📣 UPDATE: The government’s review into the airport rail line has been completed! I have a video update on this here: ruclips.net/video/Rf6xB6WdfCg/видео.html
Melbourne airport is the 50th busiest in the world but among only six without rail. Athens has just over half the number of passengers as Melbourne but has a rail link; Oslo with a population of more than 600,000 and Salt Lake City with just under 200,000 residents have rail links. Melbourne's population is 4.4 million but no rail. Utter madness.😳😳😳
Greater Salt Lake City has a population of 1.2 million. It is also part of the Salt Lake City - Provo - Ogden, UT Combined Statistical metripolitan area which has a population of 2.7 million. The 200,000 refers to central Salt Lake City similarly to Melbourne 3000 as opposed to Melbourne and suburbs.
Melbourne is the biggest city in Australia (Fact) but the Zionist lobby group is killing the project to keep their financial interests going so they can fund the Israel war.
@@scottcurtis5322 nothing, but when I am able to get a train from my apartment in the south-east direct to the airport without changing for only $5, it's better
From what I understand, the line is on hold because the airport is having a sook over the line being above-ground. I go to the nearby business park every so often, and they're still doing some work for the line, major enough to close roads, so I am assuming that it's just delayed rather than cancelled. Using the SRL branding for the airport makes sense, because it can put pressure on future governments to continue the SRL.
the expectation was it for it to be delayed however construction would continue on the line, the factor that lead to it being put on hold was the $5bn in federal funding temporarily being withdrawn for the 90 day review which oddly still hasnt been finished
The airport station stalled because the government wanted the station right inside the airport underground. The Melbourne Airport said ‘no do it outside’ (because they make so much money on carparks). Also the government wanted the airport to chip in on the construction cost and they said no. John Howard sold that monopoly of an airport for what now seems like a song
@@Fantabiscuit no they didnt the airport wanted an underground station, the government wanted the overground station because there was no reason to build an underground one like in sydney and perth because a. the line was going to be elevated (Perth's and Sydney's are underground) b. There was room to build one (In Sydney there isnt)
@@RealNotOrrioare you sure about that? I heard it from an officials mouth. If I got it wrong then maybe. I do know the airport didn’t want to chip at least
@RealNotOrrio Good. Why do they need $5 Billion from the Feds? I would insist in a massive descope of the project. If Perth can get their Airport link with 8.5 km of underground tunnel for $3.5 Billion why does Melbourne's 60% is on an existing corridor totally above grade and 2 stations need $5 from the feds?
I was really happy when they announced the new station for Keillor East but I also feel they need stations for Airport West, Niddrie, Avondale Heights, before going through to Sunshine as these areas are seriously lacking in trains
Completely agree! I think there’s also opportunities for new greenfield developments in places like sunshine north or lower Tullamarine. Could be built with good density near new stations. If the developments around Sydney’s airport link are anything to go by these can be quite successful.
Places in-between Fraser Rise and Watergardens will require a new train line I think as time goes on. I would like to see extended tram lines in the west in the near term.
I totally agree. The Airport Line should be built to serve underserved areas such as Avondale Heights and Airport West as well as Niddrie and Keilor East.
Absolutely! But no matter who is in government, it won’t get done. Those suburbs have voted labor consistently for the last 123 years. There is no votes to be won from serving these suburbanites better. And they will never vote liberal, so that party won’t do it either.
Despite being part of the SRL, the Airport Rail will be delivered by Rail Projects Victoria and not the Suburban Rail Loop Authority. Hopefully this means that the Airport Rail Link will happen regardless of the SRL.
I agree. I think it’s essential. I hint there’s a much better case for it than there is for the SRL. That money would be better spent upgrading regional lines, like a Bendigo or Mildura.
Hopefully it does go ahead one day. If we stopped spending billions one building new "freeways" and widening existing ones, there might be more money to put into public transport.
I recall visiting the airport in 2014 and there was massive signs everywhere declaring that the Airport Train construction was underway "coming soon"....
Transit oriented development could be a novel method of funding transport products when government treasuries may be stretched. Stations could allow for retail trading space with homes built next to the stations, just like what we see in Japan.
It's so strange that Melbourne doesn't have one, despite Perth building one that required extensive tunnelling, and then incorporated it into the network (rather than charging a premium and running it as a stand-alone service) so that it costs no more than $5.
Nice video. I do appreciate the subtle irony of the final scene showing a metro train rolling past a Hertz car rental office in the background... currently one of the few viable options for visitors to Melbourne to get around when arriving at the AP. When I moved to Melbourne 26 years ago we were promised that the airport rail link was "coming soon". Meanwhile, I travel frequently to cities all over the world, many far smaller than Melbourne, and enjoy the experience of in-airport-rail services to and from these cities. Yet when I travel to my home city airport... yep I pay serious $$$ to park my car at the AP. It still gets me how cheaply and quickly Brisbane was able to build Airlink. They were not trying to build a fancy service, nor solve all the transport problems of SE QLD... no just a simple rail link from the AP to the CBD. Done for under $200M and in under 3 years. It stagger me how Melbourne is planning to spend $10B dollars.
Good summary of this frustrating "project that never becomes a project"! It is quite embarrassing to think that Melbourne doesn't have an airport rail link. When one travels to other cities that have such brilliant connections and then return to Melbourne to - nothing - you wonder what international visitors and tourists must think on the dreary, uninspring and sometimes slow road trip to the city? It's time for someone with some balls to resurrect it and just get on with it!
I can remember when they built Tullamarine. My understand at the time (I was only a kid) was that ithe nbound and outbound lanes of the freeway were built far enough apart for a rail lin to run in between.
This decision to pause the project is such a shame. Why tf do we not have a rail link to the airport in 2023? Every intelligently designed city has this and it is absolutely essential and needed.
Great Video. I personally wished that the government focused on 1 major rail project at a time rather than committing to several different projects like SRL (which could cost nearly 100 billion dollars). The Airport Line needs to be higher priority for a city of over 5 million people.
It is because Victoria has not co-ordinated its projects. NSW manages to run multiple projects. WA and its excellent Metronet Project manages to do so. Why is it so hard for Victoria?Victoria's focus is Level Crossings, The SRL, The Metro and the two freeway projects. If they can get the Airport Line down to a reasonable budget, say $4 Billion I am all for else cancel the flaming thing. $13 Billion for sod all is too much.
Am I the only one to find it strange how soon by 2026, both of Sydney's airports will be connected to its rail network while Melbourne will still be building its first?
Its also funny that Sydney's second airport is about 50km's from the CBD and will have rail network link before Melbourne's main airport which is 18km's from the CBD.
@@Snoop_Dugg our roads are still shit lol (go to Hallam station that was finished last year). The same pothole has been there for over 10 years, no fix.
I think in the short term, they should extend the Essendon tram to the Airport, even the DFO just to get some raw numbers of passengers. Also there should be more frequent metro buses as well connecting the area for people close by.
I like your summary and your suggested additions to this project. But while Melbourne remains a destination without a fast car free link to the rest of the city. Even its reputation of its amazing transport network is not enough. The Pause allows Sydney Brisbane' and Gold Coast to shine as premium destinations for traveler's domestically and internationally.
@@ChrisJohannsen I mentioned the Gold Coast. Because they shown that they are more active / serious about Light rail connection to Coolangatta it's 18 Kilometres. As they are gradually adding the Track to get there. But Airport link is only 16 kilometres from Sunshine. But that's a story of failed plans and the distance they have to Go. I expect the G will reach Coolangatta Airport before Melbourne does its airport !
While we’re at it, let’s throw a few theme parks in our regional area since we already have trains to get there for tourists. I hate that there’s not much for tourists to do in our outer suburbs and regional areas. You have to be a local to know the beauty that we have which is a shame. We could be raking in the money Queensland and Sydney get with their minimal effort states (I say that as someone who regularly visits Queensland and absolutely loves it there).
Public transport is one area that Sydney absolutely shines in compared to Melbourne, Melbourne’s trains and train network in general just don’t compare. How is it that Sydney will have both of its airports hooked up to their extensive heavy rail and Metro rail networks, but we can’t get a single line to Tullamarine? As a Melburnian this is such an embarrassment, especially considering how Melbourne is supposed to be the cultural centre of the country. It’s just so backwards 😂 The video was great, really appreciate the review! Keep it up!
Having lived for considerable periods in both Melbourne and Sydney, both cities' infrastructure has its strengths and weaknesses. Melbourne's tram network is to be envied. No airport link in Melbourne is a glaring gap in the network. SRL is a great idea that cannot be built due to cost. Sydney is catching up on motorways but Melbourne is way ahead. The comparisons and competitive nature of the two cities is very welcomed.
a slight error when it comes to the former essendon airport tram: it continued along the alignment currently paralleling the tulla and then crossed into the airport site along the english st bridge. the airport section of tram line was removed long ago, and now the tram goes to a shopping centre. very good video though!
Thanks for sharing a most interesting video. It is rather amazing how an airport link has been missed here. Even the tram going to Airport West could easily be extended there without too much expense. Maybe not quite equal to the train, but it would be an improvement on the current situation. We also have Avalon Airport and no rail link there either. I think that the SRL may be partly built, but certainly not to full completion, as it is just far too expensive. You are certainly correct about keeping the airport rail link separate and just getting that done. Anything else can always be considered later.
Train to Broadmeadows and then bus 901 to the Airport....$13 cheaper than Skybus but takes about 30 minutes longer. Never had an issue getting to the airport.
