[Greens-Media] Metro can't replace second harbour crossing – Greens

[Peter Stahel]

Metro can't replace second harbour crossing – Greens   
 
Greens MP and transport spokesperson Cate Faehrmann says conversion to
a metro style rail system won't solve Sydney's transport problems and a
second harbour crossing will still be essential.
 
"Having more frequent services with single deck trains is a very costly
way of addressing capacity issues.  Regardless we'll eventually need a
second harbour crossing and we need to plan for it now," said Ms
Faehrmann. 
 
"Not only is the cost to replace the carriages and signalling systems
enormous, a metro won't provide enough seating for passengers on longer
routes, forcing many people to stand. This is unacceptable given the
ongoing suburban sprawl planned by the O'Farrell government.
 
"There are cheaper options available than converting the whole system
to metro. The Harbour Bridge is strong enough for a second deck slung
under the main bridge deck for example.
 
"The metro conversion plan seems more like a softening up process to
get us used to the idea of privatisation.
 
"Suggestions that only one project can be built at a time are simply
not good enough when you consider where the transport system needs to be
within the next decade," said Ms Faehrmann.
 
Media contact: Peter Stahel 0433 005 727