** MEDIA RELEASE **Wednesday August 24, 2011 - Community Voice candidates stand for a Council that makes improved public transport part of city planning, and fights for state government investment to achieve this.
"Wollongong needs a better public transport network, to take pressure off ever increasing traffic congestion, combat parking problems, and reduce travel time and stress" said Jess Moore, Community Voice candidate for Ward 1.
"Public transport in the region has been neglected. Resources have been put into roads, yet the train to Sydney is slower today than it was 40 years ago."
"This is a nightmare given the number of people who must travel to Sydney for work as a result of the lack of local job opportunities."
"We need a Council that fights for state investment in local public transport solutions, and to de-prioritise roads and related infrastructure in our region."
"We need to extend the free Green Bus north & south, and establish a 1 hour Wollongong to Sydney rail service," said Ms Moore.
"This means directing resources, planning for public transport and transport links, completing the Maldon-Dombarton to free up the existing rail line for greater use by commuters, and increasing free or low cost services to encourage use."
Within a year of introducing free bus fares in the Belgian city of Hasselt, patronage increased by over 870%, now over 1000%.
"The experience in Hasselt shows that the cost of free and expanded public transport is more than offset by other gains. For example, the costs of air pollution, car accidents, and road maintenance – not to mention the benefits to well-being and the environment."
"Wollongong needs a better public transport network, to take pressure off ever increasing traffic congestion, combat parking problems, and reduce travel time and stress" said Jess Moore, Community Voice candidate for Ward 1.
"Public transport in the region has been neglected. Resources have been put into roads, yet the train to Sydney is slower today than it was 40 years ago."
"This is a nightmare given the number of people who must travel to Sydney for work as a result of the lack of local job opportunities."
"We need a Council that fights for state investment in local public transport solutions, and to de-prioritise roads and related infrastructure in our region."
"We need to extend the free Green Bus north & south, and establish a 1 hour Wollongong to Sydney rail service," said Ms Moore.
"This means directing resources, planning for public transport and transport links, completing the Maldon-Dombarton to free up the existing rail line for greater use by commuters, and increasing free or low cost services to encourage use."
Within a year of introducing free bus fares in the Belgian city of Hasselt, patronage increased by over 870%, now over 1000%.
"The experience in Hasselt shows that the cost of free and expanded public transport is more than offset by other gains. For example, the costs of air pollution, car accidents, and road maintenance – not to mention the benefits to well-being and the environment."
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