I live just outside of Ballarat and fly out of Tullamarine very regularly these days... It rarely takes me much longer than an hour and a half. That's from leaving my house, to having my car parked and checked in. If I don't take the car, the Airport Shuttle bus service is excellent and has never been in either direction for me. Takes 90 minutes and
This was very fascinating. As someone who lives near Pakenham the Melbourne Airport trip is an unpleasant experience when I need to make it so I was hoping a train service would exist that would make it tolerable. This one that was planned was among the most viable and I do hope it isn't dead.
Pakenham Line definitely! I like Pakenham Line drivers view videos they are great! They are extending the metro line 2 kms to a new station called “East Pakenham” which is set to be completed by 2024. So, the East Pakenham Line by 2024 it will become.
Why is there no rail link to the airport? Perhaps it's got something to do with lobbying from the taxi industry, Uber, airport parking and toll way operators such as Transurban. No doubt I've missed a few.
@@mjcats2011 Maybe, but don't kid yourself that there are some pretty well invested lobby groups out there that would do as much as they could for it not to happen. What do you think happened to our rural rail freight services? Lobbying by a particular large freight company is what happened.
@davidbrayshaw3529 Because Victoria let's them. It does not happen in Qld, NSW or WA. So I call BS on that. Victoria is poor when it comes to Public Transport. Vested interests my eye. Victoria has always been mediocre when it comes to Public Transport.
Also note that many travellers flying in and out of Tullamarine are from regional Victoria. Getting to Tulla from Bendigo via public transport requires a train to Sunbury, a 50 minute wait then a local bus that stops at the airport.
When I lived in Melbourne, I recall the traffic heading to the airport was horrendous and no matter how early you left, you’d be internally fretting thinking you’ll miss your flight.
In 1982 I proposed a link, which just happens to be the latest chosen route. I was told that a link to Broadmeadows was being considered. (I thought that route would involve massive bridges and told them so.) That was more than 40 years ago and maybe one day it just might be built. Mind you, going under the airport and joining the Bendigo line north of Sunbury would have advantages.
Having passed through Tullamarine just yesterday, I want to comment on the appalling treatment of taxi drivers and taxi passengers: they have pushed the arrivals taxi ranks far from the main terminals, as if doing their best to discourage anyone using taxis in favour of driving and parking. In fact, Melbourne airport is being run as a parking business with an airport attached. The new terminal, T4, is also appalling, as is the new entry to the old Ansett terminal now used by Virgin and called T3: both have now lengthy circuitous walks worthy of Ikea - and no doubt for the same reason, to force a long walk past all the shops, utterly unfair to anyone struggling since the entrances could easily be straight through curb to security. Compared to Perth or Sydney (notwithstanding Sydney's terrible delays) it's like will live in a laissez faire capitalist paradise with our so-called Labor government in the pocxkets of the big developers.
Price for both the Brisbane Airport and Sydney Airport links is the key issue regarding performance. The (second) Brisbane airport link is a particular horror tale of politics. The first one went to the old Brisbane international airport on the way to Pinkenba.
Last time I arrived at Melbourne airport I hopped on a Skybus within five minutes and it took me directly to Southern Cross Station in the city..where I quickly hopped onto a train to my suburb.I know we can’t rely on busses forever but it was extremely easy getting around
Skybus is a fairly punctual service due to the m2 being some of the least congested freeways in melb, but its insanely expensive imo $22 for a fucking 25min bus trip... outrageous!. i have no clue why the vid describes the m2 as being particularly congested...huge upgrades have been done to it, after essendon literally the only reason to be on it is for the airport, ive always experienced fairly minor traffic compared to the more congested m1, m80, m3. only bit thay can be congested is the bolte, but skybus literally avoids the bolte and m1 altogether as well lol...)
It's kind of crazy there isn't a rail connection in Melbourne to the airport, despite having a robust commuter rail network. And yet, my metro area, DFW has pretty bad public transit and still has two separate rail lines connected to the airport, a third under construction, and a fourth which has a shuttle service to it
Did he say the Andrews Government has had great success with new infrastructure? Are you kidding? Cost blow outs, Dump site debarcle, time blowouts, the list goes on. Airport railway wont go ahead for years, There is a clause in the new contract for the Tullamarine Freeway Upgrade a couple of years ago that stipulates Citylink must have NO competition between City and Airport. EVERYONE has to use the Tulla Freeway
I just moved back to Melbourne after living in abroad in a city less than 1/10th the population, and with an airport further from its centre than Tullamarine. And yet it has a rail link, despite having far more challenging topography. I'd take extending the Airport West tram to Tullamarine at this point. CityLink was an object lesson in induced demand a decade ago. I'm at a loss to see eye to eye with politicians who think transport works in Melbourne. It's a great city dragging the dead weight of car culture that it needs to let go of
Honestly it’s quite interesting. I’ve met workers from the Airport rail project and they said they’d be blocking the lane in Sunshine North industrial area to work on this. The area was still blocked off and they’re still working on it even when the project has been on and off haha.
It is a pity that Melbourne is the only city in the world left with a brilliant huge tram system yet they can't get public transport out to the airport.
It's the largest surviving network but it isn't huge. Sydney's old system had 30% more track and 1,600 trams. There were more R-class trams in Sydney than Melbourne's whole fleet now.
A couple of pointers on personalities you mentioned; Reg Ansett's first name was Reginald, abbreviated phonetically to "Redge" and the inebriate (when I met him once at Parliament House) Edward Meagher, Transport Minister of the 60's and 70's, was known by a shorted second name Ray. His surname phonetically "Marr"... 😉
The problem is to many influential people have their money tied up in airport parking around the airport which brings in HUGE money so they will do anything to keep trains away
great video, amazing to see how many premiers have got the wheels rolling before the project came to a screeching holt over the years. hopefully labor will finally figure it out and melbourne transport elephant in the room will finally come to life.
The Premier who finally gets this Airport rail link DONE will be applauded!!! No more feasibility studies, appears that this has been done many times already!
I think SRL would be more substantial then both Inner and Outer Circle lines, the route shows promising patronage and does serve these communities, along the timeline is gigantic and it’s costs seem to be overblown.
@theorangeoof926 Why do you say that. There is no way they are going to be within the $34 Billion budget. I think it stinks. Money no object for marginal seats in the east whilst some suburbs in the west do not even have decent bus services.
@@mjcats2011 Well admittedly the money can also be used elsewhere (Edit: for transit), and you’re not wrong about the wet being cucked all over again (seriously, they get the SRL last and the Western Rail Plan was cancelled). But it does cure Melbourne of its extreme city loop dependency, and should serve multiple purposes and cut travel time, waning people off the busy east roads and crappy buses. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it does hit the nail in the coffin and does seek to rectify that fatal flaw. Could the money be better spent elsewhere? I’m not one to say and there are videos out there for this, but at least it isn’t another road project.
@theorangeoof926 True, but why does it have to be automated heavy rail project with an extraordinary long lead time. Should have been done as a light metro or light rail. SRL is not the most pressing project. Relieving the Craigieburn line and the Western Rail Plan are far more important. The trouble is that this government is only interested in massive infrastructure projects, whether they be rail or road.
Spur line off Broadmeadows makes a lot more sense to me. What are the limitations of that vs going through Albion? Also a real loop is much needed, I don't think there's any city our size (except maybe in the US) that lacks an intersuburban connection like Melbourne.
I've used the Sydney train to the airport many times. Problem with that is you're stuck on suburban trains with large suitcases until you change train for the airport line at Central. That's not pleasant during peak hour. With the proposed train going from southern cross you've the same issue for people on the east side, and there seems little benefit in time or convenience compared to the existing bus.
@charliewhiskey8440 I am just correcting you in saying that the project is not starting from Southern Cross. Indeed the proposed Airport link is not going anywhere near Southern Cross. The Airport line is not just about perceived personal benefit. Fairly soon a low capacity Bus route from the cbd is not going to cut it. You will need some more than just being about to move 6 to 700 people per hour. Having said that, $13 billion is a ridiculous amount for the project, and I would rather it go towards the Western Rail Plan.
There is, the number 59 tram line ends at Airport West shopping centre. This tram line was extended into Essendon airport during WW2 not as a passenger link but to transport airport workers doing war work at a time when motor fuels were heavily rationed. The tracks into what is now Essendon fields were removed during the 70’s to allow for freeway works. This truncated line was later extended to Airport West. I have to say I’m not keen on the idea of extending this line to Tullamarine due to concerns about its long term ability to carry the traffic.
I really want to know the answer, but try as I might, I can’t sit through a 15 minute video on train line policy. Can someone give me the spark notes pls?
After standing at the airport for 45 minutes last night waiting for a rideshare driver to accept my pickup, I can’t help but think it’s such an awful experience for tourists to our city. The taxi situation is terrible too with rude drivers who argue with you about turning on their meters and hiding their taxi licenses when you disagree with them. There is just no viable option at the moment. Get the train line done… yesterday!
The tram line system runs to within a whisker of the airport already. Just connect the two and offer a stopping no stations option. Melbourne’s Tullamarine is hardly that busy at the best of times. It’s not a global hub. It’s more the end station at best.
I live in inner western Melbourne and the amount of money being spent on the Big Build gives me the yips. I just wish that we spent less money on roads and more money on public transport.
Australia is apparently an advanced enough country and yet falls extremely behind on pretty much everything, including and especially public transportation.
Why hasn't the Airport Rail Link been built? 3 words: "Andrews Government" + "Utopia". A delightfully entertaining and insightful video. Your thoughts on MVP are spot on, they need more pragmatists on the job.
