Thank you Victoria
Our South Australian government had decided to withdraw its subsidy from the Overland train service, saying not enough people use it and there are other ways to get to Melbourne. We don't need this train they said. We can't afford this train, they said. But they want to build a very expensive hotel attached to our new football ground :( and if they can afford that, why not the train which is far less expensive?
This caused quite the kerfuffle among the many fans of rail travel, several people writing in to the paper saying how they enjoy the relaxing trip between Adelaide and Melbourne, often taking the ride just for that purpose, not specifically to get to Melbourne.
I've travelled the Overland myself, although not for some time now and it is a lovely trip.
Tonight on the Ch9 news, I heard that the Victorian government has picked up the subsidy to keep the Overland running its twice weekly trip for another twelve months. Hopefully, something can be decided by the end of that time to keep the train going.
This caused quite the kerfuffle among the many fans of rail travel, several people writing in to the paper saying how they enjoy the relaxing trip between Adelaide and Melbourne, often taking the ride just for that purpose, not specifically to get to Melbourne.
I've travelled the Overland myself, although not for some time now and it is a lovely trip.
Tonight on the Ch9 news, I heard that the Victorian government has picked up the subsidy to keep the Overland running its twice weekly trip for another twelve months. Hopefully, something can be decided by the end of that time to keep the train going.
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Misplaced spending priorities seem to be far too common for most (all?) governments. And yes, travelling by train can be lovely.
ReplyDeleteElephant's Child; I always enjoyed long train rides even when I had the kids with me.
DeleteGovernment has become so responsive...you almost have to riot in the streets (Paris) for them to listen
ReplyDeleteAuthor R. Mac Wheeler; let's hope it doesn't come to that. I'm terrified enough seeing Paris on the news, I certainly don't want any of that here.
DeleteYes, thank you, Victoria. I hope the gesture pays off.
ReplyDeleteJoanne; I'm grateful even though I haven't planned any trips to Melbourne. But if I want to go, I'd like the train to be an option. I hear far too much about buses crashing.
DeleteI heard the buffet cars have just had a renovation. It is a trip I would love to take.
ReplyDeleteAndrew; make it a retirement celebration. Come to Adelaide, lose a few $$ at the casino, or visit some other tourist worthy place like the Mt Lofty Lookout where you can gaze at the beauty of Adelaide laid out before you, then go home.
DeleteIt is so nice when the voice of the people can change or at least postpone an action. Hope there is a better answer in 12 months.
ReplyDeleteArkansas Patti; I' hoping the twelve months are put to good use finding a permanent solution to keep the Overland running.
DeleteHow i would love to see more of us traveling by mass transport instead of just having our individual vehicles. It's not possible in every circumstance, but it certainly makes economic sense to try, each maintaining our own cars is becoming prohibitively expensive.
ReplyDeletemessymimi; mass transport is a good way to travel, you don't need to worry about parking or the cost of petrol etc, but there is a problem at the moment with buses not running on time, because they are held up by traffic or roadworks etc and we don't have trains in all suburbs. The car is still the most convenient way if you need to get to work, for most people.
DeleteWe need trains why so many people stick to their cars for long trips I do not know, I am very fond of train travel.
ReplyDeleteMerle..............
Merle; perhaps people think they can get there faster by car, or maybe they don't like just sitting and watching scenery, maybe having to control the kids. Some may need to go where a train can't take them.
DeleteI hope you get to keep your train, it would be a shame to lose it!!
ReplyDeletefishducky; I hope so too, the Overland has been travelling between Adelaide and Melbourne as long as I can remember, it's a lovely relaxing trip, even with kids.
DeleteI love travelling by train although I have to admit that sometimes a car journey is more convenient. Hope you get to keep your Overland.
ReplyDeleteAround My Kitchen Table