Melbourne's new trains not to go west

I asked whether the excellent Xtrapolis trains that the Vic government is spruiking so loudly and proudly would be used on my local train line, here is the response :

Dear Mr Partington

Thank you for your email received in this office on 30 November 2009.

You have requested information as to when the governments’ newly acquired fleet of X’Trapolis trains will be utilised on the Sydenham line.
Your feedback is important and we welcome the opportunity to respond.

Train Purchasing
Under the terms of our franchise agreement with the State Government we are required to manage the day-to-day operations of the metropolitan rail network. The decision to purchase new trains, and what trains they may be, falls under the jurisdiction of the State Government.


An unprecedented increase in patronage of metropolitan train services (including 46% in the past four years) means that there are more trips on the network now, than at any other point in its history.


We recognise that new trains need to enter service in order for the increased number of customers to be catered for. As a result, the State Government has announced the purchase of 38 new trains, the first of which is scheduled to enter service in late 2009.


The new trains which have been purchased are X’trapolis trains, which currently operate on the Alamein, Belgrave, Epping, Glen Waverley, Hurstbridge and Lilydale lines. Due to current stabling requirements, the new trains will also operate on these lines exclusively.

If you have any further concerns in relation to the new trains on order, you may wish to more appropriately direct your comments to the Department of Transport: www.transport.vic.gov.au
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We appreciate you taking the time to contact us.

Yours sincerely

Michael Krause

Case Resolution Manager
 
So the west loses out on the pick on the train fleet - we are saddled with the atrociously designed siemens trains as the new trains on our lines.
 
It is fascinating to see that "stabling" requirements preclude the trains coming out west - sounds like a crock to me!!