Melbourne Airport already has Station build underneath (well the shell anyway), whilst its defiantly outdated and was mothballed, it would be great to revitalize this space, expand since its already here
The airport link with normal trains has no place being bundled in with the automated rapid transit Suburban Rail Loop. Completely different trains, types of service, and not even a continuous line.
Every project that premier Daniel Andrews touched blew out in cost and delays. Every project minister Jacinta Allan has touched has also blown out. IF the project ever went ahead I am sure that there would be a massive payout involved to buy off the billion (????) dollar a year income that the airport gets for parking. As a Bendigo resident I have been frustrated by the fact Labor in their infinite wisdom decided when they upgraded the rail to Bendigo to drop 1 line. The trains are now faster except when it's hot, or there is a breakdown or there is a slow train on the track. The rail links for central and northern Victoria really are awful.
I live in Brisbane and the Airport line didn't get much business for years cause it was stupidly expensive, and only dropped you in the CBD. Most business trips are going OUT of Brisbane, and most tourists fly in then bug out to one of the coasts so it is usually easier and cheaper to just hire a car, or park at the airport. Never been on the train as I live in one of the massive areas of Brisbane with no railway. Whether it's a work trip to one of the southern cities, or a holiday, we drive to the airport & pay to park. For a family of four its cheaper and easier to pay for 2 weeks parking. Melbourne on the other hand is a destination for business travellers and tourists and I reckon the line would do well. Just frickin build it!
What do you mean by 'depends on who you ask' lol. Melbs officially is the largest city as of few months ago when they joined Melton to Melbourne Metro area.
Yeah, in typical Labor fashion they bolt on a country town, become the biggest and then refuse to build a rail link there. Victorians are a strange lot. Meanwhile, if you want to travel from Sydney to Kiama, Macarthur, Lithgow or Newcastle, you just get on a double-deck electric train at Central and go there. You just use your Opal card, no need to book seats and the wait isn't that long either, all lines have regular services 7 days a week.
@@vintageradio3404 how quickly it went from infrastructure to labor. You do realise if it wasn't for labor we'd have a big tunnel under the city and no other infrastructure projects at all.
@@JamesSecretofski I'm just telling it like it is. All the largest infrastructure projects in this country were kicked off by Coalition governments and by "big" I don't necessarily mean tunnels that are only 4km long or even an airport rail line. I am talking BIG - like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and underground electric railway. I am talking WestConnex and NorthConnex. WestConnex is the world's second largest underground motorway and will by far be the largest tunnel network in the world once it is complete - including the Western Harbour Tunnel and Rozelle Interchange. The main tunnels are 22km long and five lanes each way at the widest point. You just won't see that in any other city. NSW Labor lost the 2019 election because they vowed to cancel the largest and widest section. The Coalition won and got it done. So yes, I do not have a problem with politicising infrastructure. One side of politics clearly does things bigger and better than the other. That's just how it is and there is plenty of evidence to prove it. The biggest fraud of all is VIC Labor referring to its infrastructure programme as the Big Build. Give us a break. The programme in NSW was larger than that in every other state and territory combined. In geological terms its like comparing a grain of sand to Ayers Rock.
the hilarious history of U.S. Canada and Australia... with all the costs adding up with feasibility studies, the project would have been completed on the feasibility studies funds alone, just stop messing around and so the rail, do the tram, make the rail network and provide a community service to the people, even if they themselves won't use it. all these delays and study after study is just causing headaches.
Add to that, today's costs will pale in comparison in 30 to 40 years. Sydney Harbour Bridge cost $32m to build. Peanuts today, but its benefit over the last 90 years has been immeasurable. Just build it for the future as a MVP project with minimal cost.
Where does Brissy end and the Gold Coast start? Combined they have over 3 mil and then there is the Sunshine Coast to the north, and all growing rapidly. But yeah, Perth has already overtaken Adelaide so it could well overtake Brissy and eventually maybe all of SE Qld too. Perth used to be 5th and Adelaide 4th, now Perth is 4th and Gold Coast 6th. Adelaide and Hobart are being left behind. Meanwhile, Melbourne and Sydney argue about who is 1st and 2nd depending on how much surrounding area you include...
This reminds me of a joke about professors, it goes like this: “How many professors does it take to replace a light bulb?" Answer: None, because they couldn’t agree on the method.
I don't think the Suburban Rail loop is doomed to be cancelled, but the sheer scale of it does make it unlikely to ever be completed in it's planned form. The cost and timeline is not entirely unrealistic, especially when you consider what is actually spent on road and rail projects in that portion of time as is. I think beyond what ever is being actively built will essentially function as a long term direction more then anything else. As for the extra works at Sunshine, the additional bridge and the flying junction, I don't think they can be reasonably dismissed without considering the operational requirements of integrating a new service into the current network. With V-line and Metro services operating on different tracks between Southern Cross/the metro tunnel and Sunshine, you have to make a call on whether an airport service will use Vline track or Metro track. Whichever you choose will have specific infrastructure impacts. frequency and consistency of timetables are an increasingly valued asset to many transport agencies when operating urban lines, so anything that makes it harder to maintain that on the Sunbury line will be a challenge. Integrating with Vline services though wouldn't be easier either. Between the different services combined there is probably a lot less spare capacity then might first appear. Given the Vline track pair is on the Western side of the corridor and the branch in question is to the east, that presents challenges at the junction too. With the flying junction, given flat junctions are a limiting factor on capacity as well as a great risk point of failure in the system I don't think the concept should be dismissed without an argument beyond it costing more. I don't see it being much different to the push to remove level crossings. That's not to say what was proposed isn't excessive (not sure why you need three levels), but If you want a frequent, reliable service to the airport, you need a flying junction. The Melbourne network is generally quite good for this, with lots of flying junctions placed throughout the region. The fact that the Sunshine station had a major rebuild in 2014 is unfortunate, but I don't think another rebuild should be ruled out based on that fact alone. The plans for how to best integrate the airport service alongside the existing Vline and Sunbury services at Sunshine will dictate what does and doesn't need to be done. Given the intent for it to operate as the major western interchange hub for these airport services, a 5th and 6th platform may be needed to make that work properly. As for the bridge, it's a single standard gauge and single broad gauge track. You would probably have to turn both into dual gauge if you wanted to use the existing viaduct as is. presumably there is room for two broad gauge lines, but it might well be that the need to protect freight and long distance track paths is driving this one. Vline and the Sydney XPT use the standard gauge track, alongside all northbound interstate freight (which is only expected to increase with Inland Rail....eventually....maybe.... and sure it technically ends before this line, but there will almost certainly be through traffic to the port). If preserving freight and Vline paths is an important factor, then that's a huge incentive to build a second bridge. That and the existing viaduct is heritage listed, which doesn't make it impossible to work on, but does make it painful. Just visually I think the corridor looks wide enough to handle quad tracking, which would allow the Airport services to use dedicated lines for optimal service. Underground station is silly though, especially if it's a terminating station. Just build a viaduct. I'm not sure if it's really what you are trying to suggest, but your argument comes across as if you think a 'bare minimum' solution is better if it means getting 'something'. I disagree with that sentiment. the $10 billion price tag presented on IA is probably lowballing it, but our governments don't hesitate to spend that kind of money on big road projects on a regular basis. The West Gate tunnel is supposedly up to $11.9 billion now. My hometown, Brisbane, has got a couple billion dollars of motorway upgrades stringing their way down the main road freight route to the border. Lets not even start on Sydney's WestConnex. I'd much rather see the money spent now on achieving a high quality service from day one, then cut back on important aspects of the build to lower the budget, particularly when most of what is cut back on will inevitably become a problem in the future. (The Brisbane Airtrain has a significant single track segment, built that way to save money and now a major obstacle in service planning and frequency of services to the airport. The cost of fixing that now is far greater then what it would have been to jsut build it dual track from the start.)
@91Caesar, If $10 Billion is low balling it then they should not build the Airport Link. $10 Billion for a 13 km branch completely above grade with 2 stations? Get it down to $3 or $4 Billion or do not build it at all. It can be done if the Broad Gauge freight infrastructure is re-used as much of it is unused. The City and SouthWest Metro is costing $20.5 Billion and that project is of far greater scope than this relatively simple project. $10 Billion, just improve the local bus network ffs!
The most challenging problems to solve was how to integrate Airport services onto the Sunshine trunk which was already at capacity, handling Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo V/Lines, and high capacity Metro services. If you ask me they should have just built the flyover to Albion/Sunshine just to start with, and then had another project to continue the separate line into the CBD. Its a hassle to get off and switch trains sure, but then the increased patronage would provide raw demand numbers for feasibility studies.
What high capacity metro services. Off peak trains run every 20 mins. They could easily absorb the Airport services. Simply 6 of the West Footscray terminators were to be extended to the Airport. To be honest I would build the Airport rail really cheaply. There is broad gauge infrastructure which is hardly used. Forget the ridiculous flyover at Albion. Ditch the Sunshine Station rebuild. Dual gauge the Standard freight line and rebuild the existing broad gauge freight. They would not even have to use the Melbourne Metro. When MM1 is complete the ex Sunbury up from South Kensington to just past Moonee ponds Creek will be unused. The airport line can then run direct to Flinders Street. In fact why can't it be part of the cross city group. It is over engineering for over engineering sakes. Electrification to Melton, Tarneit and Wyndhamvale is far more important.
