A NEW POLL of over 2,000 Australians released today reveals that eight in 10 Victorians believe the government should invest more in public transport to create jobs in the sector and ensure everyone can get around in an affordable way.
Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie said: “A cleaner, more efficient and affordable transport system is what Queenslanders want and it’s also crucial for our climate.
“Transport is Australia’s fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions and our country’s second biggest source of climate pollution.
“Seeing more Victorians choose public transport, walking and bike-riding – alongside the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) – is essential to cut costs for households and drive down Australia’s emissions.”
The poll comes as momentum is gathering to get more EVs onto Australia’s roads by introducing new Fuel Efficiency Standards. Together, these actions chart a clear course to decarbonising our transport fleet.
The survey of 2,163 Australians adults also found that:
Eight in 10 Australians believe governments should spend more on public transport.
More than two-thirds of Australians surveyed believe governments should deliver more footpaths and bike lanes.
Latest figures show Australian state governments currently allocate less than 2% of their transport budget to footpaths and bike lanes. In every state surveyed – Qld, NSW, Vic and SA – a majority (60%) of poll respondents believe this is not enough.
Australians who commute to work using public transport can save over $8,000 a year compared with exclusively driving a car. For those who can bike or walk, the savings are close to $12,000.
Climate Council Head of Advocacy, Dr Jennifer Rayner said: “Investing in public transport and infrastructure for walking and bike-riding is much more popular than governments may realise.
“Australians know leaving the car at home can deliver cheaper commutes, healthier streets and reduced emissions for a cleaner environment. Now we need the investment to back up that choice so it’s easy and convenient for people to move around in cheaper, cleaner ways.”
The Climate Council is calling for states and territories to:
Allocate at least half of their transport budgets to public transport and 20 percent to initiatives that boost walking and bike-riding in line with best practice and the community’s needs.
Encourage private electric bike uptake through discounts at point of sale and government-funded try-before-you-buy programs.
Convert state and territory bus fleets to clean, quiet and zero-emission buses.
VICTORIAN CASE STUDIES AND SPOKESPEOPLE:
City of Melbourne have partnered with Lime and Neuron to trial shared electric scooter hire as an accessible, environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to travel. For 12 months from 1 February 2022, 500 boldly-branded e-scooters will be available across the City of Melbourne for use on bike lanes, bike paths, shared paths and roads.
Quotes attributable to City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp: “Sustainable transport solutions are essential for a thriving city that supports businesses, visitors and residents.
The City of Melbourne is committed to improving road infrastructure, as well as advocating for enhanced public transport, for everyone coming in and out of the municipality.
As part of our 2022/23 budget, the City of Melbourne committed a record spend on footpaths and bike paths, ensuring everyone who uses our streets feels safe.
There’s more to do, and that’s why pedestrians and road users will continue to see upgrade works continuing over the next few years.
Our e-scooter trial, in conjunction with the State Government and other inner city councils, has proven incredibly popular and has helped reduce traffic congestion. That’s why we will continue exploring affordable options for e-scooters over the coming months.”
Quotes attributable to City of Darebin Mayor, Lina Messina: “Cycling is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to sustainable transport and we know that Darebin has a strong cycling culture. That’s why at Darebin, we’re proud to run a range of activities through the Darebin Loves Bikes Program to help the community be confident and skilled bike users. Our program includes free monthly bike check events in Reservoir and Northcote, seasonal bike skills workshops on basic bike maintenance and on-road bike confidence, and our successful Ready to Roll pilot program enabling Year 7s to ride to school. Supporting more members of our community to take up cycling is part of our commitment to a more sustainable future.”
Moreland City Council – The council is working towards solutions that empower communities to choose healthier, happier ways to move around. Its Open Streets initiative opens up streets to only sustainable modes of transport (walking, riding, rolling) and allows residents to reimagine and reclaim their neighbourhood. Open Streets is an ongoing initiative within Moreland’s Ride & Stride program. Spokesperson: Mayor Mark Riley
