MEDIA RELEASE – 20th May 2023 NEXT STEP IN RAIL CAMPAIGN REVEALED
The Hobart Northern Suburbs Rail Action Group today revealed the next step in their campaign against the Tasmanian State Government’s proposal to rip up the tracks and convert the northern suburbs railway into a busway. The group is erecting posters that say ‘RAILWAY NOT BUSWAY’ in various locations in the Northern suburbs. The posters will help get the group’s message out that a busway is not wanted.
Rail Action Group President Toby Rowallan says that “The people of Hobart, overwhelmingly want the railway used as it is, for modern commuter trains as well as heritage trains. This next step in our campaign will raise awareness of the Government’s “backwards” intentions to destroy the railway for buses. Around the world busways are being turned into railways, not the other way around!”
Mr Rowallan added “Over the past two decades, there have been so many studies done, it is clear that the whole time various governments and the bureaucracy have deliberately inflated the cost of rail to justify their goal of destroying the railway. Incredibly and bizarrely, they are still planning this, even though their last report makes it very clear that rail will deliver four times the benefits than a busway. They are actually ignoring a positive development and growth opportunity.”
Mr Rowallan says that “The minister claims that Tasmania is a bus state. It seems that he hasn’t checked with the people of Hobart to ask what they want! Numerous polls and surveys over the years have demonstrated overwhelming community support for rail, yet the government continues to ignore that too.”
(For reference; Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor – Transport Mode Study: Options Assessment Report by Price WaterhouseCoopers for Tasmanian Department of State Growth)
For further comment; Toby Rowallan President Hobart Northern Suburbs Rail Action Group 0418 997 069