[Greens-Media] FW: MEDIA RELEASE: 'Regional Transport Fails to Meet On Time Running Target For Eleven Years in A Row, Continues to Suffer Underinvestment ' (Greens NSW MP Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC)

[Matthew Hilton]

Media Release
18.11.14
Regional Transport Fails to Meet On Time Running Target For Eleven Years in A Row, Continues to Suffer Underinvestment

NSW Greens MP and Transport Spokesperson, Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC, has called for increased investment in regional transport after the Auditor General's Report revealed that regional transport has failed to meet an on time running target of 78% for eleven years running.

Dr Faruqi said:

"Today's report has shown that the Government has failed to meet the modest on time running target of 78% for eleven years running. Regional NSW deserves better.

"It is offensive that the Government is pouring billions into the wasteful WestConnex and NorthConnex toll roads while providing no investment to regional transport.

"The 2014/2015 budget had nothing for regional NSW.

"I asked the Minister for Transport back in August what the average age of the XPT fleet was and their response was 27 years and that they had no specific plans to upgrade them.

"With the tyranny of distance we face in New South Wales, the Government needs to focus on reinstating railway lines, community transport and other creative solutions to meet public needs for fast, safe, affordable and effective public transport solutions in regional NSW" Dr Faruqi concluded.

Auditor General's Report (Page 8): https://www.audit.nsw.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/342/03_Volume_Seven_2014_Executive_Summary.pdf.aspx?Embed=Y
Media contact: Matt Hilton for Mehreen Faruqi 9230 2625 / 0423 106 247