Fact Check

Sydney train capacity - Arduous application process (1x5)

Uitzenddatum: Apr 18, 2014

Single-decker v double-decker trains Barry O'Farrell's claim about the carrying capacity of single-decker trains is doubtful. Sydney's iconic "red rattler" trains were finally pensioned off more than 20 years ago, and ever since the city's passenger railway network has been dominated by double-decker carriages. But NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell says that was the wrong call by transport planners. "Single-deckers... can carry more people, travel more quickly, and disembark those people more quickly without people having to come down from those difficult steps that exist on our double deckers and that delay people at railway stations," Mr O'Farrell said. Single-deck trains will be returning to the Sydney rail network in the next five years with the North West Rail Link. That $8.3 billion project has created controversy because double-deck carriages will not be able to run on the new line. ABC Fact Check asked Mr O'Farrell's office if he meant to imply individual single-deck trains can carry more passengers than a double. A spokesman said he did not; rather that single-deckers can carry more passengers per hour overall. -- Does Australia make it hard for Chinese tourists to apply for a visa? James Packer is correct on the visa application process for Chinese nationals. The recent trip to China by Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Australian business leaders highlighted the importance of China to Australia's economy. When it comes to tourism, China is Australia's fastest growing inbound tourism market and largest contributor to international visitor spending in Australia. James Packer, a member of Mr Abbott's business delegation, says it should be easier for Chinese people to visit Australia. Mr Packer is the chairman and majority shareholder of Crown Resorts, the operator of casino hotels in Melbourne, Perth and the Macau Special Administrative Region of China, which competes with other destination resorts in places such as Singapore and La