Urban rail projects need funds injection

The Australian, 16 October 2008

AUSTRALIA'S passenger rail sector is in an extraordinary period of growth. This renaissance in passenger rail can be attributed to three key factors: rising fuel prices, urban congestion and climate change.

Fuel prices are hitting Australians hard. Many no longer see the car as the cheapest, most effective way of getting to work in the morning. Continued population growth in our major cities is also placing road networks, and commuters, under increasing stress. And the frightening spectre of climate change is forcing a growing number of Australians to think about the environmental impact of their travel behaviour.

Of course, the most environmentally sustainable modes of transport are cycling and walking -- but these options aren't always practical. Electric-powered trains and trams offer clear environmental advantages over private vehicles.

The International Association of Public Transport says that during peak periods, private cars emit around 10 times more greenhouse gases per passenger than mass transit systems. When you consider the potential for electric trains and trams to run on green power, the environmental advantages of these modes could be even greater.

The industry, however, cannot afford to sit back and revel in the glory -- these new opportunities bring a new set of challenges. With growing patronage has come a growing chorus of complaints about overcrowded trains, infrequent services, and poor reliability. Rail operators are at risk of becoming victims of their own success.

Decades of under-investment in rail infrastructure have left our metropolitan rail networks under-prepared for the onslaught of new passengers. If urban networks are to meet demand they will need to be upgraded so they can carry more trains and more people. Building capacity is, therefore, the number one priority for investment in rail infrastructure.

Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) made this point strongly in a recent discussion paper presented to Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese. The Australian Transport Compact outlines a comprehensive program of infrastructure investment and regulatory reform to take Australia's passenger transport sector into the 21st century.

The federal Government has $20 billion set aside for the construction of critical infrastructure, and the allocation of the federal Government's Building Australia Fund will hold the key to gaining a national consensus on transport policy.

TTF would like to see money directed into major urban rail projects, including: the planned Sydney Metro rail network; the proposed Melbourne CBD rail tunnel; a second rail crossing of the Brisbane River; electrification of the Adelaide metropolitan rail network; and more rolling-stock for the Perth metropolitan rail network.

But state and territory governments should not simply be gifted Federal hand-outs. All jurisdictions should first be required to sign up to a national transport reform agenda that delivers greater efficiency, better services and higher levels of safety. That's why TTF has also identified a series of industry reform projects -- recognising that rail must always be considered in the context of an integrated transport network.

These reform projects include:

Developing a co-ordinated national plan to address urban congestion

Developing a national plan for the transition of the transport industry to the low-carbon economy.

Introducing measures to ensure the timely approval of important infrastructure projects.

Identifying a national pipeline of infrastructure projects.

Providing more university places in transport-related degrees.

Establishing a National Road Safety Council and National Rail Safety Regulator.

Establishing a single national vehicle registration system and a single national driving licence system.

Conducting a national review of the taxi industry.

Conducting a review of taxes on transport -- such as the FBT exemption for salary-packaged cars.

The state, territory and federal transport ministers have already begun developing a national transport strategy to go to COAG next year.

It's time for politicians to get on board, and to recognise the critical need for large-scale investment in rail infrastructure and services.

Stewart Prins, National Manager, Transport, Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF)