The slow speed of the train trip between Wollongong and Sydney is mentioned in a federal government report of plans to invest billions in the rail network.
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A Wollongong rail expert said this was a perfect time for the state government to push its federal counterpart for funding to improve the South Coast line.
The National Rail Program: Investing in rail networks for cities and regions – deals with the federal government’s $10 billion rail program.
“The Turnbull Government will work with state governments and the private sector to determine the priorities for investment under this program,” the report stated.
Referring to the problems of regional rail routes, the report used the South Coast line as an example.
“The average speed today between Sydney and Wollongong is 56km/h over an 82km long track,” the report stated.
“Among the factors that constrain the speed is that at one location there is a tunnel only large enough for one line, meaning trains often need to wait for the train coming from the other direction before they can pass through.”
The report stated that, with improvement made in infrastructure to various rail lines, speeds of between 100 to 160km/h “are potentially achievable”.
University of Wollongong academic Philip Laird said speeds of less than 100km/h would also benefit the South Coast.
Prof Laird said matching the 85km/h speed of the Perth to Mandurah service in Western Australia would drop the Wollongong-Sydney commute to 58 minutes.
He added that the report’s specific mention of the South Coast line was something of which the NSW government should take advantage.
“It’s a window of opportunity for the state government and the region,” he said.
“It’s an eligible candidate for the state government to apply for funding to develop a business case for the coming financial year, to give us much-needed more trains and faster trains.”