we can extend an existing metro train line to the airport. Melbournians seem happy to catch P/T to the city, and then to the racecourse... Using the Upfield line, increase the frequency of the existing trains to 10 mins, with them stopping all stations. Reliable timetables and high frequency would trump absolute speed in this case. I would use an airport train, but then I live in the inner city -- if it went through the loop I would be on it in 10 minutes, or at least at Parliament Station. But then it does seem like a lot of $$ to basically replace an OK bus service, but then that's why people like the idea, whether they would use it or not -- people like trains more than buses. I am happy with the idea of extending an existing suburban line, though going sort of backwards from Broadmeadows creates a spur line, not that sensible unless volumes really high. A cheaper fixed rail option is extending the Airport West tram -- just up Melrose Drive and then Mickelham and then along the freeway median. Has advantage of being part of system, and providing a few new stops along the way, but the big disadvantage that on cuurent timetabling it would take maybe an hr, and that depends on traffic congestion on the few stretches where the tram is not in a median -- Keilor Rd and lower Mt Alexander Road. Perhaps major reconstruction in those sections (superstops and fewer