Q Was a third track ever considered?

A [SL] A third track would cost more than electrification.

Q Can we get conductors on trains - things to improve service?

A [SL] It all costs money. It's a political decision and I can't comment on that. There are three bidders for operating the service in Melbourne. Speed will be an issue.

A [JD] We get complaints when something happens [on V/Line trains] and there are no conductors there.

The conductors say they are not there to be security guards. I would rather have transit police than conductors and I will do everything I can to make sure we get [some].

Q Can't we use double-decker trains like Sydney?

A NSW double-decker trains won't fit on our lines and you can't run as many per hour as single-deck ones.

Q What are the environmental benefits or problems of running electric trains compared to diesel ones?

A [HM] Not sure, but both are better than the other option, which is car travel.

Q What happens to Station Street with all the extra trains?

A [SL] There are plenty of places in Melbourne where there are 40-plus movements an hour.

Q We've been waiting years for a second road across the rail line. Would it be possible to use the [Evans St] grasslands to build a new station?

A [JD] There is a plan for a third crossing at the viaduct. The trigger level needed by Vic Urban is about 140 houses short of that at the moment.

Q We could have 60 trains an hour with proper signalling; when will the system be upgraded?

A [SL] There is nowhere in the world that can run more than 32 trains an hour. The state of the railway reflects what's been put into the system over the past 20-25 years.

Q I'm more concerned about service/comfort; Connex's idea is to take 70 seats out to allow more standing room.

A [ML] The plan is to go from a 3+2 seat configuration to 2+2, to make it quicker for passengers to get off trains.