[Greens-Media] Looking for a legacy Premier * hop on a publicly funded fast train

[Alison Orme]

MEDIA RELEASE - 15 March 2004

Looking for a legacy Premier * hop on a publicly funded fast train

A high speed train taking passengers between the city and the western suburbs of Sydney warrants the full support of the NSW Government and should be publicly built and operated, Greens MP and transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said today. 

"A world class fast train network is crucial to the future of Sydney," said Ms Rhiannon. 

"The people of Western Sydney will be locked into car dependency if this project does not receive government backing.

"Work on a fast train network could commence quite soon if the Government was willing to divert its multi-million dollar motoring budget into this project and seek loans to finance the project.

"The people of NSW should reap the dividends of a publicly funded rail system, providing both a first class service and a source of long-term revenue.

"Handing the project over to the private sector has many risks. For one thing, fares can spiral out of control with all profits going straight into the pockets of the consortium.

"I congratulate the sustainability Commissioner, Peter Newman, for his commitment to back this project until the Government gives it the green light.

"I urge the Premier to make fast rail a priority of his Government.

"A rail system that delivers for commuters and the environment is the ideal legacy for the Premier to leave the people of NSW," Ms Rhiannon said. 
 
More information:  Alison Orme  (02) 9230 3551	0408 976 707