Category: public transport

NSW Labor Says Sydney Metro Cost Blowout in the Billions

The Sydney metro project, one of Australia’s largest public transport systems, will experience cost overruns into the billions, according to new transport briefings revealed by the recently elected New South Wales (NSW) government. The Sydney Metro, which includes the Sydney Metro City and Southwest sections, the Sydney Metro West, and the Western Sydney Airport lines, will…


Unused Parking Spaces Costing Australians Billions

Australians are being overcharged up to $6 billion (US$4.01 billion) for car spaces they don’t use, worsening housing affordability and parking availability. A new study from RMIT University has found unbundling parking from new apartments could save people who don’t own cars tens of thousands of dollars and free up parking spots for those who…


Hundreds of Electricians Walk Off Victorian Metro Tunnel Job

Hundreds of electricians have walked off the job at Victoria’s Metro Tunnel project in defence of their right to enjoy outdoor activities, including hunting. The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) Victorian branch announced about midday on March 31 that 800 members had walked off the state’s largest construction project. Members came together to defend their right…


More Electric Buses to Hit Australian Roads

More than 50 electric buses will be on the road in Queensland by the end of the year in the latest Australian commitment to zero-emissions public transport. Plans to launch another 17 electric buses were revealed on Jan. 13, with nine of the vehicles launching in the Redland region in February. The new buses will…


New South Wales Public Transport Fares Set to Rise

Public transport fares in the Australian state of New South Wales will rise by three percent from July 4, an increase Transport NSW says comes in below inflation to help relieve the cost of living pressures. The three percent rise is lower than the 4.4 percent increase in the Sydney consumer price index to the…


Free Public Transport for Commuters in Sydney for 12 Days

Public transport across the Opal network in New South Wales (NSW) will be free to travellers for 12 days over the Easter holiday period to encourage people to get out and about throughout the holidays. People will still be required to tap on and off with opal cards for train, bus, ferry, light rail, and…


Senate Votes to Lift Mask Mandate for Public Transport

The U.S. Senate voted to pass a resolution to repeal a mask mandate on airplanes and other public transport on Tuesday, drawing a quick veto threat from the White House. The vote to overturn the public health order was 57–40. The order has been in place since soon after President Joe Biden took office in January 2021….


Texas Sues Biden Administration Over Federal Mask Mandate on Public Transport

Texas on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration over its federal mask mandate on public transport, including on airplanes and airports. The suit is filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), and U.S. Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas). It names as defendants CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, CDC chief of…


Australia Rolls out Its First Locally Made Electric Buses

The New South Wales (NSW) government has invested $70 million (US$50 million) in an Australian manufacturer to design and build new electric buses locally in Sydney, helping it to make every possible component of the electric bus Australian-made. The bus and coach manufacturer Custom Denning said that it is the first top to bottom Australian designed…


Victoria Police Consider Shutting Down Public Transport System to Counter Future Protests

Victoria police are considering shutting down Melbourne’s public transport system to prevent future protests following an anti-lockdown protest that drew thousands of demonstrators. “To shut down the transport network to prevent people coming in … that’s a huge call, but it’s one that we’re now going to seriously entertain on the next occasion because I’m…