the original "ghan" ran for the last time in 1980. the ghan preservation society has repaired sections of the old narrow gauge track and some notable sidings. in october 1980 the new standard gauge line from tarcoola on the trans-australian railway to alice springs was opened. the new line is about west of the old line. this avoids the floodplains where the original line was often damaged by floods. it was also hoped that the new line would improve the train's timekeeping.