Greens say budget must get public transport back on track

Greens say budget must get public transport back on track  

The Australian Greens say the upcoming federal budget must commit funding to public transport projects.

"It's time for the Abbott government get over its toll-road addiction and start creating the jobs rich cities of the future by supporting public transport," said Greens Leader Christine Milne.

"The Greens want to give people options to pollute less, spend less and waste less time in traffic."

Greens transport spokesperson Senator Janet Rice said Australia is one of the most car-dependent countries in the world, but the recent rejection of Melbourne's East-West Link shows we don't want to keep it that way.

"Our communities deserve transport options that are clean, fast and provide real choice," said Senator Rice.

"We can create jobs, make our cities better places to live and work, create a healthier lifestyle and increase productivity if we invest in public transport."

The Greens are calling on the government to ensure the Commonwealth infrastructure budget prioritises public transport projects, including the following:

• Reinstate the $3 billion previously committed for Melbourne Metro Rail
• Reinstate the $500 million previously committed for Perth public transport package intended for projects such as Perth Light Rail
• Invest $2.1 billion into targeted light rail projects across Sydney and NSW, including the Western Sydney Light Rail Network and Inner West Light Rail
• Reinstate a federal contribution of $715 million to improve Brisbane passenger rail services
• Get moving on High Speed Rail in Australia, by establishing a dedicated High Speed Rail Authority