what is the transport challenge?
1
Perth faces significant transport challenges, primarily stemming from traffic congestion, reliance on private vehicles, and inadequate public transport options in some areas
scope of transport challenge
5, 1 ev
- Pattern of road network is the result of a combination of site factors, historical decisions and planning.
- Freeways and railway systems focus upon CBD - everything spread out from there, discourage drive into city
- Congestion occurs during Peak hours (6-9am 4-6:30pm)
- Car dependant city
- Public transport system – spread out network system
- e.g. 59% of households own two or more cars
causes of transport challenge - road design
3
- Congestion is indicator that the transport network is struggling as demand for road use exceeds its supply
- CBD not designed for high car use, narrow grid like street patterns
- Continuous need to merge influences congestion
causes of transport challenge - population growth
3, 2 ev
- As population grows, urban sprawl grows, influencing the distance from transport methods
- Key driver of challenge
- Many train lines already at capacity during peak travel times
- e.g. grow to 3.5 million by 2050
e.g. approx. 400,000 public transport trips per day
economic impacts of transport challenge
3, 1 ev
- Loss of productivity, time in traffic reduces hours for work
- Decrease in fuel efficiency, increased running costs, also increase in fuel cost
- Short cuts people use to avoid congestion increases pressure on other suburban streets
e.g. 2.5 billion a year in loss of productivity
causes of transport challenge - urban sprawl and car dependency
3, 1 ev
- Current trend of growth in urban area has been the extension of the outward boundary
- Due to low density growth there is heavy dependence on car travel
- Many new suburbs not well serviced by public transport
- e.g. infrastructure Australia found that approx. 500,000 residents have poor access to public transport
environmental impacts of transport challenge
2, 1 ev
- Car pollution, air pollution: congested roads increase amount of idle time, therefore increasing emissions
- Noise pollution and urban heat island effect
- e.g. GHG emissions are 2-3 times higher per capita in Perth than European cities
social impacts of transport challenge
3
- Reduced quality of life: long commute times reduce time available for family, leisure and rest
- Health impacts: exposure to vehicle emissions increases the risk of respiratory illnesses
- Reduced social inclusion and accessibility: traffic congestion limits access to essential services
what is main roads wa
are responsible for planning, building, maintaining and operating the state’s road networks
main roads wa main points
4
- Aspire to provide sustainable road-based transport system
- Prioritises community by providing roads that are efficient and improves productivity, while considering urban amenity for citizens
- Project focuses on upgrading existing road networks or creating new, more sustainable and connected networks to ease congestion
- Investing in intelligent transport systems including coordinated ramp signalling, variable speed limits, real time data analytics to optimise existing road space and reduce congestion
main roads wa evidence
3
e.g. reported 92% community satisfaction in relation to road efficiency and road system management
e.g. 46,000 tonnes of crushed recycled concreate on roads
e.g. Graham Farmer freeway tunnel has LED lighting, reducing GHG emissions by 2%
who is the public transport authority
1
- The PTA is a statutory authority that provides public transport systems and solutions in the state
- Rail, bus, ferry services
public transport authority main points
4
- Looks to create innovative solutions that are customer focused and sustainable
- Encourages switch from car to public transport for environmental and cost benefits
- Transperth responsible for planning and running train services
- Transperth directly affected by transportation challenge and key to addressing the issue
public transport authority evidence
2
e.g. on average 15,580 timetabled bus service trips, 1,108 train service trips
e.g. transperth can move 50,000 passengers per hour, compared to a freeway moving 2500 an hour
metronet points
8
- One of state governments key priorities to achieve efficient movement of people while integrating with land use opportunities is Metronet
- Metronet is a major public transport project in Perth, focused on expanding the city’s rail network
- Vision for a well-connected Perth includes more transport opportunities
- Involved new rail lines, stations, station precincts, new car parks and updating of some stations.
- One of state governments key priorities to achieve efficient movement of people while integrating with land use opportunities is Metronet
- Metronet is a major public transport project in Perth, focused on expanding the city’s rail network
- Vision for a well-connected Perth includes more transport opportunities
- Involved new rail lines, stations, station precincts, new car parks and updating of some stations.
metronet evidence
3
- Started being built in 2021, opened December 2024.
- e.g. includes 72km of new rails, and up to 22 new stations,
e.g. New and improved lines include: Morley/Ellenbrook line, Thornbill/Cockburn Link, extended Yanchep Line.
metronet social advantages
3
-Improved Accessibility and Connectivity: making it easier for people to access jobs, education, healthcare, and recreational activities, especially in suburbs that have previously lacked transport connections
-Reduced Travel Times and Costs
-Station and precinct designs are safe and accessible
metronet social disadvantages
2
-Impact on Local Businesses: Some businesses, particularly those located near new rail lines or stations, may experience negative impacts due to changes in traffic flow, access, or visibility.
-construction can lead to road closures, traffic diversions, and noise pollution
metronet economic advantages
3
-Connecting people and businesses through access to jobs
-Supports tourism by providing a link from airport to CBD
-revenue from fare costs, parking costs
metronet economic disadvantages
2
-Requires large cost
- faced numerous delays, some lines opening years behind schedule
metronet environmental advantages
5
-Reduced emissions: less cars on road, reduce emissions, reduction in smog
-Lower reliance on private vehicles
-Water sensitive urban design measures: smart monitoring systems to detect water leaks and reduce water consumption by 11%
-Recycled materials:
Reduce congestion: rails located next to roads,
metronet environmental disadvantages
3
-Vegetation clearing: native vegetation and land, impacting biodiversity and habitat.
-Construction impacts: noise, dust, and vibration, impacting nearby residents and wildlife
-Noise pollution: While public transport can reduce overall noise pollution, individual trains can still create noise, particularly in residential areas
metronet economic evidence
3
e.g. Construction one of Perth’s main areas of employment, 3,600 direct construction jobs
-e.g. Byford Rail Extension saw its cost increase from $481 million to $797 mil
-e.g. $12.5 billion with $700 million in additional funding
metronet environmental evidence
2
-20% recycled materials (concreate, steel, asphalt, and aggregate)
-e.g. removing estimated 15,000 cars
