Community Alliance Party

The Community Alliance Party's transport policy will focus on areas where the other parties have missed the boat, says candidate James Sizer.

"We will 'walk the walk' and insist that the ACT Government leads the way, and remove the automatic right of MLAs to drive everywhere in their taxpayer funded cars, using taxpayer funded petrol and parking," he said. "Just like they want the rest of us to do, they can catch a bus, get a lift, walk or cycle at least once a fortnight and preferably more often."

"All parties have recognised the benefits of cycling, a better bus network, and even car pooling. We believe that much more can be done to encourage use of these alternative modes of transport and provide an alternative and sustainable transport options that cater for the needs of people,” said Mr Sizer.

"The first step has been for us to talk to people: the bus drivers, cyclists, people who are forced to drive to work for whatever reason, but can’t find parking,” he said. “Our proposals come directly out of that."

According to the last State of the Environment Report 2007/08, bus usage is very sensitive to budget resources, identifying the budget cuts of 2006–07 as driving a downturn in trips.

"With a car and petrol provided free of charge, we can't expect the Minister to actually understand the costs of transport to users," said the Community Alliance’s James Sizer. "But he could have talked to people and drivers, and looked at the evidence from his own department, before gutting the bus network," he said.

"We now have the ongoing situation where many cars on Canberra roads are only carrying one person, and that is costly in many ways.

"While cycling is an option for some of us, there are many people for whom the journey to work is too far, and some people are a little older or not as fit as they used to be. Some people might want to use motorised bicycles, which are increasing in popularity, and in this case our cycling policy is relevant. Some others might want to consider the use of a motorcycle, and so we have also looked at ways in which riding a motorbike can be made better for people in the ACT," said Mr Sizer.

"We should be providing employment where the people live," said Mr Sizer. ‘We do not need a new $100 million office in Civic for the ACT public service. Why not lead the way and decentralise services into the regions, where most of the people live?" he said.

According to Mr Sizer, Canberra is at an interesting stage, with have traffic and parking congestion but nothing as serious as Sydney or Melbourne.

"We can see the perils of copying their mistakes and the environmental and economic necessity to create a more sustainable solution. We need a cultural change towards public transport and lower emission vehicles. We believe that Canberra can go in this direction and become a showpiece of a well planned city again."