Car Dependent 'Disaster'

Started by Irisbus Rider, November 07, 2011, 08:34:00 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Irisbus Rider

This article has caused a bit of discussion today.

Quote from: The Canberra Times
Car-dependent 'disaster'
BY MARKUS MANNHEIM
07 Nov, 2011 04:00 AM
The ACT Government's transport plan is a disaster that will ensure Canberra remains a car-dependent city for decades, an expert says.
RMIT University lecturer Paul Mees, who has studied Canberra's transport extensively, also criticised light-rail advocates, saying their refusal to countenance alternatives had muddied debate for years.

Dr Mees revealed his submission to Environment Minister Simon Corbell yesterday, saying the Government's plan ''is fundamentally flawed, because it perpetuates the policy mistakes that have seen public transport in Canberra decline at record rates over the last 20 years''.

Mr Corbell issued the draft plan last month, a 20-year strategy to improve the ACT's public transport.

Full article: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/cardependent-disaster/2348674.aspx

It makes for very very interesting reading, however, it seems as though it would take more than an academic paper to change the minds of Politicians in the ACT........unfortunately.

Barry Drive

Paul Mees is a well-respected transport expert. Although his opinion would probably count for more if he were a highly-paid overseas consultant.

Quote from: Irisbus Rider on November 07, 2011, 08:34:00 PM
it seems as though it would take more than an academic paper to change the minds of Politicians in the ACT........unfortunately.
You actually believe that politicians have control over Public Transport in the ACT? ROFL!


Barry Drive

The full submission can be accessed from here:

http://www.freespace.com.au/filehosting/299406

It examines the history of ACTION since 1974 and debunks the oft-repeated myth that Canberra's low density is the cause of our low bus patronage and suggests that the cause is low-frequency, indirect routes with poor connection times - which is what is still being proposed in the current policy.