26/2/2008

HOME SHOW 1st - 4th MAY

Celebrating it's 20th anniversary, the Sydney Home Show offers access to over 300 exhibitors representing market leaders in Building Products, Furniture and Furnishings, Outdoors, Kitchens, Bathrooms and Technology.

With large numbers of the renovating rabble heading to the Darling Harbour, access to the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre may not be so easy. Parking is impossible and travelling to and from Darling Harbour by bus or train a struggle.

Sydney Monorail and Metro Light Rail are proud to be a sponsor of the Sydney Home Show and to provide the perfect alternative to the parking nightmare and the public transport push.

With services from Central Station to Darling Harbour and Sydney's inner west to Darling Harbour, every 10 minutes, Metro Light Rail offers free on street parking at Light Rail stations throughout the inner west.

The Light Rail promises a pleasant, easy and convenient ride from just $3.20 one-way up to just $20 for a family all day unlimited pass.

Sydney Monorail also provides the perfect way to avoid the people crush from the City with Monorail's leaving World Square , Galeries Victoria and City Centre at 3 minute intervals. These stations are conveniently located for transfer from bus and train services.

Families heading to the Sydney Home Show can enjoy an all day family pass for just $23, which offers a perfect way to entertain the kids while you enjoy the extensive exhibition and activities. A single ride is just $4.80 per person.

- ENDS -

17/12/07

Light Rail Fares
Weekly and annual tickets will not change

Light Rail Ticket	Previous Fare	New Fare
Single 1 Zone	$3.00	$3.20
Return 1 Zone	$4.50	$4.60
Single 2 Zone	$4.00	$4.20
Return 2 Zone	$5.50	$5.70

Monorail Fares
Metrocard top-up will not change

Monorail Ticket	Previous Fare	New Fare
Standard Fare	$4.50	$4.80
Day Pass	$9.00	$9.50
Concession	$3.00	$3.20

11/12/07
Light Rail Holiday services

Christmas Eve
Central to Star City 24 hours
Central to Lilyfield 6am to 11pm

Christmas Day
Central to Star City 24 hours
Central to Lilyfield 6am to 11pm

Boxing Day
Central to Star City 24 hours
Central to Lilyfield 6am to 11pm

New Years Eve*
Central to Star City 24 hours
Central to Lilyfield 6am to 4am

New Years Day
Central to Star City 24 hours
Central to Lilyfield 6am to 11pm

Australia Day*
Central to Star City 24 hours
Central to Lilyfield 6am to 2am

*Special Event tickets only will be sold

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Light Rail SPECIAL EVENT TICKETS

To provide you with an efficient transport service over the busy New Year's Eve period and Australia Day, special event tickets will be issued.

Only adult & child return tickets will be available from:

# 2pm, 31st Dec 2007 until 5am, 1st Jan 2008.

# 5am, 26th Jan 2008 until 5am, 27th Jan 2008.

ADULT - $5.00 return
CHILD - $3.00 return

Annual and weekly tickets will be accepted for travel.

10/12/07

NOVOTEL SYDNEY ON DARLING HARBOUR - 12 OFFERS FOR 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

1st DAY OF CHRISTMAS (15 DEC) – GET ROYAL WITH TICKETS TO DIANA EXHIBITION. Stay in a luxury loft suite and be treated like royalty, with free tickets to the Powerhouse Museum to see the Diana exhibition. Prices start from $381 per couple or $389 for a family for four.

2nd DAY OF CHRISTMAS (16 DEC) – EXPERIENCE THE ‘ELECTORICITY' OF BILLY ELLIOT – THE MUSICAL IN SYDNEY. Australian audiences will cheer as working-class underdog Billy Elliot triumphs in the award winning musical and Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour will have you front and centre for an inspirational evening with Hotel & Show packages starting from just $496, including accommodation and two Premium A-Reserve tickets. The musical score, including signature song ‘Electricity', is written by Sir Elton John, and directed by Stephen Daldry who headed up the London production.

3rd DAY OF CHRISTMAS (17 DEC) – CRUISE THE HARBOUR AND GO BELOW THE SEA IN 3D. Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour has a fantastic package that allows you to make the most of the harbour city, including two tickets for a Magistic sightseeing cruise around the harbour, plus two adult tickets to the nearby IMAX theatre to enjoy screenings such as Deep Sea 3D. This package starts from $257 per night and is valid until 28 December (subject to availability).

