More expensive public transport services
Newcastle Greens
13 December 2006
More expensive public transport services
"The State Government has once again shown its disregard for Public Transport users in the Lower Hunter," says Greens candidate for Newcastle, Cr Michael Osborne.
"On the day it was revealed that State Transit would take as many as 10 Buses off the road during peak times, the State Government Pricing Tribunal has agreed to increase most fares for Newcastle Buses above the rate of inflation.
"This means that average fares will have increased 23% over the last 5 years when the rate of inflation has been 14%. (Table 6.1 of the Determination)
"The State Government should release the Integrated Transport Plan for the Lower Hunter immediately. It should have been released with the Lower Hunter Regional Strategy.
"Why is the State Government keeping this secret?
"The people of Newcastle and the Lower Hunter would get a better outcome if all the bus, ferry, road and rail services were managed locally by local people in a Lower Hunter Integrated Transport Authority.
"Instead of cutting services and increasing fares, the State Government should improve service quality, timeliness, frequency, convenience and accessibility of public transport in the Lower Hunter," Cr Osborne said.
The Determination can be found at IPART Determination
