Invest in centre-to-centre networks

In established urban areas, there is the opportunity to shift more journeys from driving to public transport or active travel by supporting the evolution of centres from community activity locations to mass transit hubs.

This will involve:

•  prioritising early improvements to active and public transport networks around and between local suburban centres, as well as to central business districts

•  bringing forward the operation of frequent bus services on express priority lanes to shadow the route of future mass transit lines.

Both actions will deliver a payoff over many years (see Figure 4.9).

In the short term, users will benefit from being able to access their daily transport needs easily, quickly and affordably.

Over the longer term, as the city evolves, more accessible and connected local centres will support diverse activities that generate growing demand for travelling between them.

By acting with foresight, governments will ultimately strengthen the Justification for, and performance of, new mass transit links that provide middle and outer- urban areas with similar transport access levels to those of established inner suburbs.34

For more information on delivering better access in outer-urban areas, refer to the Place-based outcomes for communities chapter.

Figure 4.9: Improving direct links between suburban centres serves more travel needs