Trams in, cars out in Sydney CBD transport plan
Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 1:59 pm
Similar things happening in Sydney...
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-13/t ... an/4425944Trams in, cars out in Sydney CBD transport plan
The New South Wales Government has unveiled its final transport master plan, which confirms it will build a light rail line through Sydney's central business district and ban cars from much of George Street.
A 12 kilometre tram line will link Circular Quay and Central Railway Station to the Sydney Cricket Ground, Randwick Racecourse and the University of New South Wales. Private cars will be banned from about 40 per cent of George Street, between Bathurst Street and Hunter Street. The CBD's bus network will also be redesigned to reduce congestion.
The light rail plan is at odds with the 20-year vision for the state outlined in a report from Infrastructure NSW that was released in October. The advisory body recommended against reintroducing trams to inner Sydney, instead suggesting bus tunnels beneath George Street to serve the CBD. The Government says it will support 59 of the 70 recommendations included in the Infrastructure NSW report. Of the 11 recommendations that are being ignored is advice to preserve land around Badgerys Creek to build a second Sydney airport, and to put off building a second harbour rail crossing.
Premier Barry O'Farrell says the Government expects to invest $300 billion into infrastructure over the next two decades, but some Commonwealth funding will also be needed...