Sunday, September 08, 2019

Local government transport strategies - where councils are at


Public transport in Australian capitals is generally a state/territory government responsibility, with occasional federal government funding for major infrastructure projects. This is sensible and works well. 

South Australia and Tasmania ceded their regional passenger railways to the federal government in the 1970s but ended up with none surviving. Brisbane's urban network is a mess with two extensive but infrequent and duplicative rail and bus systems (managed by state and local government respectively) instead of a developed integrated network like Perth's. Then there's overseas experiences, such as the transit networks in some North American cities that stop at municipal limits even though settlement has since spread beyond. 

Our local councils don't run mainstream public transport but what they do still has an impact. For example policies on suburban centres, parking, building densities, roads, cycling and walking can support or detract from public transport operation and patronage. While main roads are a state responsibility, local roads, including many traversed by buses, are a council function. 

The wrong types of over-zealous traffic calming can restrict bus movements. A neglect of pedestrian access needs can stymie passenger access to stops. And it's important for bicycle paths and lanes to link with  railway stations to support access by bike and provide alternatives to driving. 

Another role for councils is political advocacy. State and federal governments have access to funds that local governments lack. Councils are vocal in advocating for road, rail and bus projects that benefit their area. Their transport strategies may have good things in them but state and sometimes federal government support is critical for many to happen. 

Local governments discuss transport matters at groupings like the Metropolitan Transport Forum. 

Councils typically have or are writing their own transport strategies. Of interest here is what they're advocating with regards to public transport. As I write some plans are in draft stage so you can have your say on them (if you're quick). 

This is a list of Melbourne suburban councils and their known transport strategies as at September 2019. Advocacy campaigns are also noted. 



Boroondara Integrated Transport Strategy 2006 Vol 1 Part 2 Part 3 Complete

Cardinia ?

Darebin Transport Strategy 2007 - 2027 Complete 


Maribyrnong Maribyrnong Integrated Transport Strategy 2012 Complete

 Maroondah ?
Melbourne Transport Strategy to 2030 Draft 


Moonee Valley Integrated Transport Plan Complete
Advocacy under development

Mornington Peninsula ?
Bus advocacy campaign


Yarra ?
Through Metropolitan Transport Forum

Yarra Ranges ?
Advocacy agenda
   
Have any been missed? Are any corrections required? Please leave any comments or updates below.

 You might enjoy these well-regarded books on transport topics

Better Buses, Better Cities: How to Plan, Run, and Win the Fight for Effective Transit Steven Higashide NEW!

The Public City: Essays in honour of Paul Mees Gleeson & Beza

A Political Economy of Access: Infrastructure, Networks, Cities, Institutions (Access Quintet Book 4) David Levinson

Human Transit: How Clearer Thinking about Public Transit Can Enrich Our Communities and Our Lives Jarrett Walker

Transport for Suburbia: Beyond the Automobile Age Paul Mees

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2 comments:

Albert3801 said...

Maroondah is one that is notable by it's absence and one that I was particularly interested in. Did they ever have a transport plan?

7:02 pm
Peter Parker said...

I couldn't find a transport plan for Maroondah.

But they do some advocacy through the Eastern Transport Coalition http://www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/Development/Environmental-Sustainability/Engagement-and-Partnerships/Eastern-Transport-Coalition

Also I found this: http://www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/documents/integrated-planning/strategic-planning/imap-06-transport.pdf

7:11 pm

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