Opposition claims about public transport irresponsible

22/3/93

Transport Minister Eric Charlton has criticised the Opposition for suggesting further extensions be made to Perth's passenger railway network when the previous government made no firm plans for paying costs associated with the northern suburbs service.

"It is irresponsible of Dr Lawrence to suggest the Government should immediately build a passenger rail service to Rockingham and Mandurah, when her government made no allowance for meeting the costs of building and operating the Joondalup line," Mr Charlton said.

"The task of paying for this service now falls with the new Government."

Mr Charlton said the Joondalup line had cost $277 million to build, and that debt servicing alone would cost the Government nearly $30 million annually.

In addition, it would cost Transperth nearly $16 million to lease the electric railcars on the line and more than $4 million to operate and maintain the service.

In revenue terms, Transperth expects to collect nearly $4 million annually in fares from the service.

"There is a clear shortfall in revenue and expenditure that must be met," Mr Charlton said.

"The integrated bus and rail service in the northern suburbs is a good one, and now it must be paid for.

"The previous government met only half its responsibility in this project - it provided a good rail service but no means by which to pay for it, apart from subsidising its operation through Consolidated Revenue.

"The question of how we do so is being addressed.  Transperth is preparing a financial management package which will contain options for this, as well as measures for maximising Perth's public transport network.

"If we can encourage more people to use public buses and trains, particularly in off-peak periods, the impact on such areas as increased passenger fares will be reduced."

Mr Charlton said forward planning for a southern rail extension was underway with Transperth looking at land needs between Fremantle and Mandurah.

However, he said it would not be financially prudent for the State to launch into another major railway project at this stage.

"It must be remembered that other people in this State who live outside the Perth area have contributed as taxpayers to the cost of public transport services they have no access to," he said.

"We have not forgotten people to the south of Perth, but the timing is not right for building another railway line."

Media contact: Dean Roberts 222 9595