I meant the HCMT trains which are coming to the Sunbury/Dandy line. And yeah off peak is 20 mins, but during peak it gets pretty crowded, and nobody wants to upgrade the signalling system across the whole line to allow for trains to operate closer together. I think DoT didn't want to use the Broad gauge lines, because freight would disrupt it? Also SRL was eventually going to use the Airport line so it would need to be compatible. @@mjcats2011 And yes, RRL and Ballarat lines need to be electrified and duplicated asap! Govt never cares about the west :/
@Snoop_Dugg Much of the broad gauge infrastructure is not used as they use the dual gauge infrastructure, so make the standard gauge freight dual gauge all the way and that releases the broad gauge. Also, there isn't much broad gauge freight anyway. The Airport Rail Link is over engineered. Such a large budget for 6 trains an hour is ridiculous. Really it is.
What should also happen is the 482 bus route from Sunbury to Airport West via the Airport. Currently there's no weekend service and 1hr wait times which is very strange to me. It should be operational 7 days a week from 7am to 11pm IMO
If they do it it needs to be it's own dedicated line from the cbd with suitable trains. All these plans of having it on a normal train line or having it change from normal train line make it a hassle and commuter trains aren't suitable for luggage. The issue is also that it needs to be cheaper: Sydney's airport link is shockingly expensive, if you have 2 or more people travelling, it's cheaper to get an uber or taxi.
If you are advocating for a separate tunneled line from Sunshine to be CBD, as per Rail Futures then there is no way you are going to have cheap fares.
I have been asking for years why are we not using the light rail link that is already in existence? Extending the Airport West tram line to the airport up and over the Arrivals/Departures down the other side and back along the freeway. Myki card purchase at the airport similar to Sydney, Perth and Adelaide (free for seniors in Adelaide for certain trips) A dedicated light rail running in conjunction with the tram line already laid. I have lived in Melbourne all my life and we all know the tram always went to the old airport or at least close to it. It is not that hard.
Not at all true there's only road access to Melbourne airport! When I had a ten-hour stopover there, I baulked at the city bus fare. Looked at a tram map, saw the stop marked "Airport", and set out on foot to reach it. Had to walk a couple of km down the verge of a freeway but got there in half an hour or so!
@@SuperWasabiking I am a skinflint. When I go to the International Terminal at Sydney I walk from Wolli Creek station, about 15 minutes. To the the Domestic Terminal I walk from Mascot station, about 15- 20 minutes. It's good exercise and I like watching planes coming and going even though I am not travelling. I would pay the higher fare if I were travelling and I had heavy luggage.
Anyone really in the know like to comment on the monopoly skybus contract inflicted on travellers arriving into Melbourne , the years to run on that contract , and the lobbying that’s taken place on its behalf ? Hamstrung. Bit like the arrivals/departures into Melbourne airport, inefficient use of outdated runway,rapid exit layout,etc etc
It's just stupid this project has been costed so high. Just build a spur line from the nearest train station. Elevate it if necessary. There is no reason it's taken so long or has to be so expensive.
901 bus from the Airport to Broadmeadows station. Easy. Bus is every 10 minutes. A future rail link will simply divert from the Vline / standard gauge link. It's a waste of money, you'll pay a tonne to use it. Best off going on the 901. And this bus is perfect for northern suburbs. But even still, you could switch to the 902 at Broadmeadows.
Build a dedicated rail line and all the tourists would use it and it would take loads of cars off the rd. A bus is not sufficient for a city of Melbourne's size
@@trinity1181 I will explain why Skybus is an excellent service. Skybus doesn't just take you to the city. They run buses to and from the Airport from different areas of Melbourne. Tourists can use Uber or a taxi. There is no business case for rail to the airport. If you can afford the $1000+ ticket to fly here, what's $26 for Skybus?
@@mjcats2011 it doesn't matter, it's frequent enough that you can plan ahead. You literally book flights and travel visas 3 to 6 months ahead, you have enough time to work out SkyBus. And the costs associated with getting too and from the airport are nothing compared to the costs of travel. And have you seen the cost of airport rail in other cities? It's bad. Rail to the airport is mostly a terrible idea. In Brisbane the train is 99% empty as the airport serves as the extension to another train line, a turn around. A way to not terminate inside the city, but it's mostly unused. It's also very expensive for an almost empty train. Sydney, well, they at least extended it into a full train line (eventually) and my first experience was it was cancelled on the weekend and replaced with a bus. The problem is, the Victorian Labor party have stolen power using a number of corrupt means. They won't be in power long enough to run such a rail line, or the outer loop thing. Victoria is in debt and we are facing a future series of extreme cut backs, and the stupid airport rail is the first thing getting cancelled.
@berenscott8999 What a load of rubbish with no factual basis whatsoever as regards to the ALP. I have no love for Dan Andrews but he won fair and square in 3 elections. Not another one who is into conspiracies because they don't like the result. As regards to SkyBus you said it was frequent and when challenged its the old well its frequent enough and you plan. And that in a nutshell is why Melbourne transit is mediocre compared to Sydney.
I find it ridiculous that there is no rail link to Tullamarine. Despite the price, which isn’t really that much, Sydney’s rail connection is very convenient. Having to travel the Tullamarine Freeway though is a pain.
@@mjcats2011 I guess we agree to disagree then. The Tullamarine Freeway is a pain sometimes. $13Bn isn’t overly expensive for modern major infrastructure projects.
@NoName-ds5uq I am sorry, but I disagree. It is $13 billion for stuff all. Whilst the growth suburbs of Melton Wyndhamvale and Tarneit have to rely on infrequent v/Line services. If they can not descope some of the project to come in at around $4 billion, then it should not be built.
@@MrWhitmen1981 What does cost of living have to do with it? We aren’t paying out of pocket for it. It will make everyone’s lives easier and more affordable.
📣 UPDATE: The government’s review into the airport rail line has been completed!
I have a video update on this here:
ruclips.net/video/Rf6xB6WdfCg/видео.html
Melbourne airport is the 50th busiest in the world but among only six without rail. Athens has just over half the number of passengers as Melbourne but has a rail link; Oslo with a population of more than 600,000 and Salt Lake City with just under 200,000 residents have rail links. Melbourne's population is 4.4 million but no rail. Utter madness.😳😳😳
Greater Salt Lake City has a population of 1.2 million. It is also part of the Salt Lake City - Provo - Ogden, UT Combined Statistical metripolitan area which has a population of 2.7 million. The 200,000 refers to central Salt Lake City similarly to Melbourne 3000 as opposed to Melbourne and suburbs.
Follow the money.
Don't forget Australia is one of the poorest in world 😅
@@amilarathnayake55 Elaborate on that comment.
Melbourne is the biggest city in Australia (Fact) but the Zionist lobby group is killing the project to keep their financial interests going so they can fund the Israel war.
As someone who doesn't drive, but has lately become a frequent flyer, I need this Airport Rail project done. I wish I could fund it myself honestly.
yeh that makes two of us. Especially when the flight to canberra is quicker than trip to the airport itself
Whats wrong with skybus?
@@scottcurtis5322 nothing, but when I am able to get a train from my apartment in the south-east direct to the airport without changing for only $5, it's better
@scottcurtis5322 Have you used it in rush hour?
We really do need the Suburban Rail loop to succeed.
From what I understand, the line is on hold because the airport is having a sook over the line being above-ground. I go to the nearby business park every so often, and they're still doing some work for the line, major enough to close roads, so I am assuming that it's just delayed rather than cancelled.
Using the SRL branding for the airport makes sense, because it can put pressure on future governments to continue the SRL.
the expectation was it for it to be delayed however construction would continue on the line, the factor that lead to it being put on hold was the $5bn in federal funding temporarily being withdrawn for the 90 day review which oddly still hasnt been finished
The airport station stalled because the government wanted the station right inside the airport underground. The Melbourne Airport said ‘no do it outside’ (because they make so much money on carparks). Also the government wanted the airport to chip in on the construction cost and they said no.
John Howard sold that monopoly of an airport for what now seems like a song
@@Fantabiscuit no they didnt the airport wanted an underground station, the government wanted the overground station because there was no reason to build an underground one like in sydney and perth because a. the line was going to be elevated (Perth's and Sydney's are underground)
b. There was room to build one (In Sydney there isnt)
@@RealNotOrrioare you sure about that? I heard it from an officials mouth. If I got it wrong then maybe. I do know the airport didn’t want to chip at least
@RealNotOrrio Good. Why do they need $5 Billion from the Feds?
I would insist in a massive descope of the project. If Perth can get their Airport link with 8.5 km of underground tunnel for $3.5 Billion why does Melbourne's 60% is on an existing corridor totally above grade and 2 stations need $5 from the feds?
I was really happy when they announced the new station for Keillor East but I also feel they need stations for Airport West, Niddrie, Avondale Heights, before going through to Sunshine as these areas are seriously lacking in trains
Completely agree! I think there’s also opportunities for new greenfield developments in places like sunshine north or lower Tullamarine. Could be built with good density near new stations. If the developments around Sydney’s airport link are anything to go by these can be quite successful.
Places in-between Fraser Rise and Watergardens will require a new train line I think as time goes on.
I would like to see extended tram lines in the west in the near term.
I totally agree. The Airport Line should be built to serve underserved areas such as Avondale Heights and Airport West as well as Niddrie and Keilor East.
Absolutely! But no matter who is in government, it won’t get done. Those suburbs have voted labor consistently for the last 123 years. There is no votes to be won from serving these suburbanites better. And they will never vote liberal, so that party won’t do it either.
Despite being part of the SRL, the Airport Rail will be delivered by Rail Projects Victoria and not the Suburban Rail Loop Authority. Hopefully this means that the Airport Rail Link will happen regardless of the SRL.
