PUBLIC INVITED TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON 2009 TIMETABLE
Monday 24 November, 2008
Transport Minister David Campbell today unveiled CityRail's draft 2009 timetable and invited the public to provide feedback during a four week consultation period.
Mr Campbell said a new look timetable was being introduced to integrate the Epping to Chatswood rail link and Clearways projects into the broader CityRail network.
"The $2.35 billion rail link provides a new path for trains coming from the North into the CBD and importantly allows for more peak hour train services through the Western suburbs," Mr Campbell said.
"There are many changes that people need to be aware of when a new timetable is introduced and this is why we are giving everyone plenty of notice.
"This is an opportunity to make sure all the finer details of the timetable have been given proper consideration."
Mr Campbell said the benefits of the 2009 timetable and Epping to Chatswood Rail Link included:
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Additional peak services for the Western, South and Airport & East Hills lines;
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Additional services 9am to 12 noon for Western, South, Northern and North Shore passengers
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Additional carriages on peak hour trains to increase capacity;
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More even spread of patronage across peak hour trains; and
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Direct rail access to the Macquarie Park/North Ryde employment corridor.
"Timetable changes are being made to provide extra services and more direct services
that are safe and reliable," Mr Campbell said.
"This is about providing improved rail service and putting extra trains and carriages where
they are needed most.
"RailCorp staff will be handing out brochures and other draft timetable literature at a
number of stations across the network.
"The new timetable will not come into effect until the second half of next year, with the
Epping to Chatswood Rail Link to run as a shuttle service when it first opens."
Mr Campbell said people were catching CityRail trains in unprecedented numbers, with
passenger journeys recently exceeding 300 million a year, an increase of 5.7% over the
previous year.
"This growth is being accompanied by record investment in the improvement and
expansion of the CityRail network," Mr Campbell said.
"Brochures are available at CityRail stations and the timetable can be viewed at
www.cityrail.info where customers can provide their feedback.
"Alternatively, customers can call the Transport Infoline on 131500 and then press 5."
