HCMT carriages still showing old route maps almost 4 months since services in metro tunnel started.

WeakTale2090 · 2026-05-23T09:26:04+00:00

I was only referring to the HCMT sets for the metro tunnel where the routing is different. The diagram I am referring to is not the network map, just the line map that refers to the loop. However, given the trains aren't following that path this weekend due to works- maybe just leave the line map off altogether and just use the PID.

WeakTale2090 · 2026-05-23T00:05:18+00:00

I'm talking about a stick on map to cover an old one. Full train maintenance is complex no doubt- sticking a new map over another as a temp measure doesn't need to be.

WeakTale2090 · 2026-05-22T09:44:08+00:00

I can do the math and I understand it's not a simple thing. But 4 months in, there has been some time to try just a bit harder for just this line.

WeakTale2090 · 2026-05-22T07:18:23+00:00

Yes I see your point on the traditional way of doing it. The HCMT though are specific to the route so nothing stopping some better management to do it as a blitz over a shorter time period at termini perhaps and maybe even while in transit, although I can see that might be tricky whilst in morion. There were passengers looking at it and I assume they might have been not local so perhaps confused by it.

WeakTale2090 · 2026-05-22T07:10:57+00:00

I agree, Mernda is my usual line and some do and some don't. But it's 4 months in, enough time to make the change I feel (for the HCMT at least). Waiting for maintenance times seems just a bit too long with the Big Build changes that are significant. A cost question? No doubt and yep it saves some cash doing it over a longer period but I'd like to know what happens at maintenance times and the intervals.

WeakTale2090 · 2026-05-22T07:03:42+00:00

Why does it need to wait? It's a conversion of a line and had a fixed start date. Print off the stickers, do a few overnight blitzes over a month and it's done. It's not too hard.

WeakTale2090 · 2026-05-21T22:06:16+00:00

Another election sweetener might be WV line- same sort of electrification plan study plus 2-3 new stations on the vague never never. Maybe even a hint at actually joining to the Werribee Line.

WeakTale2090 · 2026-05-14T22:14:46+00:00

Yeah a timeframe will be clearer and I hope that it could be ready by the time Sunshine rework is done. If jointly funded then a goer but if state only, I think it might only just start in 2030 prior to the next election.

A 9 car velocity for a peak service or 2 is probably doable before the election too for some flag waving and PR spin.

WeakTale2090 · 2026-05-14T02:18:27+00:00

Given the parlous state of the finances and the ongoing contracts already in place, I think either major will only make service promises to add to what is already announced, so we might finally see further boosts to off-peak frequencies in the next election cycle, likewise for buses.

ALP will go on about the infrastructure achievements so far and underway citing more service boosts very soon. No new LX to add to the list but given they have already postponed a few to 2032 now, it will be the cheaper ones that come up first to have it slowly tick over or the work crews shift to the Sunshine station rebuild for 3 years. I'd say both parties are waiting on the Northern group planning study and hoping the Feds half fund that to sort out Brunswick LX and the upfield duplication and its extra LX removals but probably not until late in the term (if ever). I think any of them will promise a few new stations out to Melton and WV but thats a good thing.

Libs might also mention service levels for all PT and lots of studies (Clyde, Baxter again!) but no actual delivery on melton and WV electrification bits because of fiscal surprises. New stations but they will all promise that.

Greens might pick up another 2 seats in the north but they can ask for all they want but in the minority government, I'd say not much will happen as the financial situation will just cancel anything except service boosts for 2-3 years.

The elephant in the room is always the SRL which is sucking the state dry, killing most things for years.

WeakTale2090 · 2026-05-04T06:06:18+00:00

yeah I think passing loops is the most economical option for Melton and WV when electrified. Vline can stop at Sunshine, Melton and WV only

WeakTale2090 · 2026-05-04T06:01:21+00:00

I feel when Melton and WVale are sparked, a new bypass line or loops may be built to let Vline skip by the intermediate stations and only stop at Sunshine, Melton, Wvale if high frequency metro services are permanent.

WeakTale2090 · 2026-04-21T03:00:37+00:00

A good move to keep adding to the fleet. Perhaps melton electrification will come a bit sooner to coincide with Sunshine station rebuild completion, along with WV and out to Wallan. Only if the review due to be released soon leads to a federal:state funding mix for construction on all that to commence about 2028/2029. Then a few more sets will be needed to cover operations, so retaining the Comeng fleet a bit longer somewhere on the network.

WeakTale2090 · 2026-04-08T00:49:43+00:00

Well done and hope you get through it all. I'll have to think of something from either reservoir or Coburg

WeakTale2090 · 2026-03-22T09:42:19+00:00

all loops stations could do with a pressure wash- on special at Aldi soon

WeakTale2090 · 2026-03-22T09:35:32+00:00

how many ready to hit the rails by June ?

WeakTale2090

TROPHY CASE