I hope so, it’s such an important project!
As you mentioned in video the SRL is likely to be cancelled half way. So its best to build airport rail from Sunshine/Albion path.
I’m pretty sure the SRLA was designed to avoid union intervention from driverless trains, like they did in Sydney.
@@Snoop_Dugg Nope. That will happen anyway. Expect trials on the Sandringham line in the coming years. The airport link is arguably less likely.
I agree. I think it’s essential. I hint there’s a much better case for it than there is for the SRL. That money would be better spent upgrading regional lines, like a Bendigo or Mildura.
Not even 600 subs.. Keep making videos with this quality and you'll have 100k in no time! Good luck! :)
Hopefully it does go ahead one day. If we stopped spending billions one building new "freeways" and widening existing ones, there might be more money to put into public transport.
nah we are 1 lane away from fixing traffic for real this time!!
@@MrPsychochickens but we should add an extra ten just in case 😉
I recall visiting the airport in 2014 and there was massive signs everywhere declaring that the Airport Train construction was underway "coming soon"....
That was the Napthine govt, but still
@@iamthinking2252_ With their rubbish Melbourne rail Link. Thank god the Airport Link did not go ahead.
Transit oriented development could be a novel method of funding transport products when government treasuries may be stretched. Stations could allow for retail trading space with homes built next to the stations, just like what we see in Japan.
Thats how we should've been building out the new outer suburbs
Chatswood in Sydney comes to mind
@@maheehossain5481 wtf.. it really is time to gtfo of this sh_ _ hole of a country
7 682 300 000 000 square meters available in all of aus yet 1 of those costs nearly $2000 in melb
assuming 10 square meters is enough of a living space, that means we could house 768,230,000,000 people
It's so strange that Melbourne doesn't have one, despite Perth building one that required extensive tunnelling, and then incorporated it into the network (rather than charging a premium and running it as a stand-alone service) so that it costs no more than $5.
Perth is doing things properly
@@ACDZ123 as did Sydney nearly a quarter of a century ago
Not so strange when you consider the incompetence and corruption of Victoria's governments.
@@suave-riderSydney is missing an important feature of Perth's system
The airport surcharge on tickets isn't good
@@jk-xm7fi it was the only way to get it built.
Nice video. I do appreciate the subtle irony of the final scene showing a metro train rolling past a Hertz car rental office in the background... currently one of the few viable options for visitors to Melbourne to get around when arriving at the AP. When I moved to Melbourne 26 years ago we were promised that the airport rail link was "coming soon". Meanwhile, I travel frequently to cities all over the world, many far smaller than Melbourne, and enjoy the experience of in-airport-rail services to and from these cities. Yet when I travel to my home city airport... yep I pay serious $$$ to park my car at the AP. It still gets me how cheaply and quickly Brisbane was able to build Airlink. They were not trying to build a fancy service, nor solve all the transport problems of SE QLD... no just a simple rail link from the AP to the CBD. Done for under $200M and in under 3 years. It stagger me how Melbourne is planning to spend $10B dollars.
Good summary of this frustrating "project that never becomes a project"! It is quite embarrassing to think that Melbourne doesn't have an airport rail link. When one travels to other cities that have such brilliant connections and then return to Melbourne to - nothing - you wonder what international visitors and tourists must think on the dreary, uninspring and sometimes slow road trip to the city? It's time for someone with some balls to resurrect it and just get on with it!
I can remember when they built Tullamarine. My understand at the time (I was only a kid) was that ithe nbound and outbound lanes of the freeway were built far enough apart for a rail lin to run in between.
This decision to pause the project is such a shame. Why tf do we not have a rail link to the airport in 2023? Every intelligently designed city has this and it is absolutely essential and needed.
Great Video. I personally wished that the government focused on 1 major rail project at a time rather than committing to several different projects like SRL (which could cost nearly 100 billion dollars). The Airport Line needs to be higher priority for a city of over 5 million people.
It is because Victoria has not co-ordinated its projects. NSW manages to run multiple projects. WA and its excellent Metronet Project manages to do so. Why is it so hard for Victoria?Victoria's focus is Level Crossings, The SRL, The Metro and the two freeway projects.
If they can get the Airport Line down to a reasonable budget, say $4 Billion I am all for else cancel the flaming thing. $13 Billion for sod all is too much.
Am I the only one to find it strange how soon by 2026, both of Sydney's airports will be connected to its rail network while Melbourne will still be building its first?
Too busy spending money on roads, consultants, feasibility studies.
i find it strange that Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane all have airport rail links before Melbourne does.
Its also funny that Sydney's second airport is about 50km's from the CBD and will have rail network link before Melbourne's main airport which is 18km's from the CBD.
@@boitmecklyn4995 Even the Gold Coast might have light rail access before Melbourne!
@@Snoop_Dugg our roads are still shit lol (go to Hallam station that was finished last year). The same pothole has been there for over 10 years, no fix.
Thanks for this update, and a very well researched one too!!
I think in the short term, they should extend the Essendon tram to the Airport, even the DFO just to get some raw numbers of passengers.
Also there should be more frequent metro buses as well connecting the area for people close by.
I like your summary and your suggested additions to this project.
But while Melbourne remains a destination without a fast car free link to the rest of the city. Even its reputation of its amazing transport network is not enough. The Pause allows Sydney Brisbane' and Gold Coast to shine as premium destinations for traveler's domestically and internationally.
Crazy to me how Melbourne has such a good tram network, and yet we can't build a rail link between the most important locations.
Gold coast? Lmao. They have one tram line that doesn't go to the airport.
And Brisbane thinks buses are trains. Melbourne already has skybus.
@@ChrisJohannsen I mentioned the Gold Coast. Because they shown that they are more active / serious about Light rail connection to Coolangatta it's 18 Kilometres. As they are gradually adding the Track to get there.
But Airport link is only 16 kilometres from Sunshine. But that's a story of failed plans and the distance they have to Go.
I expect the G will reach Coolangatta Airport before Melbourne does its airport !
While we’re at it, let’s throw a few theme parks in our regional area since we already have trains to get there for tourists. I hate that there’s not much for tourists to do in our outer suburbs and regional areas. You have to be a local to know the beauty that we have which is a shame. We could be raking in the money Queensland and Sydney get with their minimal effort states (I say that as someone who regularly visits Queensland and absolutely loves it there).
Amazing transport network. You are joking right? Trams are world class, Trains are average and Buses are shh-ocking.
Very good explainer, thanks moose!
Public transport is one area that Sydney absolutely shines in compared to Melbourne, Melbourne’s trains and train network in general just don’t compare. How is it that Sydney will have both of its airports hooked up to their extensive heavy rail and Metro rail networks, but we can’t get a single line to Tullamarine? As a Melburnian this is such an embarrassment, especially considering how Melbourne is supposed to be the cultural centre of the country. It’s just so backwards 😂
The video was great, really appreciate the review! Keep it up!
Having lived for considerable periods in both Melbourne and Sydney, both cities' infrastructure has its strengths and weaknesses. Melbourne's tram network is to be envied. No airport link in Melbourne is a glaring gap in the network. SRL is a great idea that cannot be built due to cost. Sydney is catching up on motorways but Melbourne is way ahead. The comparisons and competitive nature of the two cities is very welcomed.
Hahaha what a joke the army of busses clogging the CBD in Sydney is the worst if only they'd kept the monorail the Sydney trail system is awful
@@Wimmle Rubbish. Sydney is way ahead of Melbourne and since the light rail, George Street is no longer clogged with buses.
a slight error when it comes to the former essendon airport tram: it continued along the alignment currently paralleling the tulla and then crossed into the airport site along the english st bridge. the airport section of tram line was removed long ago, and now the tram goes to a shopping centre. very good video though!
Thanks for sharing a most interesting video. It is rather amazing how an airport link has been missed here. Even the tram going to Airport West could easily be extended there without too much expense. Maybe not quite equal to the train, but it would be an improvement on the current situation. We also have Avalon Airport and no rail link there either. I think that the SRL may be partly built, but certainly not to full completion, as it is just far too expensive. You are certainly correct about keeping the airport rail link separate and just getting that done. Anything else can always be considered later.
Train to Broadmeadows and then bus 901 to the Airport....$13 cheaper than Skybus but takes about 30 minutes longer. Never had an issue getting to the airport.
Thanks, I'll do this next time 🤠
You do have to walk from Terminal 4 however…
901 my favourite bus😅.
I live just outside of Ballarat and fly out of Tullamarine very regularly these days... It rarely takes me much longer than an hour and a half. That's from leaving my house, to having my car parked and checked in.
If I don't take the car, the Airport Shuttle bus service is excellent and has never been in either direction for me. Takes 90 minutes and
This was very fascinating. As someone who lives near Pakenham the Melbourne Airport trip is an unpleasant experience when I need to make it so I was hoping a train service would exist that would make it tolerable. This one that was planned was among the most viable and I do hope it isn't dead.
Yeah getting to Pakenham is already fucked. I want to move further east but the lack of infrastructure is exhausting.
Pakenham Line definitely!
I like Pakenham Line drivers view videos they are great!
They are extending the metro line 2 kms to a new station called “East Pakenham” which is set to be completed by 2024.
So, the East Pakenham Line by 2024 it will become.
Why is there no rail link to the airport? Perhaps it's got something to do with lobbying from the taxi industry, Uber, airport parking and toll way operators such as Transurban. No doubt I've missed a few.
No it has nothing to do with Uber or anything else. We are just mediocre at planning in the Garden State.
