MEDIA RELEASE
May 11, 2010
TRANSPORT EXPERTS AND INDUSTRY WELCOME BUDGET
The Federal Government’s continuing commitment to passenger transport has been welcomed
by transport experts and the Australian bus and coach industry.
Transport economist Professor John Stanley of the University of Sydney welcomed the rollout of
the record $4.5 billion investment in passenger transport from the 2009 budget including the
Noarlunga Seaford Extension, and early construction works on the Gold Coast Light Rail.
“It is heartening to see the importance the Federal Government has attached to improving
transport infrastructure in our cities, which has been a no-go zone for Canberra for far too long,”
says Stanley.
“The focus on public transport from this Government is a landmark in terms of advancing the
productivity, liveability and sustainability of our cities,” he says.
Michael Apps, Executive Director of the Bus Industry Confederation, says the establishment of
the New State Infrastructure Fund, delivering $5.6 billion to projects over a decade, starting in
2012, is an opportunity to establish sustainable funding.
“We have seen a record commitment to passenger transport in the 2009 budget and the
establishment of this fund is an important chance for the Commonwealth and States to set into
perpetuity a source of investment for passenger transport infrastructure,” says Apps.
Professor Graham Currie, Chair of Public Transport at Monash University says the
Commonwealth Government’s investment in passenger transport infrastructure was much
needed in the face of increasing congestion on our roads and overcrowding on public transport
systems.
Professor Stanley welcomed the establishment of the Fund, but called for a serious discussion
about road pricing reform as a source of guaranteeing continual investment in passenger
transport infrastructure.
“I welcome the investment from the Government, but it can only form part of the large
investment in passenger transport we need to achieve a transformational change in the way we
move Australians.
--ENDS--
Media Contacts:
Isuru Neelagama, Bus Industry Confederation (Call to organise interviews) – 0401 509 349
Michael Apps, Executive Director, Bus Industry Confederation – 0418 487 930
Professor Graham Currie, Chair of Public Transport, Monash University – 0414 852 699
Professor John Stanley, University of Sydney – 0418 992 227
NEWS 