4th DAY OF CHRISTMAS (18 DEC) – ENJOY A “FREE RIDE” SO YOU CAN PARTY WITH YOUR FRIENDS AT COCKLE BAY AND KING ST WHARF. Leave your car and your cares at the Novotel and enjoy overnight accommodation, complimentary parking and free monorail passes. This package starts from $241 per night.

5th DAY OF CHRISTMAS (19 DEC) – FALL IN LOVE AGAIN.
Novotel's Fall in Love Again package is the perfect way to set the tone for a romantic festive season and includes overnight accommodation and breakfast for two from just $299 per night. This one will help you relax before the season really heats up.

6TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS (20 DEC) – GET WILD. Novotel's “Get Wild” package is the perfect festive season start starter for the family, with overnight accommodation, full buffet breakfast for four, plus a family pass to Sydney Wildlife World for up to two adults and two children from just $322 per night. Children must be under 15 years of age and a $100 surcharge may apply on Saturday nights.

7th DAY OF CHRISTMAS (21 DEC) – SHOP TILL YOU DROP. Novotel has a great “Shop till you Drop” package that includes complimentary parking so you can fill your boot with your purchases and a double monorail pass so you can easily access the CBD's best shopping, from just $241 per night.

8th DAY OF CHRISTMAS (22 DEC) – GET OUT AND ABOUT. Novotel Darling Harbour is the perfect base for exploring the city's best attractions so get out and about with a walk around this exciting precinct, including the free open air exhibition “Earth from Above”. Accommodation starts at just $199 per room per night and will put you right in the thick of the all the action in Darling Harbour .

9th DAY OF CHRISTMAS (23 DEC) – GET WIGGLY. Make sure you get tickets for The Wiggles, playing at the nearby Sydney Entertainment Centre (from 19-21 Dec). Kids STAY and EAT free with their parents, with packages from as little as $199 per room per night.

10th DAY OF CHRISTMAS (24 DEC) – TAKE A TRIP AROUND THE WORLD.
It's the night before Christmas and all through Darling Harbour the party is alive, with a special Christmas Around the World party. Georgie Parker, David Campbell and the Australian Youth Choir alongside a 20-piece orchestra will sing songs from around the world, with special guests including Bob the Builder and the Chipmunks. Don't miss the arrival of Santa and his elves on jetskis and the lighting of the brightest Christmas tree in the southern hemisphere plus the exciting fireworks display. Packages start from $219 per night for accommodation plus breakfast for a family of four. (Kids under 16 eat free breakfast with full paying adults)

11th DAY OF CHRISTMAS (25 DEC) – ENJOY A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS LUNCH.
The Novotel's Dish restaurant is offering a stunning Christmas seafood buffet, with beautiful views over the harbour and city for just $159 per adult, $77.50 for 5-16 year olds and $129 for 16-18 year olds (kids under 5 eat free). The buffet includes market fresh prawns, oysters, mussel and crabs, an array of salads, cold cutes and a hot buffet including traditional roast turkey and ham, plus fabulous desserts. Children up to 16 will receive a small gift from Santa, and other highlights will include Christmas carollers, face painting and more. Lunch is from 12.20pm – 3pm .

12th DAY OF CHRISTMAS (26 DEC) – RELAX AND UNWIND. Enjoy a relaxing Boxing Day with friends and family and soak up the atmosphere of the world's great waterfront destination, Darling Harbour . Walk through the Cinese gardens, relax at Cockle Bay Wharf or loll about in your room, with packages starting from $219 for accommodation plus breakfast for a family of four. (Kids under 16 eat free breakfast with full paying adults)

These packages are subject to availability and many packages can be enjoyed throughout December and not just on the day indicated.

For bookings phone (02) 9934 0000 or go to www.novoteldarlingharbour.com.au

Terms and conditions apply.

ENDS

21/11/07

SHADOW MIN. FOR TRANSPORT SUPPORTS LIGHT RAIL TO CLEAR THE AIR

While everyone is in favour of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the most effective way to do this is to improve the safety and efficiency of public transport to attract more commuters, Shadow Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian said today.

“The Labor Government has consistently failed bus commuters. It continues to dither over the delivery of new buses and has been unable to significantly cut CBD bus travel times,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Over the last three years the state's bus fleet has remained stagnant despite massive overcrowding problems,” she said.

