Today, as part of delegation through the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA), I met the new Minister for Public Transport, Lynne Kosky. While the meeting was largely introductory in nature it was encouraging to see the Minister take on board a number of concerns shared by the PTUA.
Unlike her predecessor, Minister Kosky has a history in local government, being a former Councillor and later Mayor of Footscray City Council. This community orientated background should hopefully mean that the new Minister will be more responsive to community needs.
While the organisational structure of the Department of Infrastructure is still unnecessarily burdensome, it is hoped that Minister Kosky will be able to succeed in delivering the much needed public transport improvements required for Melbourne’s future economic, social and environmental success.
Melbourne requires a comprehensive public transport system that provides real transport choice. This will only be achieved through expanding the rail and tram network and ensuring that bus services are fast, frequent, readily available and direct. Such improvements would ensure progress towards the goal of increasing public transport modal share to 20% by the year 2020.
The initial meeting with Minister Kosky was both positive and productive and I trust that she will take this opportunity to rectify Melbourne’s public transport deficiencies. If so, then I wish Lynne Kosky the best of success.