The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has released its five year plan entitled Five Years Closer to 2020 – A Plan To Get Transport Back On Track.
After six years of excuses, it is crunch time for Melbourne’s transport system. The government has the choice of either committing to an immediate program of public transport improvments, or condemning Melbourne to increased congestion, air pollution, social isolation and increased financial volatility due to endless rising petrol prices.
The PTUA’s five year plan recognises the dire need to extend Melbourne’s rail network (which currently only serves of one-third of Melbourne) while also calling for bus service upgrades and funding to alleviate genuine rail bottlenecks.
Melbourne’s bus services are arguably the worst of any capital city; very poor service frequencies, limited hours of operation and an almost complete lack of services on Sunday and evenings has condemned two-thirds of Melbourne to excessive car dependence.
Public transport must become competitive with car travel for it to become a viable alternative. As such rail and tram extensions to keep the fixed rail network apace with Melbourne’s growth and much needed bus improvements are critical.
The future viability of Melbourne depends on better public transport. Melbourne has already lost the coveted title of World’s Most Liveable City, due to government inaction on public transport.
Now is the time to write letters to your local Members of Parliament and to Local and State Newspapers to demand action.