UNSW rail link

Now, I know this isn't directly related to my teaching or research, but it will be fun to keep track of how this is announced, then modified, then scrapped, then re-announced, then re-modified, then re-scrapped etc etc. Herald story here.

Key UNSW station quote:

Mr Staples's plan advocates an east-west underground metro-style line using single-deck carriages and running between Malabar and West Ryde, under Anzac Parade and Victoria Road.

It would ease congestion along Victoria Road, with stations at the University of NSW, Moore Park, Drummoyne, Gladesville and Ryde, all expected to attract large numbers of commuters.

I still say that the Airport rail link should have gone via Taylor Sq, the SCG/SFS, Randwick Racecourse, UNSW, Maroubra, Mascot, Airport. But oddly enough, I wasn't consulted on it. [$14 to go one way from the airport to Town Hall station? You cannot be serious.
/John McEnroe.

More dumb strategy decisions

Looks like the new owners of the airport rail line want it to go broke again. In the SMH, we get the following lede:

FOUR months after the Airport Rail Link was bought out of receivership by Westpac, fares on the already costly service will rise by as much as $2.

Despite speculation fares would fall after the buyout to entice more passengers, ticket prices will climb next Monday by between 20 cents and $1.30 for tickets from the city to Mascot and Green Square, and by up to $2 to the airport.

As best I can tell, that's a really really dumb strategy. [Mind you, the airport link should have incorporated the SCG, Fox Studios, UNSW, then down to the airport. Or at least have dedicated trains starting at the airport, so that passengers with their luggage can actually get on the train, and put their bags in a dedicated bag 'area'. Sheesh]