Tram plan on the right track, but new routes must work with buses

Expanding the light rail network will help cut congestion and improve mobility in the Sydney CBD, according to the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU).

RTBU Bus and Tram Division Secretary Chris Preston today said, however, the light rail network should be designed to complement bus service – not to compete with them.

“The State Government is on the right track with extending light rail.

“More public transport options will make it easier to move around the city, and will cut down overcrowding on existing services.

“It’s vital, however, that the principles of good transport planning aren’t thrown out the window.

“It doesn’t make sense to be running buses and light rail along the same routes – they should be feeding into each other to provide an integrated public transport service.”

Mr Preston said a light rail link to the Moore Park sporting precinct, the University of NSW and the Prince of Wales Hospital would be a major step forward.

“Moore Park is a world-class sporting and cultural precinct, and it needs better public transport connections.

“Traffic congestion around the stadiums on match days is a major problem.  A light rail link, complemented by the existing bus connections, would make the whole precinct work better.

“This in turn would attract more people to events such as Rugby League and A-League soccer.”

Mr Preston said the State Government had set high expectations among the community, and was now under pressure to deliver.

“The State Government needs to put its money where its mouth is on public transport.

“Commuters and public transport workers also need to be part of the process, so that the right decisions are made on new routes and services.”