@@mjcats2011 Maybe, but don't kid yourself that there are some pretty well invested lobby groups out there that would do as much as they could for it not to happen.
What do you think happened to our rural rail freight services? Lobbying by a particular large freight company is what happened.
@davidbrayshaw3529 Because Victoria let's them. It does not happen in Qld,
NSW or WA. So I call BS on that. Victoria is poor when it comes to Public Transport.
Vested interests my eye. Victoria has always been mediocre when it comes to Public Transport.
Also note that many travellers flying in and out of Tullamarine are from regional Victoria. Getting to Tulla from Bendigo via public transport requires a train to Sunbury, a 50 minute wait then a local bus that stops at the airport.
When I lived in Melbourne, I recall the traffic heading to the airport was horrendous and no matter how early you left, you’d be internally fretting thinking you’ll miss your flight.
In 1982 I proposed a link, which just happens to be the latest chosen route. I was told that a link to Broadmeadows was being considered. (I thought that route would involve massive bridges and told them so.) That was more than 40 years ago and maybe one day it just might be built. Mind you, going under the airport and joining the Bendigo line north of Sunbury would have advantages.
Having passed through Tullamarine just yesterday, I want to comment on the appalling treatment of taxi drivers and taxi passengers: they have pushed the arrivals taxi ranks far from the main terminals, as if doing their best to discourage anyone using taxis in favour of driving and parking. In fact, Melbourne airport is being run as a parking business with an airport attached. The new terminal, T4, is also appalling, as is the new entry to the old Ansett terminal now used by Virgin and called T3: both have now lengthy circuitous walks worthy of Ikea - and no doubt for the same reason, to force a long walk past all the shops, utterly unfair to anyone struggling since the entrances could easily be straight through curb to security. Compared to Perth or Sydney (notwithstanding Sydney's terrible delays) it's like will live in a laissez faire capitalist paradise with our so-called Labor government in the pocxkets of the big developers.
You do realise there is nothing the state can do as Melbourne Airport is run privately.
This was a fantastic video, as someone who just moved me Melbourne I’m glad I now know the story :)
There is still active work taking place on the airport link line. Roberts Rd in Airport West is closed for Airport Rail Link works right now
Price for both the Brisbane Airport and Sydney Airport links is the key issue regarding performance.
The (second) Brisbane airport link is a particular horror tale of politics. The first one went to the old Brisbane international airport on the way to Pinkenba.
I was last in Melbourne 10 years ago. I remember having to catch a bus to go to the city. There is still no railway?
Last time I arrived at Melbourne airport I hopped on a Skybus within five minutes and it took me directly to Southern Cross Station in the city..where I quickly hopped onto a train to my suburb.I know we can’t rely on busses forever but it was extremely easy getting around
Some do get stuck in traffic.
Skybus is a fairly punctual service due to the m2 being some of the least congested freeways in melb, but its insanely expensive imo $22 for a fucking 25min bus trip... outrageous!. i have no clue why the vid describes the m2 as being particularly congested...huge upgrades have been done to it, after essendon literally the only reason to be on it is for the airport, ive always experienced fairly minor traffic compared to the more congested m1, m80, m3. only bit thay can be congested is the bolte, but skybus literally avoids the bolte and m1 altogether as well lol...)
@@defvii catch a train to Sydney airport and it's $20.50 one way
Skybus is one until there's an accident on the Tullamarine Freeway and then your 25 minute journey to the city becomes an hour and a half.
It's kind of crazy there isn't a rail connection in Melbourne to the airport, despite having a robust commuter rail network. And yet, my metro area, DFW has pretty bad public transit and still has two separate rail lines connected to the airport, a third under construction, and a fourth which has a shuttle service to it
Did he say the Andrews Government has had great success with new infrastructure? Are you kidding? Cost blow outs, Dump site debarcle, time blowouts, the list goes on.
Airport railway wont go ahead for years, There is a clause in the new contract for the Tullamarine Freeway Upgrade a couple of years ago that stipulates Citylink must have NO competition between City and Airport. EVERYONE has to use the Tulla Freeway
That is simply not true.
I just moved back to Melbourne after living in abroad in a city less than 1/10th the population, and with an airport further from its centre than Tullamarine. And yet it has a rail link, despite having far more challenging topography.
I'd take extending the Airport West tram to Tullamarine at this point. CityLink was an object lesson in induced demand a decade ago. I'm at a loss to see eye to eye with politicians who think transport works in Melbourne. It's a great city dragging the dead weight of car culture that it needs to let go of
Honestly it’s quite interesting. I’ve met workers from the Airport rail project and they said they’d be blocking the lane in Sunshine North industrial area to work on this.
The area was still blocked off and they’re still working on it even when the project has been on and off haha.
It is a pity that Melbourne is the only city in the world left with a brilliant huge tram system yet they can't get public transport out to the airport.
It's the largest surviving network but it isn't huge. Sydney's old system had 30% more track and 1,600 trams. There were more R-class trams in Sydney than Melbourne's whole fleet now.
A couple of pointers on personalities you mentioned;
Reg Ansett's first name was Reginald, abbreviated phonetically to "Redge" and the inebriate (when I met him once at Parliament House) Edward Meagher, Transport Minister of the 60's and 70's, was known by a shorted second name Ray. His surname phonetically "Marr"...
😉
The problem is to many influential people have their money tied up in airport parking around the airport which brings in HUGE money so they will do anything to keep trains away
great video, amazing to see how many premiers have got the wheels rolling before the project came to a screeching holt over the years.
hopefully labor will finally figure it out and melbourne transport elephant in the room will finally come to life.
In some good news, metro tunnel is expected to be open by September next year!
The Premier who finally gets this Airport rail link DONE will be applauded!!! No more feasibility studies, appears that this has been done many times already!
But then how will consultants earn a crust?
Having left Melbourne a few years ago, I was not aware of the SRL. Re-activating the Outer Circle Railway?
No.
I think SRL would be more substantial then both Inner and Outer Circle lines, the route shows promising patronage and does serve these communities, along the timeline is gigantic and it’s costs seem to be overblown.
@theorangeoof926 Why do you say that. There is no way they are going to be within the $34 Billion budget.
I think it stinks. Money no object for marginal seats in the east whilst some suburbs in the west do not even have decent bus services.
@@mjcats2011 Well admittedly the money can also be used elsewhere (Edit: for transit), and you’re not wrong about the wet being cucked all over again (seriously, they get the SRL last and the Western Rail Plan was cancelled).
But it does cure Melbourne of its extreme city loop dependency, and should serve multiple purposes and cut travel time, waning people off the busy east roads and crappy buses. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it does hit the nail in the coffin and does seek to rectify that fatal flaw. Could the money be better spent elsewhere? I’m not one to say and there are videos out there for this, but at least it isn’t another road project.
@theorangeoof926 True, but why does it have to be automated heavy rail project with an extraordinary long lead time. Should have been done as a light metro or light rail. SRL is not the most pressing project. Relieving the Craigieburn line and the Western Rail Plan are far more important. The trouble is that this government is only interested in massive infrastructure projects, whether they be rail or road.
Spur line off Broadmeadows makes a lot more sense to me. What are the limitations of that vs going through Albion? Also a real loop is much needed, I don't think there's any city our size (except maybe in the US) that lacks an intersuburban connection like Melbourne.
They should extend route 59 to the airport, it would only need a 5km extension
Coming from Sydney about the only thing I dislike about Melbourne is the reliance on road to the airport. I can really cut it fine at Sydney airport.
I've used the Sydney train to the airport many times. Problem with that is you're stuck on suburban trains with large suitcases until you change train for the airport line at Central. That's not pleasant during peak hour.
With the proposed train going from southern cross you've the same issue for people on the east side, and there seems little benefit in time or convenience compared to the existing bus.
Charlie. The State Government's project is to link the Airport Link with Melbourne Metro with services going to Pakenham East and Cranbourne.
@@mjcats2011 that doesn't make much difference to what i mentioned?
@charliewhiskey8440 I am just correcting you in saying that the project is not starting from Southern Cross. Indeed the proposed Airport link is not going anywhere near Southern Cross.
The Airport line is not just about perceived personal benefit. Fairly soon a low capacity Bus route from the cbd is not going to cut it. You will need some more than just being about to move 6 to 700 people per hour.
Having said that, $13 billion is a ridiculous amount for the project, and I would rather it go towards the Western Rail Plan.
Isn’t there a tram line which end mere kilometres from the airport also?
There is, the number 59 tram line ends at Airport West shopping centre. This tram line was extended into Essendon airport during WW2 not as a passenger link but to transport airport workers doing war work at a time when motor fuels were heavily rationed. The tracks into what is now Essendon fields were removed during the 70’s to allow for freeway works. This truncated line was later extended to Airport West. I have to say I’m not keen on the idea of extending this line to Tullamarine due to concerns about its long term ability to carry the traffic.
I really want to know the answer, but try as I might, I can’t sit through a 15 minute video on train line policy. Can someone give me the spark notes pls?
it sort of does already have a rail link, take the train to Broadmeadows station then the 901 bus
I used to that! Back when I lived on the east coast.
After standing at the airport for 45 minutes last night waiting for a rideshare driver to accept my pickup, I can’t help but think it’s such an awful experience for tourists to our city. The taxi situation is terrible too with rude drivers who argue with you about turning on their meters and hiding their taxi licenses when you disagree with them. There is just no viable option at the moment. Get the train line done… yesterday!
