Monday, June 11, 2012

21 years ago today- last train to Royal National Park

21 years ago today, on 11 June 1991, the final train to the Royal National Park operated without fanfare. Services were abruptly discontinued when a defective signal switch led to the line being inspected and an estimate of $400,000 being required to upgrade the line and track to safe standard. By 1991, the line was carrying only about 100 passengers per week, on weekends only.

After services were withdrawn, CityRail offered a free taxi service (!) between Sutherland and the Royal National Park at the times that the former trains operated.

On 19 June, trains were formally amended in the timetable to terminate at Sutherland on weekdays and Waterfall on weekends.

The line opened in 1886 and was the southern end point of the Illawarra line electrification in 1926. The line lay dormant for a few years after its closure in 1991 prior to tram services from the Sydney Tramway Museum commencing in 1993.

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