[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL MLC: Public transport changes don't go far enough

[Parnell]

Media Release
Tuesday 18th August 2009

Public transport changes don't go far enough


The latest changes to Adelaide's public transport services don't go far enough, and fall well short of the transformation needed to shift people from cars to buses and trains, says Greens MLC Mark Parnell.

"What we need in Adelaide is a public transport revolution," said Greens MLC Mark Parnell.

"Wouldn't it be lovely if services were frequent enough that you didn't need a timetable? Instead, we once again see small changes dressed up as big innovations," he said.

Despite the Belair Train Line being off line for the last four months for track repair work, when the service resumes on Sunday, the timetable won't change.

"The big loser in today's announcement is the Belair Train.  After months of work and huge inconvenience to commuters, service frequency will not increase at all.  There'll still be just the same old service with hourly services only in the evenings and on weekends.

"Now that Belair Line commuters have had to find alternative transport options while their train service was out of action, where is the incentive to attract them back?

"The Transport Department admits that frequency is an absolutely critical factor to get more people to embrace public transport.

"The popularity of the Glenelg tram and the O-Bahn - where services are frequent - shows the public will use public transport if it comes often and is more reliable.

"Public transport is a vital strategy to combat climate change and prepare for a future where petrol is a lot scarcer and more expensive.

"Much more investment is urgently required to ensure services are ready to meet the inevitable rise in future demand," he said.


For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893





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