The NSW Government has unveiled its latest future transport strategy, revealing to the public new technological changes to the state’s transport systems. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet, who was keen to show his government at the cutting edge of transport changes, revealed that the new strategy focuses on building the state’s transport services around its citizens. 

The 50-year blueprint outlines a desire to “stabilise” Greater Sydney’s traffic levels, free road space for essential uses such as freight and service at the expense of single-occupant private vehicles. 

It aims to turn train stations into destinations, shorten travel time significantly, and utilise robotic dogs to inspect pipes and other areas too dangerous for humans. 

Walking, wheelchairs, e-bikes and e-scooters may be considered first in the allocation of road user space, potentially increasing the width of footpaths and the number of 24-hour bus lanes. 

An opportunity to “reduce congestion and improve travel choices” through long-term reform of “user contributions across the road and public transport networks” is also mentioned. 

While cars will be the last priority when designing new transport systems, it doesn’t mean a congestion tax is on the way. 

An Australian report by 18 industry and academic experts released in May recommended a congestion tax and fuel efficiency standards to address transport’s increasing share of the country’s emissions. 

But the NSW Premier said his government had no plans for a congestion tax. 

“We’ve set out very clearly in our electric vehicle strategy. As we move into a future of electric vehicles, then naturally you’ll move into a (road user charge) system,” he said. 

“That’s the future. You pay a tax today – stamp duty and fuel excise.” 

Cities Minister Rob Stokes said 40 per cent of trips were to run errands but people mostly had no option but to use private vehicles. 

“About two million trips each day in Sydney alone by motor vehicle are less than two kilometres,” he said. 

“If we can make it safer and more efficient for people to use public transport or even walk or cycle, we’re saving people money, we’re making our transport more efficient and we’re making our roads run better.” 

The strategy brings forward to 2050 a commitment for zero road trauma while the transport department wants net zero emissions by 2035. 

With AAP

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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