Greens MP Jamie Parker this week launched an ambitious plan to build on the success of the existing light rail extension and further expand light rail within the CBD, along Parramatta Road and to the Balmain Peninsula.
This plan has been developed in collaboration with transport experts, academics, Members of Parliament, business leaders, and community organisations.
"Sydney’s transport network is weighed down. The bus network is overloaded and our rail system is also close to capacity in many regions, and simply non-existent in much of the Inner West. This forces commuters onto roadways and tollways, and turns residents’ streets into stressed-out, noisy and polluted traffic zones," Mr Parker said.
"This plan would change everything: boosting local businesses, giving residents an enjoyable and reliable commuting option and opening up Parramatta Road to become more than just a parking lot.
"We know the powerful roads lobby is pushing for more tollways, more cars and more congestion. Sadly, the O’Farrell Government is playing right into their hands, with their proposal for a whopping $10 billion tollway.
"Experience shows us that motorways may reduce travel times initially, but traffic volumes soon increase and travel times subsequently blow out to where they were before – or worse.
"This plan will dramatically reduce travel times, help alleviate CBD congestion, revitalise Parramatta Road and give the Inner West and Sydney’s CBD a sustainable transport network.
"Light rail will reduce pressure on existing buses, trains and roads – making a faster journey for everyone.
"Light rail is significantly more efficient than buses for moving large numbers of commuters quickly, quietly and with minimal pollution.
"Light rail also has the potential to be fully powered by renewable energy – the city of Calgary in Canada for example runs its entire light rail system using wind power, saving thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions.
"We’ve already won light rail extension from Lilyfield to Dulwich Hill. This is the logical and visionary next step. The more community support we build, the faster we’ll be on our way to building transport that works for people," Mr Parker said.
More information, including full draft policy document and map of proposed network
Petition in support of light rail
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