Frequently Asked Questions
How do I take my tools on a train?
Some people have carried their tools by hand on a train before; it is possible to do. However, if your job requires a car, know this: public transport, trains or otherwise, gets cars off the roads by encouraging alternatives to driving. This reduces traffic congestion by freeing up space on the road, making driving easier, faster and safer for those people who have to drive.
Why is the project heavy rail rather than monorail?
The goal of the project is to run trains from the peninsula all the way to Melbourne without changing at Frankston. If the line was to be a monorail, the line would have to be built above the Frankston line for its entire distance, sending construction costs through the roof. Furthermore, monorails have a top speed of only 80km/h per hour. The existing line from Mordialloc to Stony Point can reach 95km/h already, and the line to Rosebud is proposed to have a top speed of 130km/h.
Why doesn't the line run all the way to Sorrento/Portsea?
Because the land beyond Rye is too built up, and the design aims to keep property acquisition to a minimum. Also, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council recently declared opposition to ALL development over the Tootgarook Wetlands, including rail, forcing the line to terminate at Rosebud.
How will this project impact tourist numbers?
The Peninsula Rail Link is expected to have no impact on the number of tourists accessing existing hotels, as it does not propose the construction of any more. All it would affect is how they would get to the Peninsula, becoming far less likely to get there by car.
However, day-tripper numbers can be expected to go up as the Peninsula becomes more accessible to more people, supporting businesses all year round instead of just during holiday peak periods. Critics have warned this could overwhelm essential services on Point Nepean Road, so the project has been updated to add convenience stores at select train stations to take pressure off Point Nepan Road services and bring services closer to more residents.
The Mornington Peninsula's population swells 30% during holiday peak periods as people move to holiday homes on the Peninsula. The Peninsula Rail Link could encourage some of those residents to move to the Peninsula permanently, increasing the permanent population but reducing the swell during holiday peak periods.
Will the building resources used to build and maintain the line be sourced from China?
No. The Mornington Peninsula has its own steel mill that will be used to build the line. Other manerials can easily be sourced from throughout Australia.
Is this project associated with the Chinese Communist Party?
No. The Peninsula Rail Link has no connections whatsoever with foreign parties of any sort.
Which political parties support/oppose the project?
The Greens and Sustainable Australia have both expressed support for the project. Unfortunately, the leader of Victoria's Liberal Party, Matthew Guy, blocked the Peninsula Rail Link's designer in 2014, and still has him blocked to this day, evidence of opposition to the project by the Liberal party.
What if I don't want to take the train or bus?
You don't have to. For every person who does, however, there will be 1 fewer car on the road. Buses can take over 50 cars off the road each, while trains can take hundreds of cars off the road, slashing congestion, reducing car travel times and making car travel safer.
In addition, having improved bus and train services improves residents' freedom by providing freedom of choice, and the ability to move around the way you want instead of being forced to drive even if you can't.