengers, there are restrictions on what you may take with you on buses and trams.  [the great god 'safety'].
You cannot:
• Take a conventional bike on a bus or tram (only folding bikes that meet the size criteria).
• Take an animal on a bus or tram unless it is in a suitable container. Exceptions apply for assistance dogs.
• Take a surfboard on a tram or a bus.
Replacement buses will stop at:
* Parliament (Stopping all Stations): Spring Street, Gordon Reserve.
Parliament (Express) : Spring Street, Treasury Gardens .
Richmond : Punt Road, the 246 bus stop.
South Yarra: Toorak Road.
Prahran: High Street, tram stop 30.
Windsor Chapel Street, on the rail bridge.
Balaclava: Carlisle Street, tram stop 38.
Ripponlea: The bus stop in Glen Eira Road.
Elsternwick: the bus stop in Glen Huntly Road.
• To plan your route, use journey planner.
• Download the free PTV mobile apps for Android and iOS and access public transport information on the go.
• Passengers requiring accessibility information, see Accessible transport.
• If you need help or a question answered, call us on 1800 800 007.
<www.ptv.vic.gov.au/live-travel-updates/article/sandringham-line-buses-replacing-trains-from-1-20am-saturday-1-december-to-last-train-sunday-2-december-2018>

Buses replace trains Westall - Pakenham/Cranbourne from 1.00 Sat 1 Dec until 17.00 Sun 2 Dec while 'upgrades' take place.
From 17.00 on Sun.2.12, buses replace trains Caulfield - Pakenham/Cranbourne until the last train.
These were the first 2 days of bustitution lasting until the last train of Sun 23 Dec.
In recognition of over 100 days of disrupted travel this year, passengers catching replacement services on the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Gippsland lines will receive free travel from Saturday 1 December to Sunday 23 December 2018.
You don’t need to touch on or off with a myki.
* Metropolitan passengers.  When you arrive at your station, simply board a replacement bus instead of your train. Don’t touch on or off with your myki.
You can collect a Free Travel Token when getting off a replacement bus at Westall from 1 December to 16 December and Dandenong from 17 December to 23 December.  This token gives you free onward metropolitan travel in Zone 1+2. Simply show your Free Travel Token to staff to travel.  Free Travel Tokens are valid for the entire week, so you need to collect only one each week.
View FAQs for metropolitan passengers
* Regional passengers.  Buses will replace trains for all services on the Gippsland line.
If you're a Traralgon line passenger boarding a replacement coach, you'll travel for free. Don’t touch on or off with your myki.
If you're a Bairnsdale line passenger, you'll also receive free travel on replacement coaches and are asked to book a seat for these services in advance, through the normal reservation process.
If you're continuing your travel on a metropolitan train, tram or bus in Zone 1+2, or town buses in the Gippsland region, you'll receive a VLine paper ticket for free onward travel.
If your journey starts from a premium metropolitan station outside the disrupted area, ask station staff for a paper ticket for a single or return journey to Gippsland. This paper ticket can also be used for metropolitan travel in Zone 1+2. 
If your journey starts from a non-premium metropolitan station outside the disrupted area, touch on and off as normal. You’ll be able to collect a Free Travel Token on your return and claim a reimbursement for your initial journey. You'll need to collect a token only once each week.
View FAQs for regional passengers
* Travelling with a myki pass.  If you travel with a weekly, monthly or annual pass, avoid buying or activating your next pass if possible. Simply use the Free Travel Tokens instead. Don’t touch on or off.
If you have an active myki pass that covers the free travel period, you'll be reimbursed automatically. You'll be eligible if you regularly travel on the part of the line that is affected, and your myki Pass includes days overlapping with the free travel period. PTV will reimburse these unused days back to you automatically.  You'll see these additional days appear on your card before 30 January 2019. If you haven't received your reimbursement after this date, please submit a feedback form or contact 1800 800 007.
* Travelling from a station outside the disrupted area.  If your journey starts at a metropolitan station outside the disrupted area, and continues through the disruption, touch on and off as normal. You’ll be able to collect a Free Travel Token on your return and claim a reimbursement for your initial journey.  Simply complete the reimbursement form online.  
If you’re travelling from destinations on the VLine network other than the Gippsland line, you’ll only be eligible for free travel on the Cranbourne, Pakenham or Gippsland section of your trip.  Free Travel Tokens are valid for the entire week, so you'll need to collect only one token each week.
* Free travel tokens and tickets.  The metropolitan Free Travel Tokens and VLine paper tickets will be accepted by station staff, drivers and Authorised Officers as a ticket for travel on metropolitan trains, trams and buses in Zone 1+2.  Please ensure you present your Free Travel Token or paper ticket when requested by these staff members.
<www.ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/free-travel-on-the-cranbourne-pakenham-and-gippsland-lines-in-december>
- I know the document reads no weekdays but can you confirm no weekdays will be affected?
- Where are the bus times for the first two weeks they are not shown in your links?
- you can find those details on our planned works page.
- That doesn’t list bus timetables for weekdays
- Apologies for that, it appears they aren't! We'll follow up with the relevant area to see what's happening there.
- Yes, it might help commuters to plan around another set of disruptions if they have some idea of when buses run, hopefully you have done your research and have enough buses ordered to meet the demand.
- Weekday bus timetables: https://static.ptv.vic.gov.au/PDFs/Disruption_PDFs/Nov-2018/1543432094/Cran_Pak_3-7_10-14_Dec.pdf
- Will there be any planned work on Frankston line during that period?
- The only planned works on the Frankston line are this weekend between Caulfield and Flinders Street.

