I have being concerned and puzzled of the certain events that became aware of whist travelling on the rail system with the info I have gathered and now raising these questions that a may require a reporter or investigative journalist to verify…..
Is it true that our state Premier and DTP is involved in pressuring v/line with cutting maintenance funding on the N sets to just let them go so to justify it’s withdraw the reasons of train faults it being too unreliable to replace them with these Vlocity DMU railcars?
From what I was made aware of, the N sets maintenance has being reduced and the Swan Hill loco haul is on the chopping block to make way for those not fit for purpose Velocity Rail Cars to take their place same as the Warrnambool line.
A lot work need to done as there about 300 rail crossings on route to have thing installed the same as the Warrnambool line, axle counters the lot and crossing removals etc.
I understand that rail corridor has lot of unprotected crossings and the track from Raywood is unwelded track joins with the older fishplate technology to connect the rails together in longer lengths towards Swan Hill as I travelled there on their loco hauls.
But I understand our state is broke so do we have enough to a proper upgrade?
As our Warrnambool line is still very rough riding in some sections and speed restriction are current on route not sure since reopening , but seems that something went wrong the upgrade.
As in time I observed that line is damaging the N sets due to the rough riding conditions still present in some sections after Waurn Ponds and odd ares before Colac and after Camperdown sections toward Terang , if can do that to more robust rollingstock I can’t imagine the damage it could do to light weight rail car aka Velocity DMU!
Recently more Swan Hill service loco haul had terminating service at Bendigo due to train faults and coach replacement is becoming more since the line reopened at the 25 of August 2024 after a 4 month upgrade and duplication works on Warrnambool line. And is become concerning when the loco haul is replaced with 3×1 Velocity and they made to bus it to Swan Hill at least 3 times, I was caught in two of this last minute switch with them. I noticed the amount people want board and the disappointment on their faces, some with rather big luggage etc.
On one set I had last Sunday FN9 BTN253 I noticed the blown fluro tubes in the carriage main lights and the stiffness of the communication doors between carriages etc. it seems it has being apparently obvious to me the maintenance on N sets have being reduced and on Swan Hill Tuesday a very stiff WC door was on my carriage on VN17 a day after…
As I found out our state premier seems do not like the N sets and want Velocities on all the lines with the support of Danny Pearson and Gabrielle Williams our Transport Ministers.
13/11/2024
Was observing the departure of the new DMU Velocity service which left quite empty, whist beforehand I notice on Platform 1 earlier N13 and loco arrive at the 09:40 Warrnambool up all packed to the rafters as before earlier via v/line app on Geelong line this service changes occurred earlier.
I noted on Live status that earlier that day some service Velocities were reduced in capacity and other changes to their journey so I presume the overcrowding on that service was due to the overflow of the passengers having to catch that service to continue their commute, most heading to work that day etc. people standing in aisle all seat taken and the train heavily loaded in all 5 cars.
I later board the 13:08 VN19 Warrnambool down and notice my service was quite busy after Geelong but oddly due staff shortages no buffet service for the downward leg when I strolled down the train to BRN.
At Boorcan Loop I saw the 10:13 up Warrnambool and noticed it was mostly empty except for what looked like two crew sitting in the back of the 3×1 DMU Velocity heading toward Camperdown as we past by toward Terang at 16:00 hrs.
Why it was seemly empty the reasons for it unknown.
It is doesn’t leave a good impression on V/line Management if people are shunning the newer trains or it could possibility had a mechanical issue on route deeming the train unfit to carry passengers which means buses transfer for the unfortunate commuters who regular use that particular service during the day!
I don’t know what has gone wrong, but if continues this way v/line maybe running these newer train at a loss and tourism for that areas maybe affected as no one want travel on a train not fit for purpose which uncomfortable with no food or drinks on board and cramped seating areas for almost 4 hrs all the way to the Big Smoke aka CBD to and from Warrnambool.
And on one my recent trips I saw a train crew staff trying operate those new vending machines recently installed in Warrnambool to take the role of the buffet they are getting rid of with the loco hauls, when I saw she couldn’t get her drink from it I gathered the people who be forced after December 1st to use the vending machine for food and drinks are in for hard times when day times services are reduce from a loco haul the benchmark standard for regional rail travel thou very old are replaced with a not fit for purpose modern DMU Velocity a short distance interurban commuter metro style seating layout train with only two WC on board for 3 cars unlike a 5 Car loco haul that WC in every carriage….
She gave up and went the buffet of BRN and sorted out her drink on the train!
I wonder who amongst the frontline who face the public feelings of angst or frustration about these ill thought out decisions whist working on their shift on board, now it tricky for them to say anything as I realise they at risk of losing a job if they do I wonder what their Union’s position on this issue if they knew about it?
As some of them need to ride on these uncomfortable newer train to and from their shift for long periods of times if a cab is not available for them.
When I arrived at Warrnambool I was rather surprised to notice my carriage had little spotting of black, oily grease all over the windows etc. [Axle grease?] I wonder if it’s come from my locomotive loco N474?
It looks our N class locomotives have being let go too…I notice the odd jerking whist powering and coasting on route to and from Warrnambool whist our drivers who operated it did his best to give us very nice ride as to be fair to these driver the locomotives and rolling stock are getting old and all can do with overhaul and about the cost of it in my observation, it is peanuts compared to the 100 Billions of taxpayers $$$$ sent overseas never to seen again funding issues out of our control all that $$$ should redirected to upgrade our assets some our railway infrastructure!
I am curious to know if this is so called seemly deliberate act cutting of maintenance funds for older rolling stock maintenance is a stealth tactic to fast track their retirement and withdrawal for replacing them with not fit for purpose trains?
You decide…..
