[Greens-Media] Marrickville voters may send a message on neglect of public transport

[Sam Byrne]

Marrickville voters may send a message on neglect of public transport

15 August 2005

The Greens candidate in the Marrickville by-election, Deputy Mayor Sam Byrne, called for less words and more action from the state Labor government, after Minister Watkins appealed today to commuters to catch public transport.

“The fact that commuters would rather pay up to $300 a week driving their cars than $44 on public transport says a whole lot about this government’s neglect of our public transport system,” said Councillor Byrne.

“Instead of spending $900,000 on advertising to allay the concerns of angry voters in the upcoming by-elections, the government should be prioritising the CityRail network.

“This Government has got its priorities wrong.  Its neglect of public transport, the downgrading of infrastructure and the reduced frequency of services, has pushed Sydney residents onto expensive motorways and car dependence.

“There are two major rail lines running through Marrickville and 10 train stations.  Voters may well seek to send a message about years of late running or cancelled trains and reduced services at the by-election.

“The Government is being hypocritical about this. If they were serious about fixing the problem the Treasurer would increase rail infrastructure funding, commit to extending light rail, and get out of the motorway business now.”

Contact: Sam Byrne 0408 231 509