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Action for Public Transport (N.S.W.) Inc.

Lord Mayor lobbies for Light Rail

posted Saturday 19 April 2008
The following item is from Lord Mayor Clover Moore's "eNEWS" dated 18 April 2008.

LIGHT RAIL

While the Government's announcement for Euro metro in the North West and possibly other metropolitan networks is welcome, inner Sydney needs urgent investment in public transport. Without this commitment, Sydney will lose investment, jobs, economic growth and quality of life. Buses are congesting the city and will not meet expected or needed passenger growth.

In Parliament I again called for inner city light rail, which is greener, quieter, faster, more reliable and more accessible than buses. Peak hour Central to Circular Quay bus journey times could drop from 18 to 9 minutes with light rail.

The City of Sydney's numerous reports show that light rail is viable with a subsidy of 99¢ per passenger, compared to the current Government payment of $6.03 per heavy rail and $1.19 per bus passenger. The City could provide $13.5 million toward public domain works and State and Federal governments could jointly fund the fixed infrastructure costs, with the operator paying light rail vehicle costs.

Light rail could be built within the term of this Parliament and I am pleased that the Government has said it will finally "consider" it, as hundreds of other cities world-wide introduce new and expanded networks.

Sustainable Sydney 2030 confirms that light rail is a top priority for inner city residents, visitors, workers and businesses. The business as usual approach of cramming more and more buses down city streets will not secure our city's liveability, sustainability and future economic viability.

Information * My speech to Parliament: http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LA20080410048.



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