Problems and Prospects for Public Transport Planning in Australian Cities

Abstract

With population growth and economic shifts in Australian cities, public transport patronage has risen significantly in recent decades, especially in inner-city areas. This paper reviews current problems facing governments struggling to provide public transport infrastructure and services, focusing on network infrastructure planning and funding issues. A review of recent urban public transport elements of metropolitan plans, city/region transport plans, national assessments and other supporting documentation shows much 'blue-sky' planning, a plethora of proposals (including a resurgence in light rail) and a major mismatch between ambition and available resources. A pause in Commonwealth government funding support for public transport from 2013 to 2015 curtailed development and the disciplining processes that encouraged, and were starting to deliver, improved public transport planning. Despite this, activity continues with new light rail schemes in Sydney, Canberra, Perth and the Gold Coast, a new metro line in Sydney and planning completed for major rail tunnels in Brisbane and Melbourne. But the lack of alternative funding and financing sources is now acute. The paper looks at some alternative options to pay for transport infrastructure in Australian cities.

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