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Better Public Transport

Posted: Thursday, 17 February 2011 | By: Kristina Keneally

Public transport is not about trains, buses or ferries - it is about people.

It’s about connecting people with the jobs, education and opportunities they want to pursue.

Traditionally in NSW, land planning has determined where opportunities can occur, and then transport planning would try to connect them all. But now, our Metropolitan Plan brings transport and land planning together for the first time in NSW history.

It means that we prioritise development where transport is strongest, and prioritise transport to where the greatest populations live.

This will deliver more homes closer to transport and more jobs closer to home.

Key examples of this are projects like the Parramatta to Epping Rail Link – connecting Western Sydney students with Macquarie University; or Western Sydney workers with the booming IT jobs of North Ryde. Or the Western Express – which I prioritised because it will deliver more and faster air-conditioned services to Western Sydney in the fastest time.

And to support these major projects we have more buses and trains than ever before – and all our new buses and trains are air conditioned and wheelchair accessible.

All together it means safe, reliable and comfortable public transport – which in turn supports the people of New South Wales being able to plan and make the most of their daily lives.

I’m also proud that we have the highest rate of public transport use in the country. But we should always look to increase this as part of building a sustainable global city.

So that’s why we’re capping transport fares to CPI increases, to keep the price incentive on public over private transport use.

Sydney is the economic powerhouse of the nation and the only global city of Australia.

Like any great city we have transport challenges and we need to make sure our transport system meets community needs.

I am confident that our integrated approach to transport planning, as well as the numerous individual infrastructure and service projects outlined in this document, will serve the people of New South Wales well into future – making lives a little easier and New South Wales an even greater place to live.

For more information visit Better Public Transport.
Tags: =, Government, Keneally, NSW, Transport

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4 Comments

Posted: Saturday, 5 March 2011, 12:29 | By: daphne from albion park , nsw

I live in albion park south of wolongong, traveling to sydney a few years ago was a night mare. they built a bridge in stanwell park costing mils. that money could have been spent on a light rail down the freeway from sutherland to the gong, people can then work in sydney and live here cheaper houses. instead of spending 4hrs a day on the train.
Posted: Saturday, 26 February 2011, 15:14 | By: Polling_Booth from Old Sydney Town , NSW

Last election, NSWALP promised Parramatta > Chatswood now only Parramatta > Epping. What gives? To get onto that line the Western Subs can go via Strathfield, hence i've never supported this link. North West, how about Parramatta > Rouse Hill > Epping circle. Or even my own area, Campbelltown > Narellan > Oran Park > Bringelly > Horningsea Park > West Hoxton ? These are the growth areas that are needed. If elected Ms Keneally, what do YOU plan on doing for the SWest rail ???? Cheers
Posted: Wednesday, 23 February 2011, 14:55 | By: Ruby from Parramatta , NSW

Public transport is significantly important to how I get around but it’s becoming increasingly harder to do. Commuting to and from Parramatta to get to work in the city takes a lot of time out of my day and during peak hour you are lucky to get a seat. But Keneally has a plan! Hopefully Labor's Western Express plans can cut my travel time and make travelling just a little easier.
Posted: Saturday, 19 February 2011, 11:19 | By: Rodney from Penrith , NSW

Kristina is spot on - public transport is about connecting people. Every time you see a new road being built, another free shuttle bus coming your way or another air-con'd bus or train - we can thank Labor. O'Farrell's already going to pull two major rail links from the west so he can put one line in his leafy backyard. Worse thing is that's the only thing he's said he'll do with public transport - cuts! Surprise, surprise.