Report 1-55 - Inter-regional Public Transport

INTER-REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTmain challenges to be considered, including the need to develop additional infrastructure atrailway stations and the size limitations of NSW TrainLink’s current train and coach fleet. TheCommittee concluded that carrying light freight on NSW TrainLink’s services is something thatshould be considered given the potential benefits to NSW TrainLink and regional NSW. TheCommittee therefore recommended that Transport for NSW investigates the feasibility ofcarrying light freight on NSW TrainLink’s services.Report structureChapter one provides an overview of the inquiry process and the structure of the report, aswell as a brief description of the regional public transport network in NSW and a briefoverview of Transport Master Plan.Chapter two examines the role of the inter-regional public transport network in regional NSW,and considers overarching strategies to enhance the existing inter-regional public transportnetwork.Chapter three considers the effects of transport disadvantage among vulnerable groups inregional NSW and measures to make inter-regional public transport more accessible to thesegroups.Chapter four looks at the services provided by NSW TrainLink, as well as the timetabling,integration and connectivity of services, and how these can be improved to grow patronageand benefit existing regional customers.Chapter five examines NSW TrainLink’s ticketing, including affordability and accessibility, andwhether the system is sufficiently integrated to enable passengers to travel easily between theNSW TrainLink network and the Sydney Trains network.Chapter six explores the contribution that NSW TrainLink makes to tourism in NSW andconsiders suggestions from inquiry participants on how it could attract a greater share of thetourism market.Chapter seven looks at the types of trains and buses that NSW TrainLink may use in the futureand examines the potential for NSW TrainLink services to carry light freight.MARCH 2014xv