With Perth’s population predicted to double over the next 40 years and traffic conjestion set to worsen, the Committee For Perth is putting pressure on the state government to invest more heavily in Perth’s rail infrastructure, with a focus on a light rail network.
Despite recent upgrades and extensions, the Committee For Perth has found that Perth’s public transport system is struggling to cope with demand.
“Drivers today are spending 70 per cent more time in their cars driving to work than they were in the 90s. So the ultimate question about future rail investment is not can we afford it but can we afford not to do it,” Committee for Perth CEO Marion Fulker said.
The report, commissioned by the committee, a business group, said transportation planners had a history of underestimating the take-up of rail in Perth, which has led to failures to adequately predict and cater for the long-term needs of the service.
In addition, there has also been a tendency to favour investment in bus over rail based on short-term cost benefits. Rail is also faster, more reliable and economic.
“The average train commuter travels 4.15 kilometres at a cost of 41 cents per kilometre, whereas the average bus trip is only 1.43 kilometres at a cost of 76 cents per kilometre. So train transport is far more efficient,” Mrs Fulker said.
The Bureau of Infrastructure Transport and Regional Economics has estimated that the cost of congestion in Perth is expected to cost $2.1 billion a year in 2020.
In December, Premier Colin Barnett put forward the idea of a light rail’network as part of the government’s proposed 20-year transport plan, due to be released in the next few months.
Light rail would provide opportunities to connect Perth’s bus and rail transit systems.
The state opposition has also backed a light rail network, releasing a plan to build light rail from East Perth to West Perth, fully funded by a Perth parking levy.
The proposal would see 5.7km of light rail run from the Causeway along Hay and Murray streets to Thomas Street, with an additional line to a depot near Royal Street.
Perth City councillors have also said further investigations need to be carried out on a light rail concept known as the ‘knowledge arc,’ linking Curtin University, the QEII Medical Centre and the University of Western Australia.
Mrs Fulker said she hoped to see a significant investment in rail, particularly light rail, which was strongly supported by the community and business sector.
“We think the time for talk is over and we’d like to see the wheels set in motion for new rail infrastructure that is properly planned and future proofed,” she said.
