Response to Opposition's discussion paper on transport for northern suburbs

9/11/95

Transport Minister Eric Charlton says a modern transport system must focus not only on cars, commercial vehicles and public transport, it should also consider taxis, cycling, walking and special services for people having transport disadvantages or disabilities.

Mr Charlton was responding to the State Opposition's 'Perth's Northern Suburbs' discussion paper which emphasised only two aspects of an integrated transport system.

"The document is a myopic view of the apparent future transport needs of Perth's northern suburbs and conveniently ignores the strategies the State Government already has in place," he said.

"Without proper attention to non-motorised transport and the essential links between land use, community development and transport, people in the northern suburbs will inevitably face access problems."

A preliminary plan for extension of the Northern Suburbs Transit System to Romeo Road in Alkimos had been prepared by Westrail in consultation with the Department of Transport, Main Roads and City of Wanneroo.

It included allowances for stations at Neerabup Road, Hester Avenue, Lukin Drive, mid-way between Lukin Drive and Romeo Road, and a station at Alkimos.

The Minister said the West Australian Planning Commission, Transport Department, City of Wanneroo and Westrail were presently funding a study of the station requirements from Currambine to Alkimos.

"A proposed route for the railway from Alkimos to Two Rocks has been defined and incorporated in the WAPC structure plans," he said.

"The section of route through the Alkimos-Eglington area has been included in the Metropolitan Region Scheme and the section through Yanchep and Two Rocks will be included.

"By 2010, urban development up to and including Alkimos, together with a major residential development in East Wanneroo will justify extension of the rail system to Alkimos to address the transport needs of the growing population."

The Government's proposed relocation of all or part of the functions presently undertaken at the Claisebrook Electric Railcar Depot to Tamala Park (north of Currambine) by 2005, would require the extension of the railway to the Neerabup Road Station at least.

Mr Charlton said Labor's transport paper demonstrated a basic lack of understanding of the needs of the travelling public and in particular the necessity to provide sufficient Park 'n Ride facilities and important feeder roads before any extension of the rail to Hester Avenue was contemplated.

The Government plan set aside land which was needed for a Park 'n Ride facility at Neerabup Road, with proposed construction of the station there, timed to coincide with the completion of two critical connector roads, namely Connolly Drive from the north and Neerabup Road from the west.

"The Opposition carries the baggage of its past extravagances by refusing to detail the costing in its transport manifesto. Experience tells us their transport policies will be funded from borrowed money or by the imposition of additional indirect taxes on the community as a whole." 

On the basis of current projections, an extension of the rail network as far as Alkimos would cost some $110 million, and rail extensions to Rockingham and Mandurah, in the order of $550 million. These extensions could add $90 million per annum to the existing Government subsidy for public transport.

"The Government is planning more realistically, for a railway extension to Beeliar within five to 10 years, which is the first stage of the link to Mandurah at a cost of some $150 million," he said.

Within the same timeframe, an extension of the northern suburbs rail line to Neerabup would, cost about $33 million.

Mr Charlton said in the case of cross-corridor links, Labor was pre-determining rail as the most appropriate public transport option.  The Department of Transport believed that the choice of technology should only be made after all options had been fully investigated and costed.

"A recent detailed study shows that rapid transit buses are the most suitable transport technology for the link between Fremantle and Rockingham.  A fleet of modern, high-tech vehicles would offer first class, comfortable service and special travelling options for the disabled, mothers with young children and elderly people.

"A busway, instead of rail, may well be the better option for a cross-corridor link between the two major regional centres of Joondalup and Midland."

Mr Charlton said the Opposition approach to fares in the Perth metropolitan area was misleading and inaccurate.

"On the contrary, the Coalition Government has established fares which are among the lowest in Australia, supporting one of the best systems in the country (according to Australian Consumer Association's "Choice"), he said.

The Minister said the present fare structure favoured longer distance passengers on a per kilometre basis, being much lower than short distance fares. For example, the standard four zone fare (Kinross to Perth) was about 10 cents per kilometre, while the rate per kilometre for travel over one zone was around 19 cents.

Mr Charlton said Government initiative to provide secure car parking at train stations had been overwhelmingly supported and resulted in increased customer demand for commuter rail services.

"Labor has conveniently distorted the facts on the issue of security and customer services on Perth's rail system. The Government has introduced Customer and Security Service Officers to protect and assist the public and is negotiating with MSS Security to supply mobile patrols, trained by Westrail, and managed as a fully integrated service," Mr Charlton said.

Bus services through Perth's northern suburbs were being implemented as demand justified and in consultation with local communities through Customer Focus Groups.

Mr Charlton said Labor did not seem to understand the Government's approach to reforming public transport. The Opposition paper lacked credibility in its planning application and made no provision for costing or how the community would pay for their shallow policies.

"The Government's reform program will introduce competitive tendering for the right to provide public transport services. The industry will NOT be deregulated, Government-owned operators will NOT be privatised and the highest standards and services will be maintained or improved," the Minister said.

Media contact: Ian Hasleby 321 7333 or 222 9595