10 Dec 2011: SEQ: Transport Funding Debate Required not Arguments ...

[ozbob]

Media release 10 December 2011

SEQ: Transport Funding Debate Required not Arguments between Public Transport Proposals.

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers whilst welcoming this week's BusLink announcement by Brisbane City Council (1) is dismayed at the political fighting over the funding of Cross River Rail vs. the BusLink.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Whilst the form, mode and scale of BusLink needs further discussion both projects are desperately needed if south east Queensland is to avoid a transport meltdown. So the argument should not be over which of these projects should or shouldn't proceed but are we spending our overall Transport Budget on for the most effective infrastructure/services.  It is well documented and recognised around the world that investing in road expansion is not solving transport problems as it only encouraging more people and freight onto our roads plus it is contributing significantly to road deaths and spiralling road trauma costs (2)."

"Just over $2 billion is being spent in SEQ alone in a single financial year which is delivering more cars and trucks on the roads, peak hour traffic chaos, increased travel time and worsening air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Further every vehicle that is forced onto the road increases the $40 billion spent on road trauma and $16 billion on subsidising motor vehicle use each and every year".

"Our transport debate needs to 'grow up' and move beyond fighting over limited public transport funding onto a debate about which transport investments will actually solve our transport issues and which ones have created the transport nightmare we have today.  Around the world cities are converting road space to transit lanes, bikeways and footpaths; enhancing their rail systems; building metros;  and making all forms of transport equal. Meanwhile in south east Queensland we are still expanding roads and championing free car parking whilst wondering why our region is a congested mess".   

References:

1. SEQ: Follow Ottawa example on proposed CBD bus tunnel - http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7209.0
2. Australia: The true value of rail is beyond doubt - http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6526.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org