TrainLine 1 is a collaborative report between the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and BITRE. It is a further development of the previous rail freight performance publications series. This report provides an overview of rail freight performance, railway infrastructure standards and freight haulage between 2007–08 and 2009–10. Further development of the range of information is envisaged.

The report is split into 3 sections that provide freight market, freight train and track indicators.

Paper published in the International journal of sustainable transportation, 2015, 9(4):241-53. Author: Mark Harvey

• Commercial Road Supply with Incentive Regulation
  
  sp_004_Harvey.pdf
  (637.88 KB)

Subsequent growth in Canberra, particularly in the post-war period, and projections suggesting continued rapid growth, prompted the Minister for Shipping and Transport in 1964 to request from the Commonwealth Railways Commissioner a report on the proposed rail link between Canberra and Yass.

That report stated that when the considerable savings are taken into account that would accrue to the various instrumentalities and people located in the Australian Capital Territory as the result of lower freight rates and passenger fares consequent upon the direct linking of Canberra with Yass, construction of the Canberra-Yass railway could be justified on economic grounds.

In April this year, the Minister for Shipping and Transport requested the Bureau of Transport Economics to carry out a detailed economic evaluation of the link.

• Economic Evaluation of a Canberra to Yass Rail Link
  
  report_001.pdf
  (4.95 MB)

This Report was prepared as the basis for the Standing Committee of Advisers report to the Australian Transport Advisory Council on urban public transport needs in this decade.

• Economic Evaluation of Capital Investment in Urban Public Transport
  
  report_003.pdf
  (8.91 MB)

The evaluations presented in this Report have been made to determine the least cost sleeper alternative for each of three railway projects. They are the proposed new railway line from Tarcoola to Alice Springs, the standard gauge connection from Adelaide to Crystal Brook, and the re-sleepering of the Trans-Australian Railway.

• Economic Evaluation of Timber and Concrete Sleepers for Three Railway Lines
  
  report_004.pdf
  (3 MB)

This Paper describes the design and operation of a fully-automated materials handling system which differs in many respects from conventional systems. The system is intended to fulfil requirements for automated semi-random storage and retrieval of non-fragile uniform containers, and has several major advantages over other systems. Although it is well suited to a particular class of handling problem, the proposed system could also be used in other applications.

• An Automated Semi–Random Storage/Retrieval System
  
  op_001.pdf
  (1.09 MB)

This Report presents the results of a consumer preference survey in urban rail carriage design. The survey was carried out by the BTE in Brisbane in May and June, 1973, with the cooperation of Queensland Railways.

• Consumer Preferences in Urban Rail Carriage Design: Results of a Survey Conducted in Brisbane During May and June, 1973
  
  report_010.pdf
  (4.39 MB)

This Report surveys proposals provided by the States for investment in urban public transport. As in previous reports, the BTE has limited analysis to benefit cost and financial evaluations. While refraining from direct comment on the administration, planning, pricing and other activities, the BTE has attempted to ensure that the proposals put forward comprise an appropriate program consistent with long term projections with regard to urban planning and social objectives.

• Review of Public Transport Investment Proposals for Australian Capital Cities, 1974–75
  
  report_014.pdf
  (3.4 MB)

This Report presents the results of an economic comparison of alternative strategies for the development of Brisbane Airport.

• Brisbane Airport: Economic Evaluation of Alternative Development Strategies
  
  report_016.pdf
  (4.48 MB)

This report examines in detail the proposal to deepen and widen the entrance channel and harbour of Port Pirie. Not only is this the major port for Broken Hill lead and zinc concentrates and refined metals, but it also handles a considerable volume of wheat and barley exports.

Of the various benefits identified from the work, only two have been found to be substantial in economic terms.

These are the possibility of utilising to full capacity the somewhat larger bulk carriers for bulk concentrate exports and similarly, the possibility of fully loading wheat export ships so that they would not require topping up at deep water ports.

• Port Pirie: Economic Evaluation of Harbour Improvements
  
  report_017.pdf
  (4.77 MB)