Trainless tracks de-rail metro buzz
Opinion
For all the NSW Government’s ambivalence and inaction on public transport, the ‘metro’ buzz word has appeared. The ALP initially denied reports that Sydney was ‘going underground’ but jumped on the train of the ‘tabloid-political complex’ once the fervour began.
Federal funding was granted for feasibility studies, and approaching an election year, Macquarie Street nurtured a public perception that something might actually happen. Press was generated on future dreams rather than the present, underperforming nightmare.
The ‘metro’ system, which to a large extent mirrors the city’s light rail, will not get underground anytime soon. Insiders say a Strathfield/Parramatta underground line – also parallel with existing infrastructure – is being talked about.
What has been laid deep in the ground is what the city really needs: the Hills District/Maroubra ‘metro’ originally suggested within the Department of Transport, and reported in the media. But when politicians lie, they don’t do it too extravagantly. They lie within reason.
In fact, the Department of Transport is so short of funds that ferry privatisation has been tendered.
The Dulwich Hill residents’ campaign for a light rail extension from Rozelle on existing freight tracks has been ignored. Inexpensive to repair these would link the inner west and south western rail lines. The state’s Northern Rivers region understands their frustration: a few hundred kilometres of unused rail tracks and signal boxes stand idle. It’s no wonder hitch-hiking is in vogue.
Across the continent, success stories reign: Melbourne’s transport is a global prototype; Adelaide’s integrated light rail is nearing completion; small town residents in south-eastern Queensland are celebrating a steam train on existing tracks that has seen local business thrive. But in NSW, it took 15 years to complete a Parramatta-Chatswood rail link that doesn’t make it to Chatswood.
All aboard the ‘metro’: the word buzzes and although the train has no legs, the story does. It hogs headlines and initiates protest. The Pyrmont community – supported by this newspaper – is up in arms about plans to demolish heritage. But local unrest in the ALP-dominated inner city is irrelevant compared to statewide press that the government has a vision.
The current political mess has ensued. For all the hype, rail lines lie dormant. An active government could change that.
As Sydney falls below mediocrity, talk of ‘metro, metro’ takes over. Gotta love that word. Gotta love this city.
– By Matt Khoury
