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)

This is the fourth Report by the BTE on capital investment in urban public transport. It differs from previous Reports produced in that it presents an estimate of economically warranted investment for the period 1977–78 to 1979–80 rather than an evaluation of a specific program of projects put forward by State Authorities.

• Assessment of Investment in Urban Public Transport 1977–78 to 1979–80
  
  report_018.pdf
  (2.52 MB)

The majority of Australia's intercapital railway lines are single track and these all experience some degree of congestion. Various combinations of capital investment and improved operating practices are evaluated in this report, with a view to eliminating the growing congestion on the Melbourne Sydney rail link.

• Mainline Upgrading: Evaluation of a Range of Options for the Melbourne to Sydney Rail Link
  
  report_020.pdf
  (6.25 MB)

The majority of Australia's intercapital railway lines are single track and these all experience some degree of congestion. Various combinations of capital investment and improved operating practices are evaluated in this report, with a view to eliminating the growing congestion on the Victorian portion of the Melbourne to Adelaide rail link.

• Mainline Upgrading: Evaluation of a Range of Options for the Melbourne to Serviceton Rail Link
  
  report_021.pdf
  (7.73 MB)

Because of separate development by the individual States, the Australian railway network contains links of a number of different gauges.

For this reason bogie exchange facilities have been established at several locations including two in South Australia, at Port Pirie and Peterborough, where the State broad gauge system meets the interstate standard gauge system.

The intention of these exchanges is to allow ready transfer of loaded and unloaded freight wagons from one system to the other. Traffic through the exchange at Port Pirie has increased to the extent that difficulties are being experienced in handling it.

• Study of Port Pirie Bogie Exchange
  
  report_026.pdf
  (3.77 MB)