Public transport is a damning issue for those trying to fix the woes.
We know more people need to have access to buses and trains, and bicycle paths in order to get more cars off the road.
It’s a productivity issue, an environmental issue, and a logistical issue – all of which are important to a higher functioning community.
The challenge is to crack a chicken and egg scenario – people won’t use public transport unless it’s available and convenient, yet those delivering public transport networks can’t expand unless more people utilise their services.
It’s clear that government must lead the way, which they’re starting to do with money being invested in both road and rail.
What we’re starting to learn is that an even bigger challenge is to provide links between new and developing suburbs.
In other words, how are we going to better serve areas in the western growth corridor, including state government master-planned communities Yarrabilba and Flagstone.
Some say rail is the answer, others say electric bus routes will suffice.
Whatever the solution, the population is growing and our infrastructure needs are bursting at the seems.
Action needs to be planned, and quick.
