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Four transport organisations have joined
forces today to urge all political parties to commit to tasking the
Productivity Commission to report on the costs of urban congestion, road
accidents, environmental degradation, climate change and energy security
associated with Australia’s current transport use.
This will be a positive
first step in ensuring that major political parties implement reliable, safe
and sustainable transport systems.
A joint letter was sent by the Australasian
Railway Association (ARA), Bus Industry Confederation (BIC), Cycling Promotion
Fund (CPF) and International Association of Public Transport (UITP), urging the
Productivity Commission to report on the true social costs of transportation
within the Australian context.
“I am concerned that decision makers and
Government agencies, such as the National Transport Commission, are making
decisions on Australia’s future transport system without taking into account
the costs it will impose on people’s safety, the liveability of our communities
and the state of our environment. The heavy congestion and lack of public
infrastructure in Sydney’s west, is a prime example of this short-sightedness,”
said Mr Nye, the CEO of the ARA.
To date, transport decisions have been
shaped by short-term budgetary concerns and ad-hoc planning with little regard
to putting in place a reliable, safe and sustainable transport system for
Australia’s future.
“An integrated multi-modal public transport system
combined with active transportation, such as walking and cycling, is the answer
to the crippling congestion, the lack of amenity and the environmental
degradation facing our cities,” said Noel McFarlane, Chairperson of CPF.
An important first step in achieving a
truly sustainable transport system is gauging the true cost of transport
options including its impact on amenity, congestion, individual well being and
sustainability.
“We call on all political parties to make a commitment
to account for and address the social costs associated with our current
transport system. That is why we are urging that the Productivity Commission
report on the social costs and benefits of transport options for Australia,”
said Mr Apps, the Executive Director of the BIC.
A comprehensive report on the social costs
of transport options will aid decision makers in choosing and implementing the
right transport options for Australia.
“Public transport offers the best
opportunities to address the major issues facing society. Changing peoples’ travel habits to forms
other than the private vehicles can significantly improve Australia s quality
of life,” UITP Transport Executive Director, Peter Moore said.
“Public transport can make a major
contribution, but it needs expanded capacity and we need incentives for
Australians to take public transport through enhanced infrastructure and
quality, cost effective, high performance systems,” Peter Moore concluded.
Australians deserve nothing less than a
reliable, safe and sustainable transport system.
Media Contacts
Emma Pettiford, Australasian Railway Association
Phone: 0438 209 588 Email:
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Peter Moore, International Assoc. of Public Transport
Phone: 02 62475990 Email:
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Michael Apps, Bus Industry Confederation
Phone: 02 62475990 Email:
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Stephen Hodge, Cycling Promotion Fund
Phone: 0411 149 910 Email:
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