Train times cannot be reduced

Unfortunately politicians and others have periodically misinformed the commuting train public by promising reduced travelling times.

These announcements have been incorrect.

The constructed up and down mains between Meadowbank and Broadmeadow, discounting Gosford to Morisset, was an engineering feat owing to the steep long grades and frequent sharp curves.

These grades and curves eliminated any possibility of improvements in running times.

The maximum safe speed allowable is identified by speed boards for the track ahead.

These identification speeds have been calculated by Perway and structured bridge engineers.

All driving cabs have been fitted with data speed logging recording technology and are calibrated to the adjacent speed boards.

Having driven over the northern line prior to 1982, my issued working timetable would have been improved if reduced sectional running times were possible.

The current timetable has been calculated with the best speeds possible and should be read with thankfulness and not criticized.

Letter, 11 Mar 2013

Raymond Wybrow, Booker Bay