[Greens-Media] Lee Rhiannon - Cross City Tunnel toll hike: welcome to the future

[Alison Orme]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - 15 March 2008

Cross City Tunnel toll hike: welcome to the future

Greens MP and roads spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says the 13% price hike
to the Cross City Tunnel toll is a sign of things to come and will
continue the trend of motorists spurning costly tollways in favour of
public transport.

“The Iemma government needs to flick the switch from building new
motorways to investing in fast, efficient public transport,” Ms
Rhiannon said.
 
“Public private partnerships in the form of the Cross City and Lane
Cove tunnels have been flops, with patronage levels dipping far below
expected levels.

“Sydneysiders are already suffering toll fatigue. Pushing the toll up
to $3.96 will only see more motorists desert motorways.

“Within the next decade ‘peak oil’ will see petrol prices rocket
and motorways begin to drain of cars.

“The Iemma government should come clean with their motorway plans for
Sydney.

“The public deserves to know exactly what is in the RTA’s top
drawer so they can be active players in the debate about whether toll
roads or public transport should be the Iemma government’s
priority,” Ms Rhiannon said.


For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
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