Geoff Lee

One-stop transport in Parramatta

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

THE NSW government will trial a one-stop transport and service centre in Parramatta as part of its vision for the future of transport.

‘Future Transport hubs’ would be piloted in Parramatta, Chatswood, Wollongong and Coffs Harbor, Premier Dominic Perrottet said.

The premier announced the pilots as he unveiled the state’s Future Transport Strategy, which replaces the 2018’s Future Transport 2056, considering factors like pandemics, energy transition, the digital economy, climate change and projections the population will hit 11.5 million by 2061.

“The strategy includes a vision to create connected 30-minute cities and convenient 15-minute neighborhoods, starting with the piloting of Future Transport Hubs … that will provide commuters with a one-stop-shop for a range of essential services,” Mr Perrottet told Government News recently.

Seamless mobility

Senior lecturer in transport and logistics management at the University of Sydney Dr Geoffrey Clifton, said the concept of a transport hub involved having transport, parking, shops, offices, cafes, parks, activity centres, bike share, rental and ride share spaces and grocery and parcel pick up all in the one location.

“These are already forming naturally,” Dr Clifton told Government News. “Transport hubs are about doing it on a more thoughtful basis, and thinking about how we can build it all – it brings together private sector and government, and makes things as seamless as possible.

“If you want to know what it might look like in 2036, you’ve gone to work at the nearest town centre where you’ve hired an office for a few hours, there you can pick up some groceries and a parcel that’s been delivered. Meantime your son comes back from university on the train and your daughter comes in on an e-ride share car. You all meet up for dinner or a bike ride and then go home.”

The Sydney Metro Victoria Cross integrated station development will include a 40-storey commercial building above the station’s southern entrance, integrating commercial, residential and entertainment opportunities.

Local government has played a central role in planning transport hubs in some part of Europe where the concept is being embraced, such as the Netherlands and Germany.

“These countries started with local councils drawing a map where existing bike hire spots and parcel pick ups are and looking to see the gaps,” Dr Clifton said.

Dr Clifton warns it’s critical that transport hubs are thoughtfully planned, otherwise they risk simply creating more congestion.

Accents 0n Sustainability

The transport strategy contains an emphasis on sustainability, liveability and smart infrastructure and is based on the concept of a six cities region encompassing the Eastern Harbor, Central River, Western Parkland, Lower Hunter, Greater Newcastle, Central Coast and Illawarra-Shoalhaven.

Digital connectivity is another key

One of the many transport projects in NSW.

theme in terms of enhancing on-time running, demand management and automated vehicles.

Premier Dominic Perrottet.