I absolutely agree! Public transport is promoted as being more efficient and sustainable yet it is being priced out of the reach for local trips. A significant proportion (more than 50% I believe) of household private vehicle trips are short distance local trips. Image if those trips could be made via public transport? There would be less road congestion better patronage of public transport outside of peak periods (and – if not free – more revenue going into the PT system) and most likely a correlation in improved general community health (i.e. walking to the station rather than jumping straight into the car). Free trips would be ideal but even a $0.50 cent charge or so would still be fair.
Perhaps a discussion can be started with whoever the next State Member for Ferny Grove is as well as the next Minister for Transport and Main Roads? Rail Back on Track could also be engaged to prepare a submission to TransLink as well…. Equitable access is a significant issue across all communities and is a huge component of building resilient communities into the future.