The number of public transport journeys in Sydney has risen by only 1.4 per cent in the past 10 years despite recognition of its vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change, the state’s peak environment group said today.
“Sydney’s population has grown by more than 10 per cent over the past decade, yet the NSW Government has done little to improve the state’s inadequate public transport infrastructure,” Cate Faehrmann, executive director of the Nature Conservation Council said.
“Increasing public transport use is a powerful strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, yet little has been done by the Government to put the brakes on the state’s car-reliance and promote more sustainable alternatives. Alarmingly, figures suggest Sydney’s bus use has reduced since 1997.
“Later this year the Federal Government will allocate NSW’s share of the $20 billion Infrastructure Australia Fund. The Nature Conservation Council calls on the Federal Government to move away from a transport infrastructure approach heavily biased towards roads and do more to get people out of their cars.
“We’d like to see the Rudd Government take full advantage of this significant opportunity for national investment in creating world-class public transport systems and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“The community knows what needs to be done, it is time for political will to catch up and provide efficient and practical sustainable transport systems,” Ms Faehrmann said.
