The Abbott Trap: Commuters Forced to Drive and Forced to Pay

People in outer suburban areas will be forced onto roads they can’t afford to use, after the Abbott Government attacked commuters in the Federal Budget.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) today condemned the Federal Government’s failure to invest in public transport and rail.

“Tony Abbott and Joe Hockey are taking Australians for a ride,” RTBU National Secretary Bob Nanva said.

“It’s one thing to invest in new roads, but many motorists will be reluctant to use them due to the increasing cost of fuel.

“At the same time, the Government has axed funding for major commuter rail projects in Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

“Without any investment in transport alternatives, motorists will be stuck in a classic Catch-22.  They will be caught in the Abbott Trap – forced onto roads, and forced to pay more.”

Mr Nanva said the Abbott Government had also failed to invest a single cent of new money in rail freight.

“All of the so-called announcements about rail freight are simply recycled budget allocations from the previous Labor Government.

“What’s more, in a total infrastructure budget of $50 billion, only one per cent of that is going to rail.

“Does anyone in the Federal Government actually realise that Australia’s freight task is expected to double between 2010 and 2030?

“How are our major export industries going to survive and prosper if they can’t get access to a modern, efficient freight network?

“It’s clear that the self-styled ‘Infrastructure Prime Minister’ hasn’t got a clue about the infrastructure our country desperately needs.”