02.Our Public Transport: A Community View Report

The NSW community has warned the Carr Government that the state will resemble California within 25 years if it implements the recommendations of the Parry Report into transport.

The report 'Our Public Transport' commissioned by the Labor Council of NSW and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union, draws on more than 100 submissions from community organisations and individuals, warning that NSW is at a crossroads.

"Already, we have seen how a road-dominated transport system in California has led to a system dominated by private motor cars, with high pollution and gridlock being the community costs," Mr Robertson said.

Road and car parking currently takes 40 per cent of Sydney's total land area - some of which could otherwise be dedicated to public space and affordable housing.

The report details proposals to improve public transport including:

- tax breaks for employers who offer public transport fares as part of salary packages

- changing the formula for budgeting road and transport funds, to take better account of overall costs and benefits to the community

- and an action plan for regional NSW that links transport with economic development, including maintaining rural rail services.

"Increased investment in public transport pays off, because it reduces public spending in other areas including road maintenance, care of accident victims, improved health and increased public space," Mr Robertson said.

"What this process shows is that by talking to the community, rather than a small group of vested interests, we can develop a sustainable vision for transport over the next 25 years. "

Download more info:
Our Public Transport: A Community View Report

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