We all know how congested Central and Redfern Stations are, particularly at peak times. Not only that, but Redfern station lacks access for people with a disability and is difficult to negotiate for the elderly, those pushing prams or anyone with a suitcase. But still, its location renders it an extremely popular station, with residents of Central Park and Chippendale preferring to walk to Redfern rather than use Central. A new Metro station located in Camperdown will be even easier for local residents to walk to, and will certainly improve commuter travel times.
A world-class transport interchange, such as that we propose, would cut the excessive numbers of buses in our streets, reduce pressure on parking, and allow safe paths for pedestrians and cyclists. It will allow for efficient passenger transfers to buses, taxis, City of Sydney cycleways and pedestrian networks. It will also, of course, shift student rail patrons away from Redfern, meaning fewer pedestrians in the streets around that station, thereby improving road safety for both drivers and pedestrians.
It is a bonus to the NSW government and taxpayers that there’s no need to acquire any land, because it is here at the University and ready. Not only that, but disruptions to the local community will be minimised, because the land earmarked for the station is all inside the campus.
Ultimately, a Metro station at the University would serve both education – our state’s second most valuable income-earner – and the local economy. Indeed, the catchment area for the proposed station is forecast to contribute as much as $2.8 billion per annum to the state by 2036, and this means increased traffic for local businesses and more jobs for local residents. And, as increasing numbers of people come to this area for purposes including employment, entertainment, education, health and, of course, to do their shopping, adequate public transport is absolutely vital.
