[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL MLC: Petrol Refugees forced to stand on crowded buses and trains

[Wilkins, Craig]

3 August 2006


'Petrol Refugees' forced to stand on crowded buses and trains

South Australians escaping from record petrol prices are being
forced to stand up in overcrowded buses and trains, says Greens MLC
Mark Parnell.

"As a regular public transport user, I've noticed a big increase
in recent weeks in the numbers of people on the train I catch, and
I've had reports that this increase is happening across metropolitan
Adelaide.

More people catching public transport is good news, but if first-timers
are forced to stand for extended trips or buses drive past too full
to pick them up, they won't stick around", he said.

Adelaide's public transport system is already widely acknowledged to
be at, or very near capacity.  Major investment is now required to
increase rolling stock and service frequency.

"Let's seize the opportunity of record petrol prices to encourage
more South Australians to give public transport a go, by delivering
an efficient and cost-effective service.

Whilst Mr Parnell has welcomed the announcement of the tram extension
to North Terrace, investment and infrastructure upgrades are required
across the whole metropolitan system.

"One iconic project does not let the Government off the hook of
providing genuine sanctuary for those trying to escape record petrol
prices", he said.


For further comment contact Mark Parnell on 0439 215 937



Craig Wilkins

Researcher to Mark Parnell MLC
Australian Greens
Ph:     (08) 8237 9471 / 0401 991 907   
Fax:    (08) 8237 9566
Email:  <greens at parliament.sa.gov.au>
Post:   Parliament House, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
Web:    <http://www.markparnell.org.au/>