Fortunately, and while they weren't completely life-expired, the ETB's themselves were probably some of the least-critical infrastructure to a continued service. They weren't dead yet, but were 20 years old. Any ETB modernization plan would have entailed new ETB's with in-motion charging capability (most likely from New Flyer).
The traction power feeder system is probably the most critical part of the whole works and the most expensive to replicate if lost.
Wondering if I'll see the Western Route double-tracking finished before I retire...
Photo: Melbourne W7 No. 1019 on Route 78, Bridge & Church Streets, Richmond, Victoria. 10/21/2010