Women of all ages are probably the biggest users of public transport and WEL believes it is essential that women are involved at all levels of the planning process. If the method of public transport is not suitable to the public, the public will not use it. WEL is concerned that the community has repeatedly supported rail and light rail as a preferred option yet this Better Public Transport inquiry has ignored this. Repeated community consultation indicates rail and light rail would be supported by the community south of the river. This could cut out the necessity for another bridge over the river unless it was a rail bridge.
Public transport is a right of the community and a responsibility of government.
The government also has a duty of care to maintain a pollution-free city environment. Trains are easier for people to get on and off. Stations are more friendly places to wait than bus stops. Mothers with babies, push chairs and shopping find it much easier to travel by train than bus. Disabled and elderly people find trains less stressful, safer and easier.