“Whether you are travelling in the CBD in a bus or a taxi, Labor Government mismanagement means you will still be going nowhere fast.

“Labor bungling has seen up to 500 gas powered buses under lock and key because they are too heavy for the state's roads.

“ Labor cut 1,500 weekly bus services in September last year resulting in more overcrowding in peak-time and less reliability during both peak and off-peak times.

“Under the Labor Government, the average age of the Sydney Buses fleet has exceeded the 12 year requirement for the last four years in a row.

“When the Liberal/Nationals last held office in 1994/95 the average Sydney bus was 10.3 years old but under Labor that has increased to 12.7 years old in 2005/06.

“Even John Watkins said today that passengers could be catching 15-year-old buses. These buses are noisy, un-air conditioned and only serve to put off commuters.

“Commuters are voting with their feet with 123,000 people having left Sydney Buses in the past year according to the STA's 2005/06 annual report.

“The Iemma Government's total disregard for light rail as a viable alternative to CBD transport is also shameful.

“Light rail is a cleaner form of transport yet the Labor Government has refused it despite research showing it would take less time to travel on light rail from one end of the CBD to the other,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Gladys Berejiklian MP
Member for Willoughby
Tel: 9439 4199
Fax: 9439 9299

30/10/07

LADIES DO LUNCH

The Loft on King Street Warf is offering a classy alternative for the weekend catch up.

On Saturdays and Sundays from 12-3pm, The Loft hosts High Tea. Ladies and gents can sit, relax and soak in the harbour views with a cup of tea and a petit-four. Teas range from the faithful English Breakfast blend to the more adventurous varieties such as Buddha's Tears and Sencha Quince. As for nibbles, mandatory scones with jam and cream are on the menu, along with smoked salmon wraps and lemon mint tart.

Bookings are essential for High Tea at the Loft and forms can be downloaded from the website. The Monorail will get you to King Street Warf via Darling Park station.

 

16/10/07

LIGHT RAIL EXTENSION TO SUMMER HILL QUICK, EASY AND LOW COST TRANSPORT SOLUTION

Metro Transport Sydney, the owners of Sydney 's light rail network, support the idea of extending the light rail to the Summer Hill Allied Mill site.

Kevin Warrell , CEO, Metro Transport Sydney said today, “extending the current Light Rail from Lilyfield to Summer Hill would be low cost, simple and quick, and enable us to offer a high quality public transport solution for more residents of the Inner West.”

The further west extension of the Light Rail network becomes possible as the Allied Mills flour mill in Summer Hill closes down. The freight line that currently services the mill and runs to Lilyfield will no longer be used for freight and can therefore be used for Light Rail.

Kevin Warrell , CEO said, “the freight line was refurbished quite recently and is in very good condition. It would be a shame not to utilise this transport corridor to provide a desperately needed additional mode of public transport in the Inner West.”

Mr Warrell said that Sydney 's public transport system is under great pressure, not to mention scrutiny, and to ignore this opportunity makes little sense.

He said, “Research completed at the time of the Wentworth Park to Lilyfield extension, showed that there would be significant patronage on this route. That was eight years ago. I can only imagine that the demand would be much greater now.”

Mr Warrell said, “an extension of the Light Rail network would complement the existing modes of public transport, provided that connections were made with bus and heavy rail.”

“Light Rail provides efficient, environmentally friendly transport, and is the ideal high capacity mode for inner Sydney . As demand for travel grows and there are greater environmental concerns, light rail is the most logical solution,” said Mr Warrell.

Previous proposals submitted by Metro Transport Sydney to Government, for example for extension of the current network from Central to Circular Quay, have not been supported by the current NSW Government.

- ENDS -

14/10/07

YOGA IN THE INNER WEST

On the last Sunday of every month, Jubilee Park hosts 'Yoga in the Park'. Early risers can bend, stretch and mediate their way to inner peace and harmony. Best of all its free!

The benefits of Yoga has long been praised by many. Now Sydneysiders can enjoy an morning Yoga session in the leafy green surroundings of Jubilee Park. 'Yoga in the Park' is organised by Yoga in Daily Life who also run regular classes and well being courses.

To make your way to Jubilee Park, hop on the Light Rail. An adult return ticket from Central costs $5.50, or $4.50 return from Lilyfield.

