Reading: Fuel for thought

While digging around the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) web site I discovered Fuel for thought, a publication by the Future Fuels Forum 2007. This June 2008 publication informs us how the Future Fuels Forum thinks transport fuels will pan out in our future with modelling from now to 2050.  It is an [...]

Google Transit available for Perth and Adelaide

Way back in March 2008 we got wind of the fact that Google Transit was going to be rolled out in Perth. Well, this week Google announced that the Google Transit Layer is available for Perth and some public transport information is available for Adelaide. Google Transit Layer enables users of Google Maps to source [...]

Queensland Rail introduce e-mail and SMS update service

Queensland Rail (QR) is introducing a service called eRail Updates. The service provides SMS and email updates for all train services that have been delayed or disrupted by more than 15 minutes or cancelled completely. Once subscribed you receive the updates via SMS to your mobile phone or via e-mail to your nominated email address. [...]

Will trucks or trains absorb future freight growth?

A short post by Bob Murphy at Business Spectator suggests that larger trucks will absorb freight growth in Australia providing the big rigs have adequate road infrastructure and defined routes to haul massive loads. Mr Murphy sites the fact that road networks have more coverage than rail networks and that trucks pay their own way [...]

City Living versus The Great Australian Dream

For a few years now I’ve harboured a dream to be able to live life without a car. I have this imaginary lifestyle in my mind where I live in the centre of a city. Everything I need is within walking or cycling distance. On the rare occasion that I need to do a long [...]

Has the time come for high speed trains in Australia?

Having had a very positive experience using the Inter City Express (ICE) trains to travel around Germany I am a supporter of the service high speed trains provide for the public. It is fast, convenient, safe and cost effective. When powered by renewable electricity high speed trains also have a very low environmental impact. All [...]

Victorian Transport Plan released

The Victorian Department of Transport released the Victorian Transport Plan (VTP) earlier this month. Not having a great understanding of Melbourne and Victoria make it hard to assess the VTP but at least Victoria has a plan. The proof will be in the execution. Highlights include: Up to 70 new trains and 100km of new [...]

Sydney Chamber of Commerce proposes free train travel before 7am

The Sydney Chamber of Commerce has called on the NSW Government to conduct a
feasibility study into the proposal to provide free train travel before 7am.

Bikes allowed back on Melbourne peak hour trains

The Victorian Minister for Transport, Lynne Kosky, has rescinded the ban on bikes travelling on trains during Melbourne’s peak hour. In addition to lifting the ban there will be improvements made to ease bicycle commuter’s use of trains.

Aeromovel air powered train

Here is something a bit different that I just couldn’t resist. Yes, it is an air powered train, in turn powered by electricity, and it is in service in Jakata, Indonesia and Porto Allegre, Brazil.