THE HON CARL SCULLY MP
Minister for Transport
Minister for Roads
Media Release
TRANSITWAYS CONNECT SYDNEY SUBURBS
The Carr Government will invest $770 million in an expansive network of rapid bus-only transitways across Sydney, the Minister for Transport, Mr Carl Scully, said today.
Mr Scully said the 90 kilometre transitway network, outlined in the Carr Government's integrated transport plan, Action for Transport 2010 - would offer fast, affordable and reliable bus travel across Sydney's western, north-westem and south-western regions.
"Action for Transport 2010, is a 10-year fully funded construction program to integrate all forms of transport throughout Sydney," Mr Scully said.
"Sydney's, north-western and south-western areas are currently experiencing strong population and housing growth.
"The introduction of rapid bus-only transitways will encourage sustained economic growth in these regions, creating 3,200 jobs during construction.
"Each transitway route will be designed to provide direct commuter access to new employment and educational centres as well as medical, shopping, sporting and entertainment facilities."
Mr Scully said the transitway network would connect major suburban centres including Liverpool, Parramatta, Blacktown and Strathfield.
When complete, rapid bus-only transitways will operate between Parramatta - Strathfield, St Marys - Penrith, Parramatta - Blacktown, Blacktown - Castle Hill, Blacktown - Wetherill Park and Parramatta - Mungerie Park.
Mr Scully said construction would commence before the end of the year on the $198 million Liverpool to Parramatta Rapid Bus-Only Transitway. The first of its kind in NSW, it will set a new standard for quick, safe and convenient bus travel in Sydney.
"This rapid bus-only transitway is expected to boost passenger journeys on buses by five million passenger journeys per year," Mr Scully said.
"This massive increase in patronage will soar when all transitways become operational, and will deliver substantial environmental benefits including reduced vehicle emissions, improved air quality and noise reductions in local residential areas."
Mr Scully said buses would begin operating on a completed section of transitway between Liverpool and Parramatta as early as 1999.
"The transitways will be funded by the Roads and Traffic Authority's Urban Roads Program and the NSW Government's Parking Space Levy. This is a unique example of a major road-building agency funding a series of road projects dedicated to public transport use rather than private motor vehicles."
All major projects are subject to environmental planning approval and community consultation.
