October Conversation – Transport
This month, we continued the discussion on urban design and the future of our region. This month we focussed on Transport.
At our October Community Conversation, we continued the discussion on urban design and the future of our region. This month we focussed on Transport.
Participants came from many backgrounds and included some with professional background in transport design and planning.
There was general consensus on issues listed below, in no particular order:
People want to stay in their communities as they get older, not be forced into retirement villages which is currently the only option for downsizing.
We need a range of housing options for different size households and to cater for different ages.
Transit hubs, railway stations, etc should be nice places to be, not just a single function.
We need “out of town” cultural hubs, close to home and accessible – not everything in the CBD
For public transport journey to the CBD, having an easy way to get from home to the bus/train is vital.
Public transport has to be affordable but not necessarily free. Concessions can be used to target different groups and shift or spread the times that people use public transport.
We miss corner shops in walkable distance.
Safety on public transport can be a perception issue. The more people who use the transport and the hubs, the safer it feels.
Equity is an issue. Everyone should be able to get where they need to go.
Using public transport is a status issue in Australia.
To get people using more active transport, we need:
A better network connecting people with where they need to go
Better routes with co-ordination in all directions (not just to CBD)
Frequency – every 10-15 minutes
All hours
So know you can do the return journey as well
Attractive bus stops
Increase destination specific routes eg hospitals. Difficulty getting to Prince Charles Hospital from surrounding suburbs used as an example.
So what can we do?
As an environmental group, we want to avoid any further loss of biodiversity and habitat in the region. It is often assumed that we should be opposed to development but it’s not as simple as that.
Through these conversations it becomes more and more clear that we’re on the same side as the planners trying to reduce urban sprawl (which includes roads that service the houses) by increasing urban density and the shift to more active transport – walking, riding, and public transport.
All participants were given the task of having at least one conversation with people about this. They can’t be people who are already agree.
Next
Come along to our next conversation on Sunday 12th November.