RAILWAY ELECTRIFICATION

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 78, 2 April 1914, Page 8

RAILWAY ELECTRIFICATION

MELBOURNE SERVICES. (From Our Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, 29th March.' Matters are reported to be going well ahead in connection with the big tack of 'electrification oi' _ the Melbourne suburban railway services. This work of conversion from steam to electric traction has now been in progress for about, fifteen months, and it in expected that the first of the new electric services will bo in operation next year. An idea of the size of the work may be gained front a statement of tho fact that the capital expenditure on the scheme has been estimated at over £2,600,000. This includes close upon £100,000 for altera' tions fed ways and works. Contracts have already been let to the extent of £1,991,000. The total number of miles of ' running" roads to be electrically equipped is 289, and including sidings there will.be 323 miles of electric lines. It is estimated that in 1915 the train miles run in connection with tho Melbourne suburban railway services will then be practically electric will be over •1,230,000, with a schedule speed of sixteen miles an hour. All thi6 is outside of the Melbourne and suburban street tramways.' These are at present mostly run on the cable system, but a change to up-to-date electric methods soon after the expiry of the Melbourne Tramway Company's street concessions in 1916 is being arranged for.