QANDA: inner city transport

Transport is always at the forefront of any election campaign, and this year is no different. With both Premier Kristina Keneally and Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell promising state-wide improvements, are our candidates committed to investing in new and improved local transport?

Question: How would you leverage your role to ensure there is sound investment in inner city transport?

Greens candidate, De Brierley Newton’s response:

The Greens recently launched its ‘Changing how we move’ policy that promotes cycling and walking to work and includes shared zones where everyone – pedestrians, cyclists and motorists – can coexist safely.

We support an integrated transport and ticketing system so people can use any combination of trains, light rail, bus and ferries quickly, using just one ticket.

If elected I would be part of the team working to introduce light rail across the city and construct the North-West, South-west and Epping to Parramatta train lines that will move people quickly to and from the city.

As a lone member of Parliament I could only achieve so much. As a member of The Greens in parliament I will help deliver Sydney a first class public transport system.

Current Sydney MP, Clover Moore’s response:

Sydney needs a single State transport authority to coordinate all transport and roads, under one Minister, with a guaranteed budget, legislated commitments and prioritised timetable.

I will continue to push for better transport options in the inner city and for more balanced investment between roads and active transport. My two roles allow me to harness the City’s expertise to get State Government investment in light rail and infrastructure that makes walking and cycling safe and I lead by example with the City building bike lanes, increasing pedestrians space, improving conditions for motorcycles and commissioning reports that demonstrate transport solutions.

Labor candidate, Sacha Blumen’s response:

I have experience in analysing and evaluating energy policies to ensure the public interest is served and would bring that expertise to my role as the member for Sydney, particularly in relation to transport.

Inner city transport must be part of an integrated network across Sydney. The light rail expansion through the CBD and the Metrobus system are positive developments. A well-functioning network would reduce traffic congestion in the inner city.

In my community work I campaigned to retain the 311 bus. As the member for Sydney, I would push for improved local transport – better bus services in Pyrmont/Ultimo, the inner east and Walsh Bay – as well as greater light and heavy rail capacity, and improved pedestrian and cyclist safety.

Liberal candidate, Adrian Bartels’ response:

If elected, I would fight for investment in a modern, integrated and efficient public transport system. Clover Moore seems to think that making life as miserable as possible for those who own cars will force them on to public transport. I would much prefer to provide people with the alternatives. I am very pleased that myself and a number of other candidates have been able to facilitate the announcement of a much needed light-rail from Central to the UNSW. This is more than Clover has been able to do in 23-years as the Member for Sydney, or in her 7-years as the Lord Mayor.