5 Sep 2013: Australia: Election 2013 - urban and freight rail, public transport

[ozbob]

Media release 5th September 2013



Australia: Election 2013 - urban and freight rail, public transport key issues

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 has said the future of urban rail and public transport is in the balance in the Federal election.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"A Tony Abbott lead Government has indicated they will not support the funding of urban rail and public transport (1).  This is an absurd policy."

"Presently throughout Australia there are many urban rail and public transport projects underway that are funded either in part or full by the Federal Government. The Federal Government receives the bulk of taxes and is in the best position to provide funding, not only for urban rail and public transport but also roads."

"Today around $5 Billion of urban rail projects has been kicked into touch for more road failure."

"Building more roads only is only going to further exacerbate the already bad congestion in major cities and regional centres.  The way forward is to improve public transport as well as roads. Freight rail improvements are also needed to get bulk freight back onto rail to reduce costs, trauma and constant road damage by heavy trucks. Coalition and Labor support for the Inland rail is welcome (2)."

"Most Australians live in the cities however. A life condemned to chronic congestion, gridlock, delay and transport failure is guaranteed under an Abbott Government unless they revise their flawed policies."

"Think carefully Australia before voting."

References:

1. http://www.liberal.org.au/

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10177.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 28s

RAIL operators have slammed the Coalition's plans to dump federal funding ... urban rail http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/rail-operators-lament-roads-rule/story-e6frfkp9-1226712555153 ... #ausvotes #auspol #qldpol