Expert says that Melbourne public transport is non-existent
Experts have stated that Victorian public transport has a two tier network – frequent service which are overcrowded and infrequent services that are unpopular.
Government has invested in 38 new trains to decrease overloading issues.
Chair of Public Transport Monash University, Professor Graham Currie said that train loadings during peak hours are “40 per cent higher than it should be” and 38 new trains is essential to keep up with the increase of public transport patrons.
“We are going to spend two billion dollars to get us nowhere”, said Professor Currie.
Public Transport Users’ Association President, Daniel Bowen says that buses do not encourage citizens to avoid using cars. Car parks in Chadstone Shopping Mall and Monash University Clayton are usually full during the weekends due to inadequate public transport services.
“Government needs to make more of a priority on buses in suburban areas for better accessibility”, Bowen said.
Melbourne has the largest tram system in the world. Professor Currie says that “we don’t really have light rails, we have street cars. We put three and a half to five million dollar vehicles in the middle of a traffic queue”.
He suggests that certain roads such as High Street, Victora Parade and Toorak Road should be closed for exclusive tram use to reduce traffic congestion.
The Government has announced that there will be 50 new trams in the coming months.
