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Action for Public Transport (N.S.W.) Inc. |
"ENCOURAGE, DON'T ALIENATE PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Vital public transport infrastructure has been allowed to run down through inadequate government investment over several decades. The sorry state of CityRail in particular has put additional pressure onto bus services and increased road congestion. The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has begun reviewing bus and ferry fares. Given CityRail's poor performance, the Premier has, for the first time, ruled out fare increases for trains.
I believe that real solutions require more accessible public transport, with improved rail services and no increase to either bus or ferry fares without real increases in services. Public transport is vital socially and environmentally: People should be able to rely on public transport for work and recreation, enabling a real reduction in traffic congestion and air pollution.
In my submission to IPART, I argue that an increase in bus fares cannot be justified until there is an improvement in bus services, including:
Existing bus (travel) zones undermine active use of public transport and do not match demand. We need to adopt successful models from other states, rather than confining travel within arbitrary zones that do not reflect the reality of travel patterns. For example, Melbourne commuters can travel on two hour or all day tickets on all transport modes (bus, train, tram). I do not support an increase in the price of ferry services. Sydney is a harbour city and ferries provide a real alternative to road based travel. I have previously called on the Government to provide ferry access to the densely populated areas of Woolloomooloo, Potts Point, Darling Point, Elizabeth Bay and Rushcutters Bay. An increase in price as requested by Sydney Ferries, will guarantee that ferries become unaffordable and just a tourist attraction, not a viable alternative transport mode. Tickets should allow travellers to use all public transport modes, whether publicly or privately owned, including ferries, buses, trains and light rail, with common concessions for low-income travellers.
IPART asked government agencies to make submissions first, with submissions now invited from the broader community until mid September. I encourage you to also submit your comments to IPART Bus and Ferry Fares Inquiry by email: ipart@ipart.nsw.gov.au or by post to PO Box Q290, QVB Post Office NSW 1230."
The above item is for the information of readers. Action for Public Transport (NSW) Inc does not necessarily endorse the views expressed.
