[Greens-Media] Iemma light on light rail

[Alison Orme]

MEDIA RELEASE - 1 August 2006 

The ‘public transport’ Premier light on light rail

Greens MP and transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said Premier Iemma must commit to creating an extensive, publicly owned light rail network throughout Sydney if he wishes to earn the right to be remembered as a ‘public transport Premier’. 

“The Greens welcome advice from yet another transport planning expert that an extensive light rail network is needed for Sydney to relieve congestion on major routes,” Ms Rhiannon said. 

“The Iemma government can no longer ignore the light rail solution for Sydney’s traffic problems.  It would get people out of their cars and onto a transport system that is quick, reliable, safe, has no emissions and low noise. 

“NSW Labor has spent $10 billion in the last decade on roads. In the same ten years it has blatantly ignored 50 reports commissioned into public transport that recommend light rail. 

“In the last decade 100 cities across the world have reintroduced trams or built light rail. In contrast, Labor has done nothing to embrace this light rail renaissance.

“The NSW government cannot badge Sydney as a world class city without a world class public transport system to match. 

 “Light rail is capable of carrying up to four times the number of commuters that buses can, with up to 300 people able to be moved in one vehicle alone.

“Light rail can be networked with buses, trains and ferries and given a separate, reserved area on our roads to allow for cars as well. 

“Sydney’s streets would be far more pleasant places for walkers and cyclists and commuters if light rail was given the nod.  Without it, Sydney is set to grind to a halt. 

“Premier Iemma can not also ignore the dire transport needs of Western Sydney. He needs to commission studies to investigate where traffic volumes make light rail viable in this area.

“Light rail is the network for Sydney’s future and desired by voters. But people need to be wary of Coalition promises on light rail. 

“The Opposition has a track record of broken promises, closing down not expanding public transport services while in government,” Ms Rhiannon said. 

For more information contact:  9230 3551 or 0427 861 568 



Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Tues, Wed and alternate Mons)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au