Lord Mayor lobbies for Light Rail
The following item is from Lord Mayor Clover Moore's "eNEWS"
dated 18 April 2008.

<center><h3>LIGHT RAIL</h3></center>

While the Government's announcement for Euro metro in the North West 
and possibly other metropolitan networks is welcome, inner Sydney 
needs urgent investment in public transport. Without this commitment, 
Sydney will lose investment, jobs, economic growth and quality of 
life. Buses are congesting the city and will not meet expected or 
needed passenger growth.

In Parliament I again called for inner city light rail, which is 
greener, quieter, faster, more reliable and more accessible than 
buses. Peak hour Central to Circular Quay bus journey times could 
drop from 18 to 9 minutes with light rail.

The City of Sydney's numerous reports show that light rail is viable 
with a subsidy of 99¢ per passenger, compared to the current 
Government payment of $6.03 per heavy rail and $1.19 per bus 
passenger. The City could provide $13.5 million toward public domain 
works and State and Federal governments could jointly fund the fixed 
infrastructure costs, with the operator paying light rail vehicle 
costs.

Light rail could be built within the term of this Parliament and I am 
pleased that the Government has said it will finally "consider" it, 
as hundreds of other cities world-wide introduce new and expanded 
networks.

Sustainable Sydney 2030 confirms that light rail is a top priority 
for inner city residents, visitors, workers and businesses. The 
business as usual approach of cramming more and more buses down city 
streets will not secure our city's liveability, sustainability and 
future economic viability.

Information * My speech to Parliament:
 <a href=http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LA20080410048>http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LA20080410048</a>.