Politicians love capital-heavy projects like rail to look like they are for public transit

The Guardian: "The need to address the productivity, sustainability and liveability of our nation’s cities is urgent. Late last year Infrastructure Australia warned that unless we act now, traffic congestion will cost the nation $53bn in lost productivity a year by 2031. Lower productivity means our economy will produce fewer jobs. It’s that simple."

This editorial starts with a teaser about fixing congestion. Then it basically advocates capital-intensive projects. Don't fall for this. These projects create division and political gridlock. Worse than that they are pro-growth projects that will end up being pro-debt projects.



Instead campaign to make buses fare-free. Break the critical-mass of the private auto.

Go to any hospital to see how the car system is a miserable failure

Doctors and nurses may resign over car park woes at RPA hospital: "Royal Prince Alfred Hospital doctors and nurses are threatening to resign over a lack of parking following the expiry of the staff car park lease and its takeover by a private operator."

Over the years, more sprawl meant more cars, which meant more roads. Problem left unaddressed: where to park all these cars that fill up the roads. This problem is solved by prioritizing parking. At a hospital, though, who is more important? Hence the problem with no solution... Oh wait, there is a solution--make buses fare-free.

Julian Burnside backs push to make public transport free for students in Melbourne

3aw.com : "A high-profile barrister is behind a push to make public transport free for students in Melbourne.

Julian Burnside QC told Neil Mitchell too much money and energy was being wasted on pursuing outstanding fines.

It's been reported 7000 warrants were issued for young people who hadn't paid their fines in the period between 2014-15.

"If you go to a free public school and have to use public transport to get there, it will cost you $7500 over your 12 years of school just to get to and from school," Mr Burnside explained.

"And for a lot of students, especially in the western suburbs, paying for the Myki competes with paying for their food, drink or books."

Mr Burnside it was a "mistake" to focus on revenue when it came to public transport.

"Public transport shouldn't be just about revenue," he said.

"It's deeply embedded in our social arrangement

"If you can't get around in society, well then you're not really part of it.""