THE STARTING POINT

- The introduction of the new CityRail timetable, in September 2005, has seen more than 90,000 additional customers use the network each week.1 The increases include:

• CBD up 24,000 passengers a week

• Main North Line up 9,000 passengers a week

• Western Line up 21,400 passengers a week

• Bankstown Line up 5,800 passengers a week

• Inner West Line up 14,700 passengers a week

• East Hills Line up 6,400 passengers a week

• South Line up 12,300 passengers a week

- Reliability will improve with the implementation of the Clearways program.

- New lifts, ramps and other access improvements costing around $375 million have been installed at over 80 CityRail stations including Liverpool, Blacktown, Woy Woy, Newcastle and Wollongong under an Easy Access program.

- Since 1995, the Government has delivered 22 transport interchanges and 17 new or expanded car parks, making it easier for people to use public transport.

- The new $105 million Parramatta Transport Interchange, opened in February 2006, provides commuters with enhanced access to both rail and bus services. The interchange was complemented by $50 million of essential track infrastructure and roadworks.

- The $346 million Liverpool to Parramatta Transitway links to the new Parramatta Interchange and has tripled patronage levels on the Transitway since its introduction three years ago. It is the fastest growing passenger service in New South Wales and recently carried its 5 millionth passenger.

- Sydney's orbital motorway network, culminating with the opening of the Lane Cove Tunnel will mark the completion of a 120 km motorway-standard ring road around Sydney.

- Over the last 10 years the Government has invested $1.7 billion of the total $2.2 billion spent on upgrading the Pacific Highway. 44 per cent of the Pacific Highway between Hexham and the Queensland border will either be completed dual carriageway or under construction by 2005-06.

- The duplication of Windsor Road, the key artery for North West Sydney, will largely be completed by December 2006.

INVESTMENT OF $1.6 BILLION IN 2006-07 ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT EXCEEDS ROADS SPENDING

SOURCE: STATE TRANSIT AUTHORITY

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1 RailCorp