For more information about 'Yoga in the Park' click here>>

- ENDS -

10/10/07

DIANA: PRINCESS, HUMANITARIAN, MOTHER!

From the 29th of September until the 4th of May, the Powerhouse Museum will be proudly displaying a collection of Diana's clothing, artefacts and belongings.

‘Diana a celebration' allows for an intimate look into the life of Diana, Princess of Wales. The exhibition includes displays containing the Spencer tiara, Diana's wedding gown, the many fashion gowns she has worn, as well as displays about her humanitarian and charity work. The exhibition also includes a wall of condolence which contains a wall of condolence books from around the world.

Each month during the exhibition there will be talks held about Diana, along with children's events and work shops such as ‘How to entertain royalty'. The Powerhouse Museum can be accessed via the Light Rail or Monorail by disembarking at Paddy's Market station.

For more information about the 'Diana a celebration' exhibition click here>>

- ENDS -

09/10/07

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD!

October once again heralds the beginning of Good Food Month in Sydney . This year the culinary offerings will not disappoint the fussiest of eaters.

There are many things to tantalise the tastebuds during Good Food Month. The Night Noodle Markets are back, Hyde Park will once again offer affordable Asian dishes with a festive atmosphere. The Pyrmont Growers Market will be holding the Slow, Seasonal Saturday Brunch, high tea is a must with its petite sandwiches and cakes and kids don't miss out either with a variety of children's cooking classes on offer.

Good Food Month once again brings the return of the $35 lunch, where selected Sydney restaurants will offer a $35 lunch menu. Sydney 's most famous chefs Tony Bilson, Kylie Kwong and Matt Moran will once again showcase their talents with one-off menus during the month of October.

During Good Food Month you can make your way to Hyde Park for the night noodle markets which run form the 8 th -12 th and the 15 th -19 th of October. The Monorail can take you to City Centre station, where Hyde Park is a just a five minute walk away. The Growers Markets can be accessed using the Light Rail and Pyrmont Bay station.

 

For more information about Good Food Month click here>>

- ENDS -

02/10/07

GLEBE PACKS THE STREETS ONCE AGAIN FOR THE ANNUAL GLEBE STREET FAIR

On the 18th of November, Glebe Point Road will be jam packed full of stalls, performances and people. This year's fair once again promises a day of fun and festivities.

The Glebe Street Fair will once again be a great Sunday afternoon full of food and entertainment for the entire family. Headline performers at this year's fair include Monica Trapaga and the Moochers, The Pigs, Go Seek! and last year's winner of the Sydney Performer Challenge, King Farook.

The Sydney Performer Challenge will once again be back this year and offers a $2000 cash prize which is set to entice many up-and-coming acts into entering.

Fair enthusiasts can get to the Glebe Street Fair via the Light Rail and Glebe station. The Light Rail runs on a frequency of 10-15 miniutes between trams.

For more information about the Glebe Street Fair click here>>

 

- ENDS -

24/09/2007

THE 2007 AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW DRIVES INTO DARLING HARBOUR

From the 11th to the 21st of October, car enthusiasts can make their way down to the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre to view the vast collection of cars on display at the 2007 Australian International Motor Show.

It's that time once again for the Motor Show at Darling Harbour and this year crowds won't be disappointed. Car lovers can drool over the latest concept cars from favourite brands such as Ford, Holden, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Ferrari. There will be interactive displays, the always popular 4WD track and fashion parades.

A new feature to the motor show this year is the Aftermarket Avenue, which showcases numerous ideas on how to pimp your ride. The Aftermarket Avenue will be open every day for half and hour after the show's closing time.

The Motor Show can be accessed via the Light Rail or Monorail by disembarking at Convention station.

For more information click here>>

 

- ENDS -

11/07/2007

BOLLYWOOD EXHIBITION A HIT AT THE POWERHOUSE

The Powerhouse Museum brings Bollywood to Sydney through its 'Cinema India: The Art of Bollywood' exhibition.

The exhibition showcases a vast collection of colourful movie posters, film clips and spectacular costumes. Sydneysiders can also experience the all-singing, all-dancing world of Bollywood through a range of talks, weekend films and other events running throughout the duration of the exhibition.

