|
Radiating from the City Loop, Melbourne has an extensive electric train service, which is operated through inner, middle and outer suburbs. For quick and comfortable transportation the populace of Melbourne and the tourists prefer trains to trams. No matter if you get late while roaming around the city, you can still get back to your hotel as the last train leaves the city around midnight on most lines. Moreover, extra services run on Fridays and Saturdays on most lines, with last departures around 1am. Stations are generally one to two kilometres away. Apart from the City Loop, most stations are above ground. All 'Premium' stoppages are staffed from first to last train so travelers can buy tickets and obtain travel advice. In smaller stations you will find 'Station Hosts' to provide travel information and help passengers with the ticket machines. Though there are automatic announcements of approaching trains, yet passengers can press the 'green button' to tell the time of the next train and how many minutes away it is. Information on board trains comprises a combination of system maps, manual voice announcements, automated 'next station' announcements and LED visual displays. City Loop is an underground railway sphere that runs beneath the centre of Melbourne. Melbourne trains are operated by Connex. V/Line Passenger trains serve some outlying areas. If there is any service disruption due to track work or level crossing maintenance, commuters should allow extra time for their trip and read the 'Buses Replace Trains' notices at affected stations which are notified several days before. However, even in the case of service disruption, no need to worry for the replacement. Buses normally run at the same service frequency as the trains. Besides, in order to save time, resourceful passengers develop their own 'Train Disruption Plan', for use when services come to a halt. Here each state operates its own train service. These interstate services are also available where bookings can be made for any trip throughout Australia through travel agents or rail booking services. For a real Australian experience, try one of the Great Southern Railway's enjoyable journeys:
The Ghan from Melbourne to Adelaide
The Overland from Melbourne to Adelaide Besides, a train trip from Sydney to Melbourne taking about 11 hours has also its own charm to provide.
|
