2020-05-29
The Victorian Greens have called on the state government to urgently increase the state's train and tram frequency to prevent the looming congestion crisis on our roads.
Increasing the frequency of our trains and trams outside of peak hours in particular would allow Victorians to avoid congestion and help to spread the load.
The Greens also want to see the establishment of more pop-up bike lanes and footpaths, which would enable more people to ride their bike or walk to work, reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection.
According to the Institute for Sensible Transport, more than 130,000 trips on public transport would need to be avoided and 50,000 bike commutes taken to ensure a safe public transport network during COVID-19.
New South Wales recently announced that six pop-up bike lanes would be established in Sydney as restrictions began to ease.
One hundred health professionals, transport experts and academics also signed a letter to state and federal transport ministers calling for widened footpaths and more cycling paths to help people practice safe social distancing.
Quotes attributable to Victorian Greens spokesperson for transport, Sam Hibbins MP:
"Working from home is just one part of keeping people safe and ensuring Melbourne’s roads don’t grind to a complete halt as our economy opens back up.
"Increasing the frequency of our trains and trams outside of peak hour and building pop-up bike lanes and footpaths will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and create much needed jobs.
"Around the world, governments are creating more space for people to walk and ride and yet the Victorian Government is missing the moment to transform how people travel in a way that will cut congestion and reduce pollution."