Greens promise legislation to back Union's public transport plan

Ms Rhiannon said: "If re-elected, my first priority will be to work with the RTBU and transport groups to develop legislation that will enshrine the Union's 'Ten Principles of Sustainable Transport'.

"We will directly challenge whoever is in government to sign on to the principles that will return Sydney to a public transport city.

"The key focus has to be on restoring equity, rejuvenating public transport and protecting the environment.

"The era of motorways has to end. With rising petrol prices and declining air quality we now have no choice but to reinstate rail services, fast track the South West and North West Rail Links, increase the number of dedicated bus lanes, and introduce integrated fares and timetables.

"Our legislation will also rip apart the RTA. In 1993, Bob Carr promised to end the domination of the RTA and end the Los Angeles-style road expansion mentality.

"He never delivered. After Labor was elected, they lost the battle with the powerful roads lobby and the RTA stayed in charge of planning. Sydney ended up with a completely non-functional network of the Eastern Distributor, M2, M7 and Cross City Tunnel. We got gridlock and the public transport was allowed to fall apart at the seams.

"Our legislation will remove the RTA's planning powers on major infrastructure projects. It will set up the NSW Transport Co-ordination Authority to enact the RTBU*s ten principles and to make sure that Sydney has a world leading public transport System.

"It is not to late to stop the M4East motorway and put the effort instead into quality public transport.

"The Greens welcome the Union's 'Moving On' with its clear public transport initiatives. We intend to make it law after the next election' Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information: Lee Rhiannon 92303551, 0427 861 568
15/12/06
Photo by Dentonandrew http://www.flickr.com/photos/dentonandrew/189450329/