[Greens-Media] MEDIA RELEASE: 'O'Farrell Wrong on Double Decker Trains' (Greens NSW Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC)

[Mehreen Faruqi]

Media Release
25/03/2014
O'Farrell Wrong on Double Decker Trains
Greens NSW Transport Spokesperson, Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC, has called Premier Barry O'Farrell's comments on double decker trains further evidence of the lack of knowledge and credibility of this government on public transport for Sydney. Barry O'Farrell yesterday called double decker trains a historical mistake and is persisting in building the North West Rail Link as a privately run, unintegrated line. Dr Faruqi joined community activists at Cheltenham Station this morning protesting the government's decision to build the North West Rail Link as a single deck line.

"This government has a real nostalgia for old thinking on public transport - they are building the North West Rail Link as a glorified monorail, and now the Premier is harking back to the days of the single deck red rattlers.

"The reality is that in a city so spread out and diverse, we need to be able to move people comfortably over long distances and this means double decker seating and an integrated transport system.

"The North West Rail Link is a vital piece of public transport infrastructure that is needed.  But the Government is going to rip up the Epping to Chatswood heavy rail line and build a single deck, non-integrated, private sector shuttle that will dump people at Chatswood.

"It makes no sense to not build a train line that integrates with the existing rail network and takes people to where they want to go, such as the CBD and Western Sydney regional centres. It is purely about an ideology that prioritises privatisation over effective transport solutions.

"The people of the North-West deserve a rail line that is able to meet the needs of this rapidly growing part of Sydney.

"There is no evidence that this metro-style shuttle service will improve journeys for commuters. In fact, passengers will have to stand for up to 40 minutes on the train and then wait on an overcrowded platform at Chatswood.

"What Premier O'Farrell should be investing in is upgrading our current system to increase frequency of trains - this means improving signalling and introducing tilt trains on the Newcastle and Central Coast lines", she concluded.

Media Contact: Matt Hilton 0423 106 247


Matt Hilton
Legislative, Policy and Media Adviser

Office of Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC
Legislative Council | NSW Parliament
E: matthew.hilton at parliament.nsw.gov.au<mailto:matthew.hilton at parliament.nsw.gov.au>
P: (02) 9230 2625 | M: +61423106247|F: facebook.com/mehreenfaruqi | T: @MehreenFaruqi | W: mehreenfaruqi.org.au
Mail: Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

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