COSTA'S RAIL PLANS FAIL TO ADDRESS SYDNEY'S TRANSPORT CRISIS

Friday, 22 August 2003 10:00

Plans announced yesterday by the Minister for Transport Services Michael Costa to separate rail lines in the Sydney suburban network and shelve the Parramatta-Chatswood rail link fail to address the desperate need for new transport infrastructure throughout large parts of Sydney according to the Total Environment Centre (TEC).

TEC Director Mr Jeff Angel said, "Residents throughout Sydney's north-west, west and south have little or no access to rail services, because, in many areas, the lines simply don't exist. New lines must be built to provide desperately needed services and give the public a viable alternative to the private car".

TEC expressed dismay at the Minister's failure to commit to new infrastructure while shelving the Parramatta-Chatswood link

"At a time when the need for a massive boost to rail infrastructure is obvious the Minister has chosen to abandon a crucial rail project. The decision to place the Parramatta-Chatswood link on the never-never is a cruel blow to everyone seeking a better public transport system", Mr Angel said.

While welcoming the announcement of moves to separate existing lines to improve efficiency of services TEC warned that they fall well short of what is required.
"Increasing in the efficiency of existing services is long overdue but simply dodges the fact that a massive boost to infrastructure funding is needed to overcome Sydney's chronic transport woes", Mr Angel said.

TEC has warned the Government that failure to commit to new rail infrastructure is causing growing anger in the community.

"The public are tired of inadequate public transport, chronic air pollution, and worsening traffic congestion. Unless the Government commits to long overdue infrastructure it can expect a strong campaign by an increasingly angry community", Mr Angel said.
 

For further information

Contact
:
Jeff Angel - Director
Phone
:
61 2 9299 5599
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WWW
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http://www.tec.org.au/