[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL MLC: Public Transport Shocker - prices up, services down in budget

[Greens]

Media Release
8th June 2007
              

Public Transport Shocker - prices up, services down in budget 

Bus, tram and train fares will rise, service delivery will fall, and
most of the infrastructure spending is to make room for the new hospital
in a disappointing outcome for public transport in yesterday's state
budget, says Greens MLC Mark Parnell 

"This government has clearly shown they are not serious about improving
our bus, train and tram services," Mark Parnell said.

Public transport fares are set to rise 7.9% for single trip tickets (up
to $4.10) and 7.2% for multitrips (up to $26.90).  "For a regular
commuter, that will add up to almost an extra $100 per year," he said.

At the same time, services are being downgraded.  Budget papers show the
response time for the Passenger Transit Info Line has blown out from 30
seconds in 05/06 to 40 seconds in 06/07.  New buses will only be on the
road in 2011 - 4 years away.  Most of the infrastructure spending will
be used to relocate the railyards to make way for the new hospital, as
well as basic track upgrades on two railway lines.

"The lack of spending is clearly taking a toll on passenger numbers.
While the target growth in weekday boardings for 06/07 was 4%, the
actual increase was only 2.3%.  Realising things aren't going well, the
government has actually downgraded its forecast increase in 07/08 to
only 2.5%.   Worse still, total passenger boardings have fallen from
66.8 million in 05/06 to 65.5 million estimated in 06/07 - a decline of
2%.

"This is astounding - despite rising petrol prices and better knowledge
of climate change, we are actually going backwards.   At this rate,
there is simply no way this government will come close to meeting its
passenger increase targets.

"Replacing ageing sleepers on two railway lines is not
'transformational' infrastructure spending.  Where was the long term
vision for the tram extension? Where was the commitment to extend the
rail north and south, or electrify the system? Where is the money for
extra bus services - not just a replacement of some buses in 4 years
time?

"This budget has completely failed the vision test and is another deeply
disappointing outcome from a government that doesn't walk the talk on
climate change." he said.

 
For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893

	
 
 


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