The City of Sydney has urged the New South Wales Government to reject Infrastructure NSW’s recommendation for the redevelopment of George Street, saying the proposal does not reflect what businesses, stakeholders, transport experts and the community wants.

 

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said that the plan disregards the obvious need for a light rail transport system, particularly for George Street.

 

The Lord Mayor said running light rail along George Street would drastically reduce traffic congestion, making it easier for bus passengers, cyclists and pedestrians to get around the city.

 

"Mass transit systems work very effectively around the world with light rail as part of thriving pedestrian and retail environments in Zurich, Bordeaux, Melbourne and many other big cities," the Lord Mayor said.

 

"Replacing plans for light rail on George Street with a poorly thought out network of underground buses squanders the trust Sydneysiders have put in the Government to fix transport and will hamstring Sydney's productivity for the foreseeable future.

 

"I would like to see a detailed cost study showing that underground bus tunnels provide a better return on investment than light rail, which our research shows will regenerate George Street.

 

"Will this be yet another missed opportunity to fix the traffic gridlock and consequent noise, pollution and delays that slow the city down every day, costing Sydney billions of dollars each year?”