Report casts more doubt on metro

An independent inquiry headed by former NSW rail and roads chief Ron Christie has thrown doubt on the wisdom of pressing ahead with a metro network for Sydney, recommending instead a new heavy rail line through the CBD and across the harbour as a matter of priority for the city.

Although a transport blueprint for Sydney is due to be released by the end of February, a spokesperson for the Premier said Ms Keneally would welcome the opportunity to meet with Mr Christie directly. “Staff in the Premier’s office have already had the opportunity to be briefed by two members of [Mr Christie’s] team – once in December and once again in January,” he said in a statement. “The NSW Government will take on board the findings of this independent inquiry as it would all serious analyses of transport and infrastructure.”

Mr Christie’s report recommends deferring construction of the metro network beyond 2020. However, the Premier’s office failed to clarify whether it was considering this as an option. It likewise did not comment as to whether any co-operation with Mr Christie and his team could lead to a delay in the release of the blueprint, saying only it would be released “shortly”.