A demand for more information about the government’s plan to assist 60,000 daily commuters affected by the T3 rail line closure is being made by a Sydney council before agreeing to host the city’s second e-scooter trial.
The Inner West council in New South Wales is being asked by the government to provide e-scooters to commuters during the 12-14 month closure of the rail corridor between Sydenham and Bankstown for its conversion into a metro line starting in July.
During a recent meeting, Inner West councillors decided to delay a decision on the e-scooters until more details are released about the temporary transport plan for the area.
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Labor councillor Jessica D’Arienzo emphasized that the issue goes beyond just the e-scooter trial.
“Transport for NSW needs to provide a better solution than what happened with the Rozelle interchange,” she stated. “We cannot afford another failure.”
The first e-scooter trial in Sydney began in January in the Georges River council area. If the Inner West council agrees to the trial, the data collected could influence the decision to legalize e-scooters.
However, the council, which may offer e-scooters connecting three train stations, requires more information on alternative transport options to prevent chaos similar to what occurred after the Rozelle interchange opened.
Greens councillor Dylan Griffiths criticized TfNSW for not being transparent about its plan, which he believes should include buses, additional trains, and accessible options.
“E-scooters are not a cure-all. No one seriously suggests that they are the solution,” he added.
Transit Systems, a private bus operator, was appointed by TfNSW earlier this year to develop the temporary transport plan for the area. The department confirmed that the plan is still in progress.
“We will continue collaborating with councils and stakeholders to finalize our comprehensive transport plan and will provide a detailed community update once it is ready,” a spokesperson mentioned.
As part of the plan, TfNSW proposed an e-scooter trial linking 10 stations in the inner west, including Sydenham, Tempe, and Newtown.
However, council staff suggested reducing the trial zone to connect only Dulwich Hill, Marrickville, and Tempe stations due to safety concerns.
While riding an e-scooter on a road or footpath in NSW outside of six existing trial sites is illegal, council staff believe the government may eventually legalize them, as indicated in the agenda for the recent meeting.
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Council staff highlighted that e-scooters are already a legal mode of transport in various countries and regions like the ACT, Queensland, and Tasmania, with trials underway in NSW, South Australia, and Victoria.
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2024-04-10 00:37:42
Post from www.theguardian.com