Greens would introduce free public transport
Greens candidate for Gosford Ms Hilary van Haren has announced a "transport platform" which would see "permanent free travel across the entire network".
She said the party would end privatisation of the transport system, see better regional bus services.
"We have never had high quality, reliable public transport on the Coast, so it's hard to imagine how much better it could be," she said.
"We want public transport to be good enough that people choose to get the bus or train instead of driving.
"Young people could get to work, or TAFE, or weekend sport without being taxied by parents or spending half a day in transit.
"Others in the community who don't drive could move around the region as easily as people with cars.
"A new fleet of state-of-the-art electric buses, made in Australia, could get cars off the road, provide manufacturing jobs, reduce traffic and unlock opportunities for work and education.
"There is no down-side."
The Greens' plan includes "fast-tracked accessibility upgrades for people with disability, mobility issues or who travel with prams".
They also want to see pets allowed on public transport, subject to some controls to ensure the comfort of other passengers."The State Government already subsidises 80% of transport costs to consumers, but there are still people in the community who can't afford the fares to get where they need to go."
"We want all public transport to be free, including the ferries, so you can throw away your Opal card".
SOURCE:
Media release, 7 Mar 2023
Imogen da Silva, Central Coast Greens