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BIC calls on Feds for serious action on public transport

Executive Director of the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC), Michael Apps, is sceptical of the Rudd Government’s commitment to delivering real

Executive Director of the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC), Michael Apps, is sceptical of the Rudd Government’s commitment to delivering real solutions to our mobility and public transport challenges.

“It is time the Federal Government gets serious about mobility, public transport, and how we move people and begin to deliver on the platform that they won the election on,” he tells ABC.

“Australia is one of the few Western economies that does not have a public transport plan, Mr Rudd and Mr Albanese need to step up to the plate to deliver on their commitments and help Australians best manage the financial crisis we are all facing. Public transport is a key part of the solution.”

Apps says Federal Transport and Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese needs to focus on developing adequate public transport infrastructure, under Infrastructure Australia, so states can deliver the services people are expecting and needing in the current economic crisis.

He says the economic crisis may be bringing fuel prices down but people are still moving towards public transport alternatives in droves because of the social and environmental implications, including crippling congestion costing Australia over $20 billion in lost productivity each year.

He says it is time for serious action.

“One would hope that the establishment of Infrastructure Australia and the Better Cities unit within it headed up by Michael Deegan, who has vast experience within the industry, will he be able to deliver? Time will tell,” says Apps.

Apps adds the Opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull is an advocate of public transport and uses it on a regular basis, he says it will be interesting seeing where he will steer Liberal policy on the issue.

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