Good ideas stick around.

It seems good ideas stick around in spite of a perceived lack of viability. Economics once again win the day while we lose out.

Rail transport is such a great way to travel - in fact it has always been great - for so many reasons. Many developed countries were built on the back of their railway networks. And with Australia's huge distances it makes good sense to travel in a big, comfortable, safe vehicle. One with a low road-toll and a relaxing pace.

The issue of a rail link between Albany and Perth has once again hit the news but I think they've missed the point. Our leaders instinctively see issues in terms of how they will improve economic growth and with tourism being one of Australia's fastest growing industries, a rail link has been addressed in terms of its impact on this industry.

This from ABC Radio:

Tuesday, 4 July 2006. 09:00 (AWST)
Tourist train ruled out as too expensive
Albany MLA Peter Watson says he would love to see passenger trains travelling to Albany but doubts they would be economically viable.
Mr Watson is responding to calls from Ray Hammond of the Albany Visitor Centre, who says the lack of adequate transport is hampering tourism in the region.
Mr Hammond says a train service between Albany and Perth could become one of Australia's great rail journeys.
Mr Watson says there have been train proposals in the past but upgrading the rail lines and buying new carriages has been too expensive.
"We looked at that - I think it was the first year 2001 - there was this group looking at doing a boutique railway and cutting through the south-west and coming down," Mr Watson said.
"But when they looked at their figures it just wasn't viable, but we're open to all opportunities in the future if there is a demand there."
[http://abc.net.au/news/australia/wa/albany/200607/s1678216.htm]

But this is nothing new! This also from ABC Radio four years ago:

Friday, August 2, 2002. Posted: 10:11:08 (AEDT)
Investor support hampers rail service plans
Plans for Albany's first passenger rail service from Perth in more than 20 years have suffered a major setback, due to a lack of investor support.
The proposal was targeted at tourists rather than commuters, with plans to connect towns including Northam, Narrogin and Mount Barker, and a second route terminating at Pemberton.
The company behind the $7.5 million project, Leisure Rail, sought to raise a $2.5 million shortfall through a prospectus.
Project coordinator Simon Sterner says the prospectus was significantly under-subscribed when it closed on July 12, and contributions had to be returned.
However, he says the project is down, but not out.
"On the plus side, the Leisure Rail project, the directors have agreed now to continue to source funding from major corporates both here and there has been some interest on the east coast, and whilst nobody would prefer it, there is the occasion where an overseas investor may come on board," he said.
[http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200208/s638155.htm]

The alternatives?

With return airfares costing more than $400 Albany-Perth, flights are pretty hard to justify.

Driving isn't much better, costing at least $120 plus a minimum 10 hours behind the wheel! This takes a half a day to get there and another half a day to get home - a big ask for a weekend trip. Its a busy trucking route full of irritable fatigued drivers and you've pretty well had it when you arrive.

So why not rail?

A regular service between the two centres would suit many who need to make a short visit to either centre for work, family, shopping or leisure. Even an overnight service would mean a weekend visit was reasonable, stress-free and safe.

Sure we'll have to pay for a ticket, but the cost will be worth it. Bring back the rail service. Yes, tourism will benefit, but more importantly, the locals will too.