I spent some time creating a map of a possible Australian high speed rail network. This was my attempt to design a network topology of the most logical routes, stops and ultimately what would be realistically possible.

Phase 1 is essentially the current announced plan along the east coast, though I took some liberties with the number of stops. It's clearly the most required section and sorely missing from transport options.

The next logical step I see is to build a section from Melbourne to Adelaide, Phase 2. The problem is the alignment doesn't pass by many large towns so I've only included Ballarat as the intermediate stop.

Phase 3 connects to Perth via Kalgoorlie. This would obviously be a long way from being constructed (2040s+). Could possibly include Port Augusta as a stop, but again, not much population along the route.

Phase 4 is a "nice to have" (not required, only after the rest of the network is built) which cuts the journey time from Adelaide to Canberra/Sydney while serving more rural areas in between.

Let me know your thoughts!

I remember as a kid in the 1980s seeing the shiny new XPT going through my local station in suburban Newcastle. By the time I got to first ride an XPT, the goodness of Candy had been replaced with CountryLink Blue.

It has been exciting to see all those posts of the Retro Candy XPT from around NSW this week.

Just before 4:30 this morning the Candy Goodness was shared as the Retro Candy XPT entered the Brisbane Suburban Network.

Here she is sharing the love in Rocklea.

In short:

Testing has well and truly begun for the next extension of the Gold Coast Light Rail.

Sources tell the South-East Queensland Transport Association that an opening date is currently internally expected between late-June and July.

Full story:

Testing has officially begun on the third extension of the Gold Coast Light Rail. This extension will run services from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads.

So, what next and when can we expect services? ❓

• 🛤️ First, the tracks and systems need to be tested to ensure they’re safe for passenger services.
• 💺 Next, the proposed timetable will likely begin testing. Sources tell SEQTA that later this month, drivers may begin terminating at Broadbeach South before continuing without passengers down to Burleigh Heads on every journey.
• 🤔 And then?

Sources tell us Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 could begin taking passengers as early as June/July. 🎉

Of course, this is entirely dependent on how testing progresses. 👀

Are you excited for the next chapter of the Gold Coast Light Rail? 🚈 Let us know in the comments!

Lovely day to take the Doomben line.

The RTBU has raised the possibility that our CityTrain rail network may shut down this week due to their ongoing pay dispute with Queensland Rail and the Queensland Government.

⚠️ This may mean services are further reduced or severely disrupted as the network chokes under current pressure. At this time Queensland Rail is not reporting further cancellations than what we covered last week.

💬 SEQTA is urging the Queensland Government and the RTBU to come to a quick and fair resolution that prioritises worker safety and fair pay, as to not chokehold commuters at this time.

JOIN SEQTA.org/join to be the first to know ❤️

Sources: CourierMail, 7News, South-East Queensland Transport Association and the RTBU

Queensland’s rail network is expected to see reduced services from Tuesday May 5, following ongoing industrial action. ⚠️

Trains will run to a schedule that is similar to a Saturday schedule with extra peak services.

# Trains running every 15 minutes during peak:
💚 - Caboolture
💚 - Ipswich
🩵 - Kippa-Ring
🩵 - Springfield Central
💙 - Cleveland
❤️ - Ferny Grove
💛 - Gold Coast

# Trains running every 30 minutes during peak:
💜 - Doomben [Check Translink]
💚 - Rosewood [Check Translink]
💚 - Sunshine Coast [Check Translink]
💙 - Shorncliffe
❤️ - Beenleigh

Details are still emerging and likely to change on short notice over the next few weeks. Join SEQTA to be alerted when information comes through. ❤️

And remember, don't attack/shout at anybody (especially station staff) over the travel changes -- it is absolutely not their fault.