Federal Labor’s $300 million promise to build more parking spots at train stations around the country has taken shadow infrastructure minister Anthony Albanese to North Fremantle this week, where he promised another 177 spots for commuters.
Albanese has visited stations all around the country in recent weeks as part of Labor’s unofficial election tour – while no date has been named for the next federal vote, it must take place before May 9, 2019.
On February 5 the shadow minister visited North Fremantle, south of Perth, to announce a $2 million commitment to almost triple the number of car spots at the station.
North Fremantle Station’s 92 existing spots would be grown to 269 under the proposal. Albanese said the project would make a real, practical difference for commuters, while also reducing congestion for locals.
“We’ll not only invest in new public transport services, but also deliver practical measures to help commuters get to work with a minimum of fuss, including through our new Park and Ride Fund,” he said. “Public transport isn’t just about the train line or bus route itself. It’s also about the surrounding infrastructure that makes it work for local residents.”
Labor’s federal member for Fremantle, Josh Wilson, was happy to see the Park and Ride Fund commitment made in his seat.
“While new train stations that are being built in Perth include significant parking space for commuters, it’s important that we also invest in facilities at existing stations like North Fremantle,” Wilson said. “One train can take hundreds of cars off our city’s roads. That is why it is critical that governments invest in facilities to encourage greater use of public transport.”