Man carrying knife suffers electric shock on train tracks in East Perth 30 November 2018.
A man carrying a knife along a train line in East Perth has been rushed to hospital after suffering an electric shock.
A 43-year-old man is in critical condition at Royal Perth Hospital after jumping on to power lines at East Perth's McIVer train station, suffering an electric shock and falling five metres to the ground.
Police were called to Northbridge around 8.40 following reports a man was walking around with a knife.
The officers followed the man to McIver train station where he went onto the rail tracks and recieved an electric shock.
They followed the man to the train station and saw him walk up an up an embankment to the East Perth Bridge on Lord Street.
Officers tried to coax him back to safety, warning him of the electrical dangers, but 9 News footage shows him coming into contact with live wires, being jolted forward and falling to the ground 4-5 metres below.
The man, aged in his 40s, was treated by paramedics at the scene before being rushed to Royal Perth Hospital.
St John Ambulance paramedics worked to remove him and took him to hospital.
Police released a statement saying they were unsure of the circumstances of how the man received his injuries.
“Doctors say he is in a critical but stable condition and they expect he will pull through,” said 9 News' Jerrie Demasi from outside RPH.
It has since been reported he was shocked and had recieved burns.
Transperth cancelled its services between Perth and East Perth while police attended the incident, with replacement buses organised for commuters.
Transperth cancelled services between Perth and East Perth while police attended the incident, with replacement buses organised for commuters until the line was reopened at 10.30.
The man can be seen climbing from the bridge towards the live wires. Credit:9 News Perth.
McIver station, East Perth.  Credit: Twitter / Lisa Barnes .
CCTV of the area will be reviewed to assist with establishing the man’s movements before police arrived.
Anyone who saw the man prior to the incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
<www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/man-carrying-knife-suffers-electric-shock-on-train-tracks-in-east-perth-20181130-p50jf9.html>

Australia's emissions continue to climb, reaching seven-year highs 30 November 2018.
<www.theage.com.au/environment/climate-change/australia-s-emissions-continue-to-climb-reaching-seven-year-highs-20181130-p50jd5.html>

