[Greens-Media] Best airport congestion planning is rail planning - Greens

[Peter Stahel]

Best airport congestion planning is rail planning - Greens

Responding to the release of a new Sydney Airport Masterplan, Greens MP and transport spokesperson Cate Faehrmann says efforts to reduce bottlenecks will always be a band-aid solution when it comes to reducing congestion in and around the airport. Ms Faehrmann says the first step to improving amenity and productivity should be for the NSW Government to buy back the Airport Rail Line.

"The best planning for Sydney airport is ensuring there is adequate public transport infrastructure. While the old parties bicker about airport locations, motorway links and road bottlenecks, everyone else understands that without higher public transport patronage, the entire precinct is going to grind to a halt," said Ms Faehrmann.

"An airport line buy back is a bargain-basement first step that will help alleviate congestion. It will be a huge boost to business and make commuting for passengers, including those who have no choice but to drive, much easier.

"If we see a doubling of passengers as the new master plan predicts, the operators can do as much internal planning, and make as many scheduling and efficiency changes as they like: unless we see a major increase in rail patronage we are going to see enormous problems in the future. 

 "A buyback was costed by the Parliamentary Budget Office for my office back in 2010 at $276 million. Meanwhile Barry O'Farrell is burning billions on a new motorway without even having a comprehensive business case.

"The number one priority for dealing with congestion at Sydney Airport should be cheaper and easier rail services. It's a no brainer," said Ms Faehrmann.

Media contact: Peter Stahel 0433 005 727