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Get the Train indicative timetable
These indicative timetables are to illustrate how some of the train services being sought by Get the Train might work. (The services shown here do not necessarily reflect the precise wishes of Get the Train or its members.)
Problem
Edit
Long distance passenger trains and local passenger trains have both been sucessful in the past, then became seen as less viable, then political decisions were made to discontinue them.
possible solution: combined commuter/long distance trainsEdit
A long-distance train leaving town at about when most people are turning up to work could provide for commuters on its way to the city to pick up tourist/leisure travellers.
Just to show what is possible, here is an indicative timetable for a train stabled overnight in Oamaru, providing a commuter service to and from Dunedin. The timings are based on the old Southerner timetable, with a few 'made-up' in between (a modern railcar should meet these timings easily, or be able to make more stops).
Oamaru 0545
Palmerston 0645
Warrington 0745
Evansdale 0748
Waitati 0752
Michies Crossing 0754
Purakaunui 0759
Mihiwaka 0800
Port Chalmers Upper 0805
Sawyers Bay 0807
Maia 0809
Ravensbourne 0811
Logan Park/Campus/Otago Stadium 0813
Dunedin arr 0815
Dunedin dep 0817
Kensington (for South Dunedin) 0819
Burnside 0824
Green Island 0826
Mosgiel 0835
Milton 0905
Balclutha 0930
Gore 1040
Mataura 1052
Edendale 1103
Invercargill 1125
Bluff 1200
As you can see, there is enough free time during the day for the train to continue to Bluff (for tourist traffic) and back in time for the evening commute north to Oamaru again:
Bluff 1350
Invercargill1420
Edendale 1456
Mataura 1508
Gore 1522
Balclutha 1628
Milton 1651
Mosgiel 1723
Dunedin 1748
Palmerston 1912
Oamaru 2010
If there were a second train available, you can imagine how a similar service could provide for commuters from Balclutha/Milton/Mosgiel, then provide a tourist/leisure service north out of Dunedin, say to Oamaru. This could replace the Seasider. (Unfortunately it is impossible to get to Christchurch and back during the working day):
Balclutha 0728
Milton 0751
Mosgiel 0823
Dunedin 0848
Palmerston 1012
Oamaru arrive: 1110
Oamaru depart: 1515
Palmerston 1614
Dunedin 1746
Mosgiel 1804
Milton 1836
Balclutha 1900
linksEdit
- Get the Train website