The tram line system runs to within a whisker of the airport already. Just connect the two and offer a stopping no stations option. Melbourne’s Tullamarine is hardly that busy at the best of times. It’s not a global hub. It’s more the end station at best.
If you call 6km a whisker.
Melbourne gets more like Calcutta every day. The only reason I want more railways there is so I can get out of it faster.
Just flew back from Singapore to Melbourne yesterday I was confused because i was flying to Melbourne yet 70% of the passengers where Indian.
I live in inner western Melbourne and the amount of money being spent on the Big Build gives me the yips. I just wish that we spent less money on roads and more money on public transport.
If the Melbourne airport has a station already built at the air port WHY haven't shown where it is ????
Excellent video, you should be producing more - subbed.
Australia is apparently an advanced enough country and yet falls extremely behind on pretty much everything, including and especially public transportation.
The thing is Sydney which has a population has had an airport train since before the 2000 Olympics Brisbane and Perth also have one
Why hasn't the Airport Rail Link been built? 3 words: "Andrews Government" + "Utopia".
A delightfully entertaining and insightful video. Your thoughts on MVP are spot on, they need more pragmatists on the job.
So its all Dan Andrews fault?
As a Victorian, great video 👍
Just wondering, is Melbourne the only major city that doesn't have a rail to the Airport?
Melbourne Airport already has Station build underneath (well the shell anyway), whilst its defiantly outdated and was mothballed, it would be great to revitalize this space, expand since its already here
Is it really there? Because it sounds like the same legend of there being a station shell under VFL Park
@@rod.h8064It is there or it was when the original airport terminal was built.
The airport link with normal trains has no place being bundled in with the automated rapid transit Suburban Rail Loop. Completely different trains, types of service, and not even a continuous line.
Every project that premier Daniel Andrews touched blew out in cost and delays. Every project minister Jacinta Allan has touched has also blown out. IF the project ever went ahead I am sure that there would be a massive payout involved to buy off the billion (????) dollar a year income that the airport gets for parking.
As a Bendigo resident I have been frustrated by the fact Labor in their infinite wisdom decided when they upgraded the rail to Bendigo to drop 1 line. The trains are now faster except when it's hot, or there is a breakdown or there is a slow train on the track. The rail links for central and northern Victoria really are awful.
Is this Makers Muse?
I live in Brisbane and the Airport line didn't get much business for years cause it was stupidly expensive, and only dropped you in the CBD. Most business trips are going OUT of Brisbane, and most tourists fly in then bug out to one of the coasts so it is usually easier and cheaper to just hire a car, or park at the airport. Never been on the train as I live in one of the massive areas of Brisbane with no railway. Whether it's a work trip to one of the southern cities, or a holiday, we drive to the airport & pay to park. For a family of four its cheaper and easier to pay for 2 weeks parking. Melbourne on the other hand is a destination for business travellers and tourists and I reckon the line would do well. Just frickin build it!
Goes to the GC now but that will change when they open cross river rail
Daniel Andrews did a number on Victoria's economy
Biggest deficits in the country.
What do you mean by 'depends on who you ask' lol. Melbs officially is the largest city as of few months ago when they joined Melton to Melbourne Metro area.
Yeah, in typical Labor fashion they bolt on a country town, become the biggest and then refuse to build a rail link there. Victorians are a strange lot. Meanwhile, if you want to travel from Sydney to Kiama, Macarthur, Lithgow or Newcastle, you just get on a double-deck electric train at Central and go there. You just use your Opal card, no need to book seats and the wait isn't that long either, all lines have regular services 7 days a week.
@@vintageradio3404 how quickly it went from infrastructure to labor. You do realise if it wasn't for labor we'd have a big tunnel under the city and no other infrastructure projects at all.
@@JamesSecretofski I'm just telling it like it is. All the largest infrastructure projects in this country were kicked off by Coalition governments and by "big" I don't necessarily mean tunnels that are only 4km long or even an airport rail line. I am talking BIG - like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and underground electric railway. I am talking WestConnex and NorthConnex.
WestConnex is the world's second largest underground motorway and will by far be the largest tunnel network in the world once it is complete - including the Western Harbour Tunnel and Rozelle Interchange. The main tunnels are 22km long and five lanes each way at the widest point. You just won't see that in any other city. NSW Labor lost the 2019 election because they vowed to cancel the largest and widest section. The Coalition won and got it done.
So yes, I do not have a problem with politicising infrastructure. One side of politics clearly does things bigger and better than the other. That's just how it is and there is plenty of evidence to prove it.
The biggest fraud of all is VIC Labor referring to its infrastructure programme as the Big Build. Give us a break. The programme in NSW was larger than that in every other state and territory combined. In geological terms its like comparing a grain of sand to Ayers Rock.
the hilarious history of U.S. Canada and Australia... with all the costs adding up with feasibility studies, the project would have been completed on the feasibility studies funds alone, just stop messing around and so the rail, do the tram, make the rail network and provide a community service to the people, even if they themselves won't use it.
all these delays and study after study is just causing headaches.
Add to that, today's costs will pale in comparison in 30 to 40 years. Sydney Harbour Bridge cost $32m to build. Peanuts today, but its benefit over the last 90 years has been immeasurable. Just build it for the future as a MVP project with minimal cost.
Cause Skybus probably paid them not to build it for another 10 years
One issue you misses was a the contract conditions around the till roads close to the airport.
Fun fact. Perth will soon overtake Brisbane as Australia's 3rd city ..Brisbane 2.5 mill
Perth 2.3 mill currently
Where does Brissy end and the Gold Coast start? Combined they have over 3 mil and then there is the Sunshine Coast to the north, and all growing rapidly. But yeah, Perth has already overtaken Adelaide so it could well overtake Brissy and eventually maybe all of SE Qld too. Perth used to be 5th and Adelaide 4th, now Perth is 4th and Gold Coast 6th. Adelaide and Hobart are being left behind. Meanwhile, Melbourne and Sydney argue about who is 1st and 2nd depending on how much surrounding area you include...
Your data isn't quite right. 2.6 for Brisbane and 2.2 for Perth. Brisbane is also growing at a faster (% and actual numbers) rate than Perth.
This reminds me of a joke about professors, it goes like this: “How many professors does it take to replace a light bulb?" Answer: None, because they couldn’t agree on the method.
I don't think the Suburban Rail loop is doomed to be cancelled, but the sheer scale of it does make it unlikely to ever be completed in it's planned form. The cost and timeline is not entirely unrealistic, especially when you consider what is actually spent on road and rail projects in that portion of time as is. I think beyond what ever is being actively built will essentially function as a long term direction more then anything else.
As for the extra works at Sunshine, the additional bridge and the flying junction, I don't think they can be reasonably dismissed without considering the operational requirements of integrating a new service into the current network. With V-line and Metro services operating on different tracks between Southern Cross/the metro tunnel and Sunshine, you have to make a call on whether an airport service will use Vline track or Metro track. Whichever you choose will have specific infrastructure impacts. frequency and consistency of timetables are an increasingly valued asset to many transport agencies when operating urban lines, so anything that makes it harder to maintain that on the Sunbury line will be a challenge. Integrating with Vline services though wouldn't be easier either. Between the different services combined there is probably a lot less spare capacity then might first appear. Given the Vline track pair is on the Western side of the corridor and the branch in question is to the east, that presents challenges at the junction too.
With the flying junction, given flat junctions are a limiting factor on capacity as well as a great risk point of failure in the system I don't think the concept should be dismissed without an argument beyond it costing more. I don't see it being much different to the push to remove level crossings. That's not to say what was proposed isn't excessive (not sure why you need three levels), but If you want a frequent, reliable service to the airport, you need a flying junction. The Melbourne network is generally quite good for this, with lots of flying junctions placed throughout the region.
The fact that the Sunshine station had a major rebuild in 2014 is unfortunate, but I don't think another rebuild should be ruled out based on that fact alone. The plans for how to best integrate the airport service alongside the existing Vline and Sunbury services at Sunshine will dictate what does and doesn't need to be done. Given the intent for it to operate as the major western interchange hub for these airport services, a 5th and 6th platform may be needed to make that work properly.
As for the bridge, it's a single standard gauge and single broad gauge track. You would probably have to turn both into dual gauge if you wanted to use the existing viaduct as is. presumably there is room for two broad gauge lines, but it might well be that the need to protect freight and long distance track paths is driving this one. Vline and the Sydney XPT use the standard gauge track, alongside all northbound interstate freight (which is only expected to increase with Inland Rail....eventually....maybe.... and sure it technically ends before this line, but there will almost certainly be through traffic to the port). If preserving freight and Vline paths is an important factor, then that's a huge incentive to build a second bridge. That and the existing viaduct is heritage listed, which doesn't make it impossible to work on, but does make it painful. Just visually I think the corridor looks wide enough to handle quad tracking, which would allow the Airport services to use dedicated lines for optimal service.
Underground station is silly though, especially if it's a terminating station. Just build a viaduct.
I'm not sure if it's really what you are trying to suggest, but your argument comes across as if you think a 'bare minimum' solution is better if it means getting 'something'. I disagree with that sentiment. the $10 billion price tag presented on IA is probably lowballing it, but our governments don't hesitate to spend that kind of money on big road projects on a regular basis. The West Gate tunnel is supposedly up to $11.9 billion now. My hometown, Brisbane, has got a couple billion dollars of motorway upgrades stringing their way down the main road freight route to the border. Lets not even start on Sydney's WestConnex. I'd much rather see the money spent now on achieving a high quality service from day one, then cut back on important aspects of the build to lower the budget, particularly when most of what is cut back on will inevitably become a problem in the future. (The Brisbane Airtrain has a significant single track segment, built that way to save money and now a major obstacle in service planning and frequency of services to the airport. The cost of fixing that now is far greater then what it would have been to jsut build it dual track from the start.)
