The efficiency of the state’s transport systems influences the price we pay for goods and services. It is vital in providing access to services and employment. Access to a safe, reliable and sustainable public transport system is essential.  Affordable and effective public transport is pivotal for full community participation, especially for youth and those in rural areas.

Safety is a priority for the Greens with our ‘zero-tolerance’ attitude towards road fatality and serious accidents

Rail freight will be retained and options explored for extending rail, light rail and bus passenger services. As a matter of urgency, the Greens’ strategic plan will prioritise the improvement of transport infrastructure so that future freight levels will not place an impossible burden on the road system or public safety. The incompatibility between heavy freight and passenger transport will be alleviated wherever possible.

The current level of dependence on fossil fuels for transport is unsustainable. The Greens advocate substituting these with non-polluting and renewable sources of energy and will develop a transition strategy that protects the economy and culture. The use of alternative fuels will be strongly encouraged.  Planning for both urban development and industry is essential in reducing the need for motor vehicle travel and increasing community vitality and quality of life.

Measures

Planning:  establish an independent and open inquiry into all aspects of transport, including funding and subsidy costs and charges; prepare regional plans that incorporate regional transport and residential needs with the most ecologically sustainable integration of transport modes and urban forms; base urban development around redevelopment of existing urban areas to ensure that new developments are served by public transport

Motor Vehicle Registration: address the disparity in motor vehicle registration charges between passenger vehicles, small vans or trucks and those levied on heavy commercial vehicles; full road cost attribution for road damage by heavy vehicles

Driver and Vehicle Safety: adopt a ‘vision zero’ strategy to make our roads safer, meaning that no level of road death is acceptable;  investigate additional measures to ensure adequate vehicle safety and emissions standards;  promote driver training innovations for both commercial and domestic road users; promote the benefits of regular vehicle maintenance and an appropriate inspection regime

Heavy Vehicles: enforce strict axle weight criteria based on dynamic testing of all suspension types; implement Static Rollover Threshold requirements for all heavy vehicles; remove general exemptions from nationally agreed maximum vehicle loads;  identify, in consultation with stakeholders, any thoroughfare inappropriate for heavy vehicle traffic; encourage shifting freight tasks from road to rail

Bicycles and Walkways:  implement a state-wide commuter, recreational, tourist, local and school walking and cycling plan; ensure that walking and cycling are facilitated as a part of a comprehensive transport system, and integrated into transport decision making and planning; ensure that walkers and cyclists have suitable access to road space by pursuing a walkway, bicycle lane, and small vehicle strategy, including carriage facility for cycles on public transport

Public Transport: improve the public transport system; establish vehicle and cycle parking facilities in suburban areas that link with bus routes to the metropolitan centres; extend bus priority lanes; improve interchange facilities; introduce creative ticketing and pricing systems to improve user convenience and encourage off-peak use; initiate studies on the viability of integrated urban light rail, ferry and bus services

Trains: ensure that the railway system is maintained and operated to maximise public benefit;  retain inter-modal freight transport and establish productive working relationships with the Federal Government, unions and relevant authorities; review the conditions, charges and funding of freight carriage; enable the operation of tourism railways on the existing rail network; investigate the development of light rail systems along existing corridors in Hobart and on the north-west coast; implement full cost attribution for road damage in truck and car registration charges to create a competitive viability for rail

Sea: support continuation of the freight equalisation scheme across Bass Strait; support continued vehicle subsidy whilst seeking Federal support of passenger subsidy on the Bass Strait ferries; support retention of two ferries operating between Devonport and Melbourne

Air: encourage continued economical air access to Tasmania, including the regions; explore initiatives to ensure continued viability of north-west coast air services; ensure the permanent availability of Search and Rescue helicopters

Port Authorities: avoid the duplication of major new infrastructure; provide effective facilities for receiving solid waste and waste oil from ships

Alternative Energy: recognise the peak oil dilemma and move the state away from reliance on fossil fuels for transport; support alternative energy use; promote the use of alternative fuels in public transport; utilise energy-efficient vehicles in the government vehicle fleet; negotiate with the Commonwealth and industry to facilitate conversion to newly emerging energy sources, or compressed natural gas or LPG as a transition phase, recognising that the latter are still fossil fuels