Tourism lobby group calls for improvements in Sydney transport

The Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) has called for the NSW Government to adopt an integrated tourism and transport strategy in order to boost the industry.

Introduced at the pro-development lobby group’s industry conference, Outlook 2015, the Tourism on the Move report focuses entirely on transport issues in the greater Sydney area, calling for the introduction of a new Opal Card (the smart card ticketing system for public transport services in Sydney) for tourists and the building of new rail infrastructure to popular destinations including Bondi and the Bays Precinct as well as the proposed Badgerys Creek airport.

Introducing the report, TTF Chief Executive Margy Osmond stated “whether it’s New York’s subway, London’s Underground or Sydney’s ferries, transport can be iconic for a city.

“More than being an icon, public transport is a key part of the visitor experience.

“A bad experience on a city’s public transport network is something visitors will talk about. Equally, a good experience helps Sydney present itself as a modern, well-functioning, global city, which in turn helps attract more visitors.

“The NSW Government’s election commitment to an integrated tourism and transport strategy is a major step in the right direction and was a key ask of TTF in the lead up to the state election. By taking a whole of government approach, they will help grow the state’s visitor economy and generate jobs and income for NSW.”

Osmond suggested that an Opal Card for visitors could be modelled on the Copenhagen Card, which offers unlimited travel on the transport network and free admission to 72 of the Danish capital’s museums and attractions.”

Osmond also demanded that maintenance work to Sydney’s rail system should not occur during major events such sporting finals and the Vivid festival, which starts this weekend.

In spite of an undertaking by former NSW Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian who pledged that said weekend track closures could be reduced, when she announced a major overhaul of Sydney's rail maintenance structures last year, rail lines in Sydney continue to close on most weekends.

Sydney's busy Western Line will be affected by track work this weekend, which also marks the start of the 18-day Vivid festival.

Osmond added “public transport is vital to major events. Transport for NSW should coordinate its rail maintenance work with Destination NSW to ensure rail maintenance work is not scheduled during major cultural and sporting events.

“Developing an easier-to-use and integrated public transport network will make Sydney a better place to live, work and crucially, to visit.

At this time, the Sydney-based TTF has given no indication that it is considering issues related to public transport in the rest of Australia.

Outlook 2015 is being held today, Friday 22nd May.

For more information go to www.ttf.org.au

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