The NSW Government’s $12 billion North West metro project is an important first step toward a world class public transport
The NSW Government’s $12 billion North West metro project is an important first step toward a world class public transport system for Sydney; and if done well it will significantly ease congestion, says Infrastructure Partnerships Australia – the nation’s peak infrastructure body.
“Until now, Sydney has been a world-class city with poor public and private transport networks. Today’s announcement is the most important step in more than a decade toward fixing Sydney’s transport problems,” says IPA executive director Garry Bowditch.
“Congestion is one of the most pressing problems facing the NSW Government. Congestion costs Sydney $4.3 billion each year, or $11 million each and every day.
“A Sydney metro will deliver a modern, rapid and efficient service that slashes travel times from one of Sydney’s main growth corridors, getting people out of their cars and back on public transport.”
Bowditch says the metro will carry 60,000 commuters per hour, significantly easing congestion in Sydney’s northwest, inner west and CBD.
“This project presents a better option than the proposed North West rail link. It will be delivered quicker and will offer a better service, free of the problems that continue to plague Sydney’s train network,” he says.
“This new plan will deliver a metro link to the Hills district two years earlier than the Government’s original plan – filling one of the missing links in Sydney’s public transport network.
He says a metro is attractive because it will be an entirely new network that stands alone from the troubled road and heavy rail networks.
“Metro trains single story, multi door design means that they are able to load and unload more quickly, making travel easier and more comfortable for commuters,” says Bowditch.
“Sydney cannot deliver a London Underground or Paris Metro overnight, but the Government’s commitment is an important step toward delivering a state of the art, efficient and world-class public transport network for Australia’s largest city.”