Feds should fix public transport, say industry and experts

Moving People – Solutions for a Growing Australia, is an action plan developed by the Australasian Railways Association, International Association for Public Transport and the Bus Industry Confederation of Australia, the three major bodies representing passenger transport in Australia.
Co-author of the plan Professor Stanley, from the University of Sydney’s Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, said only leadership by the Federal Government can achieve the massive change needed to reverse the deterioration of Australia’s land transport systems.
“We believe state based land passenger transport policies have failed and this action plan outlines what we believe should be the  role of all levels of Government, including the Federal Government, in delivering passenger transport that not only meets existing demand, but also provides solutions to the growing problems of congestion and pollution in our cities,” Stanley said.
Chief executive of the Australasian Railways Association Bryan Nye said the recent announcement from the prime minister about changes to the health system opens the door for some clear thinking about the role of the Federal Government in land transport.
“If we are going to move to a national model for our health system we also need to take a serious look at the role the Federal Government should play in overseeing the way Australians utilise transport. An efficient land transport system is a key requirement for economic growth,” Nye said.
“We have a national freight strategy and now we are calling for a parallel moving people strategy to be developed by the Federal Government.”
Professor Graham Currie, Chair of Public Transport at Monash University, said significant investment and leadership from the Federal Government is needed to guarantee the future prosperity of our cities.
"Australian cities have neglected ageing urban bus and rail infrastructure for decades and now face major challenges in upgrading services while overcrowding problems are growing,” Currie said.
“The answer from worldwide experience is investment in quality infrastructure and services to 'future proof' our cities from the challenges of climate change, oil dependence, an ageing population, population growth and growing urban traffic congestion.”
In the coming months, the ARA, BIC and UITP will be meeting with commonwealth and state transport ministers to promote the adoption of this vital strategic approach to enhancing public transport in Australia.

Moving People – Solutions for a Growing Australia is available at: www.ara.net.au
Interested in urban rail? Attend Urban Rail 2010: www.informa.com.au/urbanrail