THE HON CARL SCULLY MP
Minister for Transport
Minister for Roads
Media Release
BRIGHT FUTURE FOR WESTERN SYDNEY TRANSPORT
The Carr Government will fulfill its promise to improve public transport in Western Sydney with a comprehensive 10-year plan to improve the quality and efficiency of rail, bus and road services.
The Minister for Transport, Mr Carl Scully, said the Government's integrated transport plan, Action for Transport 2010, offered solutions backed by a firm financial commitment, giving Western Sydney families and businesses an unprecedented level of support.
"Action for Transport 2010 is a fully funded, 10-year construction plan to improve public transport infrastructure, build new roads and create jobs in Western Sydney," Mr Scully said.
"More than half of Sydney's population live in the western suburbs. Action for Transport 2010 will meet this growth into new rail and bus services, better roads and cleaner air."
Mr Scully said Western Sydney would benefit from an unparalleled boost to major rail construction projects during the next decade at a cost of $2.6 billion. Action for Transport 2010 will:
- Extend the rail line from Epping to Castle Hill
- Construct a new rail line from Strathfield and Hurstville
- Expand the East Hills rail line from two lines to four
- Construct the Parramatta Rail Link
- Duplicate the Richmond Line to Quakers Hill
Mr Scully said the Carr Government was working hard to improve public transport for Western Sydney families.
"The Carr Government is determined to give Western Sydney commuters the very best level of public transport - unlike the former Coalition Government, which ignored the plight of public transport services in Western Sydney throughout its eight-year term," Mr Scully said.
"We have already acted to improve public transport in Western Sydney with the release this month of the Overview Report and commencement of the EIS for the Parramatta Rail Link and the start of construction of the 30 km Liverpool to Parramatta Rapid Bus-Only Transitway next month."
Mr Scully said the Carr Government would undertake new bus projects at cost of more than $800 million, offering Western Sydney commuters greater choice. Action for Transport 2010 includes:
- Seven new rapid bus-only transitways
- Seven additional cross-regional bus routes.
- New bus interchanges and commuter car parks at Ashfield, Cabramatta, Hurstville, Minto, Seven Hills and Warwick Farm.
Mr Scully said roads in Western Sydney would also be greatly improved during the next decade.
"The Carr Government's commitment to better public transport is solid. However, Western Sydney's roads must be improved to a standard similar to that of inner-urban roads to help commuters and industry conduct their business more efficiently."
All major projects are subject to environmental planning approval and community consultation.
