Melbourne: "Backwards" public transport system fai

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Source: Public Transport Users Association
Media Release
15/08/2005
"Backwards" public transport system failing to ease oil price pain

Public transport users have welcomed Steve Bracks' admission that Melbourne's public transport system is going backwards, but have called on the government to get serious about the urgent job of fixing it. "The government's recognition of the poor health of public transport is an important first step," said Public Transport Users Association President Daniel Bowen. "The key test of whether this is a do-nothing government is the steps they now take to make fast, frequent and reliable services available to all Melburnians." Mr Bowen also highlighted the need to fill the gaps in the public transport network to ensure it meets modern travel needs. "We shouldn't forget that over half the city's residents don't have ready access to the rail network, especially in some of Melbourne's key growth areas," said Mr Bowen. "Residents of these areas are often struggling to pay a mortgage, bring up kids, and now pay over $1.20 for a litre of petrol. Mr Bracks must commit to extending the rail network to Rowville, South Morang and Doncaster and rolling out the SmartBus program right across the city so that families are rescued from ever-escalating fuel prices," urged Mr Bowen. (....)

ontinue reading: http://www.ptua.org.au/media/2005/august15.shtml