New and Expanded Assets There are no Smartbus options in the strong population growth areas of outer/peri-urban Melbourne. Smartbus services are needed; a sequence of investment with Bus Rapid Transit as a first step to rail makes for better investment than waiting a long time for rail to be implemented. SYM: South Yarra Metro Station This option is a major asset and a sensible investment. Although the Melbourne Metro tunnel is expensive, the benefits to Melbourne are clear and will be of high value. If this option is not developed, it would be a major omission in addressing transport infrastructure demands in a high density area. 2. Address infrastructure challenges in areas with low or negative growth PTA: Public transport alternative use of taxis or hire cars In practice it is unlikely that transport network companies (e.g Uber) can work effectively in low demand areas or at low demand times. They are geared towards high demand peaks not low demands. Alternative regulation is needed to recognise this, otherwise regulatory reform to achieve service at low demand times is wishful thinking. 4. Enable physical activity and participation All Things Considered does not present any options to increase public transport ridership to address this issue. Public transport ridership has strong links to increased physical activity. 6. Improve accessibility for people with mobility Challenges PTA: Public transport alternative use of taxis or hire cars A significant issue is the negative impact Uber has had on wheelchair taxis; one of the most critical infrastructure assets for working wheelchair users. Regulatory reform to include transport network companies within a safe and fair framework is needed but this should include protections for the public interest, notably for wheelchair users. Transport network companies are not a magical solution to the mobility needs of people with mobility challenges and indeed represent a potentially significant risk. The needs of people with mobility challenges need to be considered in any regulatory reform. PTV: Public transport accessibility Legislation under the Disability Discrimination Act requires full access as a mandatory starting point. Public transport accessibility should not be phrased as an option in All Things Considered, because disability access is a requirement of law. Achieving it is highly problematic and ways to achieve this should be the focus of the discussion. We should not be implying we may not be implementing this measure by implying it is an option.
New and Expanded Assets There are no Smartbus options in the strong population growth areas of outer/peri-urban Melbourne. Smartbus services are needed; a sequence of investment with Bus Rapid Transit as a first step to rail makes for better investment than waiting a long time for rail to be implemented. SYM: South Yarra Metro Station This option is a major asset and a sensible investment. Although the Melbourne Metro tunnel is expensive, the benefits to Melbourne are clear and will be of high value. If this option is not developed, it would be a major omission in addressing transport infrastructure demands in a high density area. 2. Address infrastructure challenges in areas with low or negative growth PTA: Public transport alternative use of taxis or hire cars In practice it is unlikely that transport network companies (e.g Uber) can work effectively in low demand areas or at low demand times. They are geared towards high demand peaks not low demands. Alternative regulation is needed to recognise this, otherwise regulatory reform to achieve service at low demand times is wishful thinking. 4. Enable physical activity and participation All Things Considered does not present any options to increase public transport ridership to address this issue. Public transport ridership has strong links to increased physical activity. 6. Improve accessibility for people with mobility Challenges PTA: Public transport alternative use of taxis or hire cars A significant issue is the negative impact Uber has had on wheelchair taxis; one of the most critical infrastructure assets for working wheelchair users. Regulatory reform to include transport network companies within a safe and fair framework is needed but this should include protections for the public interest, notably for wheelchair users. Transport network companies are not a magical solution to the mobility needs of people with mobility challenges and indeed represent a potentially significant risk. The needs of people with mobility challenges need to be considered in any regulatory reform. PTV: Public transport accessibility Legislation under the Disability Discrimination Act requires full access as a mandatory starting point. Public transport accessibility should not be phrased as an option in All Things Considered, because disability access is a requirement of law. Achieving it is highly problematic and ways to achieve this should be the focus of the discussion. We should not be implying we may not be implementing this measure by implying it is an option.
Monash_Infrastructure_All_Things_Considered_submission_17June2016.docx