Curtin sustainability expert calls for new light rail network

Curtin University of Technology has proposed for a $315 million light rail system to be built in Perth.

The plans are part of Professor Peter Newman's latest report, 'The Knowledge Arc Light Rail: The next phase in Perth's public transport'.

In his report the light rail would link Canning Bridge, Curtin's Bently Campus, Technology Park, Victoria Park, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Princess Margaret Hospital and the University of Western Australia.

He said that with the light rail system, it could help to adapt to its growth pressures and provide a fast and clean high capacity system.

He is in his opinion that the new PMH plans to have Perth's biggest car park costing $180 million is a waste of money and land.

In his report, he stated that light rail is being adopted by many car-oriented cities in the US as a way to help rebuild their cities with less car dependence and suggest that Perth should have the same advantage.

Professor Newman said the advantages of developing a new light rail system outweighed an improved bus system.

A larger number of passengers can be carried with fewer vehicles and staff, and the congestion threshold is significantly higher, he said.

Commercial speed and timetable reliability are generally higher with rail systems and rail networks are more easily understood than bus systems. These are only some of many advantages.

While buses are clearly capable of offering high quality public transport services, the choice of rail on routes with the potential for high patronage offers additional synergies.

This report was produced as part of the Parsons Brinckerhoff - Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Alliance.

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