Care about public transport? Then make your vote count this Federal Election. We’ve rated the parties on their transport policies.
The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has published a score-card for the Federal Election, rating the three biggest parties on their transport policies.
PTUA President Tony Morton said that the Greens excelled with an A, Labor came in with a B for pledging funding to several public transport infrastructure projects around the country, but that the Coalition had rated an F for specifically refusing to fund any urban public transport.
“The Coalition has distinguished itself by repeatedly ruling out any funding of urban public transport”, said Dr Morton.
“In light of continuing issues with traffic, rising petrol prices, car dependence and global warming, to rule out support for urban public transport is a completely regressive stance that deserves no place in 21st century policy.
“It is not, as the Coalition claims, purely a state issue. Substantial Federal funding has gone into projects in the past, including Melbourne’s Cranbourne line in the 1990s, and the Regional Rail Link project now under construction in Melbourne’s west.
“We call on the Coalition to look again at their position. It makes no sense in our growing cities to commit to roads funding, but to refuse to fund public transport. Building more roads does not solve traffic congestion – it never has, it never will.”
Dr Morton said that voters concerned about public transport should choose carefully at the ballots.
“Australia is one of the most urbanised countries in the world, and transport is emerging as one of key issues in our cities. Sustainable, economically prosperous cities depend on efficient transport systems, and public transport is key to moving people efficiently. At this election, if you’re concerned about public transport, make sure your vote counts.”
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