An urgent investment in a world-class public transport for Sydney is the solution for not only significantly reducing gridlock on our roads but improving air pollution and reducing the NSW’s greenhouse gas emissions, says the state’s peak environment group.
“Increased public transport use is a powerful strategy for relieving traffic congestion and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, yet little has been done by Government to put the brakes on the nation’s car-reliance and promote more sustainable alternatives,” Nature Conservation Council of NSW executive director Cate Faehrmann said today.
“Gridlocked roads, high petrol prices and climate change awareness are creating a growing public desire to leave cars at home and take public transport. The State Government must now invest in the infrastructure to harness this goodwill and provide efficient and practical sustainable transport systems.
“On several days last Summer, some vulnerable Sydneysiders were already warned against outdoor exercise due to high levels of ozone. The Government estimates car use will go up by at least 10.8 per cent by 2016, meaning health risks will only increase if we do not address vehicle emission now.
“The State Government needs to set ambitious targets to reduce the amount of car trips Sydneysiders take, not sit back and blindly accept more and more cars on our roads,” Ms Faehrmann said.
