Samuel's Blog

Response To Transport Ideas

November 2nd, 2005 at 02:10pm

Two weeks ago The Chronicle published a cut down version of my transport ideas in the letters to the editor section of the paper. In this weeks edition they have published a reply from another Canberra resident which I will share with you below. It is on page 24 of the Northside Chronicle but the page number may vary between edition.

Transport

Editor
I REFER to the letter ‘Public Transport’ (The Chronicle, October 18).

I could not agree more with the sentiments of your correspondent.

Unfortunately there is a negative mindset in regards to light rail in this territory. Inherent in this regard is the provincial mentality of our territory leaders that is akin to a type of colonial cringe. Small cities such as Canberra should have light rail. Many do in other parts of the world with considerable success.

There is sufficient evidence that light rail is far more efficient and user friendly than any busway will ever be. Busways will never encourage people to shift from their cars to this mode of public transport. Light rail/trams will. Once built, the busway has little chance of being converted to light rail. The authorities will never justify the expense. Look at what happened in Adelaide with OBahn.

The population increase in the Modbury Corridor which the OBahn serves more than justifies the conversion to light rail but it will not happen because successive South Australian governments lack the political will.

The same thing will happen here.

Finally, what has always been needed in Canberra is an intergrated transport infrastructure with the light rail as the core mode. The proposal for the construction of the busway is just another example of re-inventing the wheel. [Pun intended.]

KEVIN CONNOR
Kaleen

So there we have it, somebody who not only agrees with my sentiments, but also has some solid evidence from other areas to back up their own ideas. Well done Mr. Connor, the voice of reason speaks out!

(That being said, John B1_B5 was also able to back up the idea of trams with evidence from their implementation and de-implementation, and the public sentiments surrounding it.)

Samuel

Entry Filed under: Canberra Stories,Samuel's Editorials,TV/Radio/Media

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