Central Coast Council Mayor Jane Smith said it would make a significant difference to thousands of Coast residents who commuted to Sydney every day, often spending up to four hours a day on a train.
“We know commuting is a major issue for our community with many Coasties having to travel off the coast every day for work or study,” Mayor Smith said.
“Reducing the commute to Sydney from around 90 minutes to 30 minutes would allow the community to have an additional two hours per day or as much as 10 hours per week for other activities at home or in their community, like spending time with their family, rather than sitting on a train,” she said.
“This could also have a flow on effect of encouraging those who drive to Sydney each day to leave their cars at home and hop on a train, which would also reduce traffic on our major roads and deliver benefits to the environment.
“The devil will be in the detail too in terms of where the route will go, costings and car parking for commuters.”
The High Speed Rail is not a Very fast Train as many sections of the media reported this week. Judging by the images provided, it uses the existing network, but provides much faster ride.
High Speed Rail expert Professor Andrew McNaughton has been appointed to confirm the most appropriate routes, train speeds and station locations, with work on a fast rail network to start next term.
Game changer
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the fast rail network was a game changing project which would attract more investment and generate new job opportunities for the Central Coast.
“We know fast rail would transform the way people get to and from the Central Coast forever,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It would slash travel times allowing more people to leave the car at home and catch the train to either Sydney or Newcastle.”
The delivery of fast rail to the Central Coast has the potential to reduce travel times by up to 75 per cent.
Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said a fast rail link from the Central Coast to Sydney and Newcastle would transform the region.
“This announcement is also on top of the New Intercity Fleet Trains which will enter service late next year. A new maintenance facility for these trains is being built here on the
Central Coast creating up to 300 local jobs,” Mr Crouch said.
Sue Dengate, Liberal Candidate for Gosford, said fast rail would be a huge boost for the Coast, “Faster travel times will mean that workers can spend less time commuting and more time with their families.”
However ALP Member for The Entrance David Mehan said the money would be better spent improving existing facilities.
“There have been no upgrades to Central Coast rail stations since 2011. We will build a lift at Tuggerah Station – this remains the only firm promise to improve rail travel for Central Coast Commuters at State level. The cost of this project is $5.
“Better access and parking are the most pressing issues to address at local rail stations.
“The State Liberal Governments priorities are all wrong. It can find $2bn plus for new stadiums but nothing for station upgrades on the Central Coast.”
