Sustainability experts support light rail plan

Curtin University of Technology sustainability expert, Prof Peter Newman has welcomed the announcement by the state government that it will be considering a light rail system.

“This is a major step in the right direction as the city must push on after its big achievements with the heavy rail system,” Newman said.

“The rail revival here is one of the best examples of how a car dependent city can reverse the decline in its transit system.

“We have had a 44% increase in people using the train for work from 2001 to 2006, and the new Southern line is a dramatic success.

“However, there are whole sections of the city where access to rail is not easy and these need to be linked wherever possible by new technology light rail.

“I hope that the proposed Western Australian Cricket Association to Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre light rail can also become a Curtin to The University of Western Australia light rail.

“Other routes also need to be considered and used as a spur to attract higher density centres along the corridor, with private sector contributions from the increased land value used to help fund it.”