UN 239: Assessing transport projects by interchange point - a 5am thought

Airport rail vs Melton electrificationI've never warmed to the version of airport rail as proposed in Melbourne. Sure it connects a major destination (that most people might go to a few times of the year) but it transforms neither the network nor the city. With the likelihood of a premium fare nor it would not have much helped airport workers (most of whom live in surrounding suburbs anyway). Their needs are simpler - decent buses to surrounding areas that run at least semi-frequently over a wide span of hours. Before Ben Carroll MP got a Keilor East station added to the plans, Airport Rail, like what got built in Brisbane but unlike Sydney or Perth versions, threatened to be a stub with no wider network benefits. Keilor East station would rescue Airport Rail from complete uselessness by providing Metro rail connectivity in a large area without it. There is an additional cost but Airport Rail's value is magnified. But only by a little bit; $12 billion for one (1) extra connection…