@91Caesar, If $10 Billion is low balling it then they should not build the Airport Link. $10 Billion for a 13 km branch completely above grade with 2 stations? Get it down to $3 or $4 Billion or do not build it at all. It can be done if the Broad Gauge freight infrastructure is re-used as much of it is unused. The City and SouthWest Metro is costing $20.5 Billion and that project is of far greater scope than this relatively simple project.
$10 Billion, just improve the local bus network ffs!
i seriously don't understand why they can't extend the 59 tram to tullamarine
Just build the damn rail link and get rid of all the cars.
The most challenging problems to solve was how to integrate Airport services onto the Sunshine trunk which was already at capacity, handling Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo V/Lines, and high capacity Metro services.
If you ask me they should have just built the flyover to Albion/Sunshine just to start with, and then had another project to continue the separate line into the CBD.
Its a hassle to get off and switch trains sure, but then the increased patronage would provide raw demand numbers for feasibility studies.
What high capacity metro services. Off peak trains run every 20 mins. They could easily absorb the Airport services. Simply 6 of the West Footscray terminators were to be extended to the Airport.
To be honest I would build the Airport rail really cheaply. There is broad gauge infrastructure which is hardly used. Forget the ridiculous flyover at Albion. Ditch the Sunshine Station rebuild. Dual gauge the Standard freight line and rebuild the existing broad gauge freight. They would not even have to use the Melbourne Metro. When MM1 is complete the ex Sunbury up from South Kensington to just past Moonee ponds Creek will be unused. The airport line can then run direct to Flinders Street. In fact why can't it be part of the cross city group.
It is over engineering for over engineering sakes.
Electrification to Melton, Tarneit and Wyndhamvale is far more important.
I meant the HCMT trains which are coming to the Sunbury/Dandy line.
And yeah off peak is 20 mins, but during peak it gets pretty crowded, and nobody wants to upgrade the signalling system across the whole line to allow for trains to operate closer together.
I think DoT didn't want to use the Broad gauge lines, because freight would disrupt it? Also SRL was eventually going to use the Airport line so it would need to be compatible. @@mjcats2011
And yes, RRL and Ballarat lines need to be electrified and duplicated asap! Govt never cares about the west :/
@Snoop_Dugg Much of the broad gauge infrastructure is not used as they use the dual gauge infrastructure, so make the standard gauge freight dual gauge all the way and that releases the broad gauge. Also, there isn't much broad gauge freight anyway.
The Airport Rail Link is over engineered. Such a large budget for 6 trains an hour is ridiculous. Really it is.
Why is it that perth and Brisbane can build a line to the airport and both with a population less then 3 million
What should also happen is the 482 bus route from Sunbury to Airport West via the Airport. Currently there's no weekend service and 1hr wait times which is very strange to me. It should be operational 7 days a week from 7am to 11pm IMO
Good on you SkyBus!
Update : Melbourne airport has finally agreed to a station above ground as they could not produce a business case for underground.
If they do it it needs to be it's own dedicated line from the cbd with suitable trains. All these plans of having it on a normal train line or having it change from normal train line make it a hassle and commuter trains aren't suitable for luggage.
The issue is also that it needs to be cheaper: Sydney's airport link is shockingly expensive, if you have 2 or more people travelling, it's cheaper to get an uber or taxi.
If you are advocating for a separate tunneled line from Sunshine to be CBD, as per Rail Futures then there is no way you are going to have cheap fares.
Come on Melbourne get your act together. I grew up in Melbourne but have lived in Perth for 15 years. Perth got a rail link to the airport last year.
I have been asking for years why are we not using the light rail link that is already in existence? Extending the Airport West tram line to the airport up and over the Arrivals/Departures down the other side and back along the freeway. Myki card purchase at the airport similar to Sydney, Perth and Adelaide (free for seniors in Adelaide for certain trips) A dedicated light rail running in conjunction with the tram line already laid. I have lived in Melbourne all my life and we all know the tram always went to the old airport or at least close to it. It is not that hard.
Not at all true there's only road access to Melbourne airport!
When I had a ten-hour stopover there, I baulked at the city bus fare. Looked at a tram map, saw the stop marked "Airport", and set out on foot to reach it.
Had to walk a couple of km down the verge of a freeway but got there in half an hour or so!
Based on Sydney's airport rail link it would be likely be a similar price as sky bus
Yeah the airport in “Airport West” is actually Essendon Fields. That’s the dirty little secret.
Can you really imagine people on a business trip or coming back from a long holiday walking a few kilometres to catch a tram?
@@SuperWasabiking I am a skinflint. When I go to the International Terminal at Sydney I walk from Wolli Creek station, about 15 minutes. To the the Domestic Terminal I walk from Mascot station, about 15- 20 minutes. It's good exercise and I like watching planes coming and going even though I am not travelling. I would pay the higher fare if I were travelling and I had heavy luggage.
The colony on Mars will have a rail link to the space elevator before Melbourne has a rail link to Tullamarine.
Anyone really in the know like to comment on the monopoly skybus contract inflicted on travellers arriving into Melbourne , the years to run on that contract , and the lobbying that’s taken place on its behalf ?
Hamstrung. Bit like the arrivals/departures into Melbourne airport, inefficient use of outdated runway,rapid exit layout,etc etc
It's just stupid this project has been costed so high. Just build a spur line from the nearest train station. Elevate it if necessary. There is no reason it's taken so long or has to be so expensive.
I see most of what I had to say has already been mentioned. All I want to know is who the hottie is @9:57 ? 😅
I’m with you just get it done, Remove the unnecessary crap and stop trying to improve what’s been agreed upon.
Thanks, momentum needs maintaining
Retired? You mean jumped before he was pushed.
901 bus from the Airport to Broadmeadows station. Easy. Bus is every 10 minutes. A future rail link will simply divert from the Vline / standard gauge link. It's a waste of money, you'll pay a tonne to use it. Best off going on the 901. And this bus is perfect for northern suburbs. But even still, you could switch to the 902 at Broadmeadows.
Build a dedicated rail line and all the tourists would use it and it would take loads of cars off the rd. A bus is not sufficient for a city of Melbourne's size
@@trinity1181 I will explain why Skybus is an excellent service. Skybus doesn't just take you to the city. They run buses to and from the Airport from different areas of Melbourne. Tourists can use Uber or a taxi. There is no business case for rail to the airport. If you can afford the $1000+ ticket to fly here, what's $26 for Skybus?
@@berenscott8999 Have you seen the frequencies of the SkyBus apart from City to Tullamarine?
@@mjcats2011 it doesn't matter, it's frequent enough that you can plan ahead. You literally book flights and travel visas 3 to 6 months ahead, you have enough time to work out SkyBus. And the costs associated with getting too and from the airport are nothing compared to the costs of travel. And have you seen the cost of airport rail in other cities? It's bad. Rail to the airport is mostly a terrible idea. In Brisbane the train is 99% empty as the airport serves as the extension to another train line, a turn around. A way to not terminate inside the city, but it's mostly unused. It's also very expensive for an almost empty train.
Sydney, well, they at least extended it into a full train line (eventually) and my first experience was it was cancelled on the weekend and replaced with a bus.
The problem is, the Victorian Labor party have stolen power using a number of corrupt means. They won't be in power long enough to run such a rail line, or the outer loop thing. Victoria is in debt and we are facing a future series of extreme cut backs, and the stupid airport rail is the first thing getting cancelled.
@berenscott8999 What a load of rubbish with no factual basis whatsoever as regards to the ALP. I have no love for Dan Andrews but he won fair and square in 3 elections. Not another one who is into conspiracies because they don't like the result.
As regards to SkyBus you said it was frequent and when challenged its the old well its frequent enough and you plan. And that in a nutshell is why Melbourne transit is mediocre compared to Sydney.
It's so annoying there is no rail link, but at least the SkyBus picks up the slack.
I find it ridiculous that there is no rail link to Tullamarine. Despite the price, which isn’t really that much, Sydney’s rail connection is very convenient. Having to travel the Tullamarine Freeway though is a pain.
$13 Billion is far too much for what we are getting.
@@mjcats2011 Sydney’s rail link to the airport costs much more than normal rail, thereby offsetting that cost. It’s worth it.
@NoName-ds5uq I would contend at $13 Billion it isn't.
@@mjcats2011 I guess we agree to disagree then. The Tullamarine Freeway is a pain sometimes. $13Bn isn’t overly expensive for modern major infrastructure projects.
@NoName-ds5uq I am sorry, but I disagree. It is $13 billion for stuff all. Whilst the growth suburbs of Melton Wyndhamvale and Tarneit have to rely on infrequent v/Line services. If they can not descope some of the project to come in at around $4 billion, then it should not be built.
This link was first proposed around 1980 😊
The suburban rail loop would be so great. Why are politicans always so short sighted? Freeways will be practically unusable in 2050.
Because people are struggling with cost of living we can’t afford it.
@@MrWhitmen1981 What does cost of living have to do with it? We aren’t paying out of pocket for it. It will make everyone’s lives easier and more affordable.
@@closeben the average battler can’t afford a plane ticket. It’s nothing but corporate welfare
@@MrWhitmen1981 Not sure what your point is. But that’s also all the more reason for high speed cross state trains.
This suburban rail loop is much more than an airport rail link. Seems insane