[Greens-Media] Build NWRL to integrate with entire network – Greens

[Peter Stahel]

Build NWRL to integrate with entire network – Greens 

Responding to reports that the North West Rail Link shuttle service
will result in severe crowding at Chatswood, Greens MP and transport
spokesperson Cate Faehrmann says the government must build the link to
integrate with the entire network and bring forward planning for the
second harbour rail crossing.

"The government's hasty decision to make the new rail link single-deck
is already spelling disaster for frustrated residents of Sydney's north
west. The government's obsession with building and privatising the link
will come at the expense of improving services across the network," said
Ms Faehrmann.

"Integration with the entire network and a second harbour crossing will
be vital for the new rail link's success. A shuttle service to Chatswood
simply won't provide residents in the North West with a genuine
alternative to driving.

"Apart from the fact that commuters will be forced to travel long
distances standing, Sydney's rail system needs a boost to capacity that
can only be provided by integration with a heavy rail second harbour
crossing. 

"If the North West Rail Link and the second harbour crossing aren't
built to carry double-deck trains like the rest of the system, we'll end
up with chaotic crowding that isn't just limited to Chatswood. There
will be nowhere for the system to grow. 

"Meanwhile, we're about to see a whole raft of new motorways announced
by Infrastructure NSW that will carve yet more bumper to bumper car
parks through Sydney's already congested suburbs.

"It isn't good enough for the government to say it doesn't have the
funds for essential rail projects when they continue to plan for
expensive motorways, which everyone knows don't reduce congestion," said
Ms Faehrmann.

Media contact: Peter Stahel 0433 005 727