The Liberal Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea, speaking in Parliament yesterday said more should be done for the Electorate of Davidson when it comes to providing better transport services.
“The Iemma Government has done little to improve the standard of public transport in Northern Sydney. This is evident in the latest Auditor General’s report, showing overcrowding on trains has almost doubled from 9 percent in 2006 to 16 percent in 2007. This compares to the Minister’s target of 5 percent by 2008,” Mr O’Dea said.
“Since the number of trains have been slashed across the City Rail network overcrowding of trains was inevitable. This comes after a series of recent train breakdowns on the North Shore.
“The Tcard integrated ticketing system that would have benefited all commuters has cost taxpayers over $65 million and is about to be scrapped.
“In private enterprise the company behind the Tcard project would never have been allowed to continue for 10 years without delivering any major project milestones. It is this lax attitude of the NSW Government that has created the general transport malaise that plagues all commuters. NSW Government Ministers are asleep on the job and should remember that trains run over sleepers.
“Constituents are not happy with the performance of trains and buses and the fact that Tcard has failed demonstrates the Government’s lack of expertise to effectively oversee the transport system.
“Constituents realise the Government’s ineptitude has cost them dearly when it comes to getting to and from work on time, whether they travel by bus or train.
“About 10,000 of my constituents in the Warringah Council area suffer from poor bus facilities and overcrowding during peak periods. The way forward is to increase bus services and build new bus infrastructure such as bus lanes, people friendly bus stops and park and ride facilities.
“It is time Northside commuters received a better deal from a tired State Labor Government.”
For further information, please call Jonathan O’Dea on 0418 241 500.