Climate change protest will lead to dole queue, minister tells students. 30 November 2018. 1774 comments.
<www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/climate-change-protest-will-lead-to-dole-queue-minister-tells-students-20181130-p50jbt.html>
'We will believe it when we see it': Palaszczuk on the Adani coal mine 30 November 2018.
<www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/we-will-believe-it-when-we-see-it-palaszczuk-on-the-adani-coal-mine-20181130-p50jcb.html>

WA government cancelled MP briefing on economic research critical of fracking 30 November 2018.  10 comments.
<www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/wa-government-cancelled-mp-briefing-on-economic-resea==rch-critical-of-fracking-20181129-p50j9r.html>

The high hidden cost of buying cheap house-and-land packages.
Herald Sun November 30, 2018.
video: House prices: Australia's property market facing longest downturn in decades.
So here’s the thing. Don’t get sucked in by the price tag. Seemingly discounted houses in our outer suburbs are not necessarily cheaper or more affordable.
In many cases the lack of amenities make them very expensive housing choices compared with higher-priced homes closer to the city.
Yep, we’re talking the number-one rule in property: location, location, location.
Cramped, high density house-and-land packages might appear cheap when compared with prices in other areas, but the lack of community services, fewer retail options and scarcity of public transport make living in these areas one of the most expensive options — and they carry a huge hidden drain on household budgets.
Despite being full-time wage earners, some outer households are among our poorest because they are stuck in the middle of nowhere with no services, surrounded by bulldozed land and struggling to meet inflated living costs.
Often, two cars are needed just so the family can manage school drop-offs, grocery shopping, doctor visits and travel to work.
That doesn’t just mean the purchase price of two cars, it also means two lots of registration, double the maintenance and double the insurance every year, as well as two lots of petrol to fill the tank every week.
The badlands, as these badly planned, under-resourced poverty traps have been dubbed, are never cheap. Financially or emotionally.
Before you sign up for a cheap home and land package, check what the local amenities and public transport are like. Picture: Stuart McEvoy
Many of these greenfield housing estates are anything but green and thriving locations for their residents.
They are often filled with households living in the red and socially isolated.
According to a Monash University study this year, there are outer suburbs in Australia where families are paying 60 per cent of their income in mortgage and transport costs.
In some cases transport alone sucks out almost $400 a week from the family budget because of the lack of public transport and the sheer distances they must travel.
In addition to the financial pressure on families from these so-called discounted, entry-level homes is the mental, self esteem and family pressure from the lack of job opportunities, social choices, medical attention and educational options.
Not to mention the hours of precious time lost each week by commuting long distances for work, or shopping, or sports activities, or family occasions or, god forbid, entertainment.
Or as is often the case, the inability to travel to these activities because of the costs involved.
Slick marketing campaigns, overly friendly salespeople, appliance upgrades, fancy tiles and free furniture are hard for aspiring home buyers to resist..
Especially when compared with the elbowing and scrapping involving when battling for established homes at auction or popular locations.
A lower price tag is not a genuine discount. It is just to distract us from the additional costs fringe areas bring. It’s almost impossible to measure the additional cost to buyers within these badly planned and under-resourced package deals.
However, it is not the land developers and construction companies that are only to blame; it is also our state governments and their land authorities which must take responsibility for under-resourced subdivisions.
Public transport is not just a convenience issue — it is a vital economic and household wealth issue.
Location, location, location.
HOUSING MARKET’S ‘KEY CRUNCH STILL TO COME’.
ANALYSIS PROMOTES MOVE TO REGIONAL AREAS.
<www.heraldsun.com.au/business/the-high-hidden-cost-of-buying-cheap-houseandland-packages/news-story/224fb7c9b26689e5a6d77542cc662e53>

WA Wheatbelt town turns against the grain to join billion dollar global battery market 30 November 2018.
<www.watoday.com.au/business/companies/wa-wheatbelt-town-turns-against-the-grain-to-join-billion-dollar-global-battery-market-20181128-p50j08.html>