Transport Plan Needed for Whole State

Commuters and transport workers have made transport a priority issue for this weekend’s State election.

It was clear that the people of NSW wanted to see a much stronger focus on transport, and all the major parties have heard the message.

Labor has promised to finish the South West Rail Link, and to build the Epping to Parramatta Link, the Western Express line and a new rail tunnel under the CBD.

The Coalition also wants to build rail lines – but its focus is on a new rail line to Sydney’s North West and light rail for the city, while also completing the South West Rail Link.

Labor has pledged to cap fares until 2012, while the Coalition has promised to cut the cost of monthly and annual tickets.

The Greens have talked about shifting more of the freight task from road to rail, and have pledged to reintroduce rail services on the Casino to Murwillumbah line.

The major parties have failed on some key issues however, particularly in relation to public transport safety.

Both the Coalition and Labor have promised to invest in more CCTV cameras on the public transport network, but cameras will not help someone being bashed at a train station.

There is no substitute for a visible security presence at stations, on buses and on trains to curb violent or anti-social behaviour.

The transport needs of regional communities had been overlooked by the major parties – especially in terms of rail freight.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union has held Better Transport Forums in Tamworth, Dubbbo, Byron Bay, Wollongong, Newcastle and Sydney – and the story has been the same all over the State.

Our regional rail infrastructure is in dire need of investment. While much of the political focus has been on urban transport, the state of regional rail infrastructure has been neglected.

For a full analysis of the transport policies of the major parties, have a look at the RTBU’s latest Better Transport Bulletin:

Better Transport Bulletin election edition
Better Transport Bulletin – Policy Analysis

No matter who wins the election on Saturday, the incoming Government will need to deliver a transport plan for all of NSW, not just for Sydney.