The Powerhouse Museum is a quick 5 minute walk from Paddy's Markets which can be reached by both the Monorail and Lightrail. 'Cinema India: The Art of Bollywood" runs until the 11th of November.

For more information click here>>

 

- ENDS -

21/3/2007

HOME SHOW SWEET HOME SHOW

Now in its 19th year, the Sydney Home Show is the leading exhibition for Sydney's homeowners.

Visitors will have easy access to 200 exhibitors representing market leaders in Furniture and Furnishings, Outdoors, Building Products, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Technology and much more. 

With large numbers of the renovating rabble heading to the Darling Harbour, access to the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre may not be so easy. Parking is impossible and travelling to and from Darling Harbour by bus or train a struggle.

Sydney Monorail and Metro Light Rail are proud to be a sponsor of the Sydney Home Show and to provide the perfect alternative to the parking nightmare and the public transport push.

With services from Central Station to Darling Harbour and Sydney's inner west to Darling Harbour, every 10 minutes, Metro Light Rail offers free on street parking at Light Rail stations throughout the inner west.

The Light Rail promises a pleasant, easy and convenient ride from just $3.00 one-way up to just $20 for a family all day unlimited pass.

Sydney Monorail also provides the perfect way to avoid the people crush from the City with Monorail's leaving World Square , Galeries Victoria and City Centre at 3 minute intervals. These stations are conveniently located for transfer from bus and train services.

Families heading to the Sydney Home Show can enjoy an all day family pass for just $22, which offers a perfect way to entertain the kids while you enjoy the extensive exhibition and activities. A single ride is just $4.50 per person.

- ENDS -

25/1/2007

MONORAIL WOWS DELEGATES WITH MASSIVE EXPOSURE

Sydney Monorail has announced that it now offers impressive branding opportunities for conference sponsors and industry bodies.

A fantastic way to really impact on delegates, Monorail vehicles and Monorail stations provide PCOs and event planners with something amazingly unique to offer their clients.

A travelling billboard seen throughout the City and Darling Harbour, Sydney Monorail now offers advertising and branding opportunities which can be tailored to meet the needs of convention, tradeshow and meeting organisers and sponsors.

As well as wrapping a Monorail vehicle, there are opportunities for themeing and branding Monorail stations, for impact or even events.

“The possibilities are limited only by imagination”, said Sydney Monorail's Marketing Director, Michelle Silberman .

“A fully wrapped Monorail vehicle makes a huge impression on delegates and has a great im pa ct from anywhere in Darling Harbour .”

“When a station is also themed with sponsor or conference branding, it makes the message even stronger”, said Michelle .

Taking only seven minutes from the CBD to the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Monorail is a conduit between the City Centre and Darling Harbour .

Monorail has for many years offered delegate travel passes making daily travel between hotels and conference, exhibition and dinner venues very easy - it is also a great Sydney experience.

Unlimited travel delegate pa sses available for
1– 7 Days begin at just $5.00 per delegate per day and also provide a great sponsorship opportunity.

Sydney Monorail travels between Chinatown , the CBD and Darling Harbour and operates Monday through Thursday from 7 am to 10 pm , Friday and Saturday from 7 am to Midnight and 8am to 10 pm Sunday.
- ENDS -

22/1/2007

BUSES HIKE FARES WHILE LIGHT RAIL OFFERS LUXURY TRAVEL FOR $16.00/WEEK

As Sydney Buses increase their Travel 10 fares yet again, Metro Light Rail continues to offer luxury travel at a bargain price with 12 month Light Rail Gold Pass.

Valid for 12 months, the Metro Light Rail GOLD pass is just $840.00 per year for unlimited travel and can be used at anytime on the Light Rail's 24 hour a day, 365 day a year service.

The equivalent of $16.15 per week the 12 month GOLD Card is a cheaper, more convenient alternative to purchasing daily or weekly tickets and now costs less than the bus*.

As well as the price benefit, Metro Light Rail offers deluxe, comfortable, air-conditioned travel, with friendly conductors to help customers with any enquiries.

Metro Light Rail is also one of the most eco-friendly modes of transport available in Sydney .

Linking the hub of Central station to all that Sydney's inner west has to offer, Metro Light Rail is a state of the art transport system, however, the Light Rail harks back to the early days of Sydney when most people travelled by tram.

As well as commuting to and from the City, locals can enjoy unlimited travel to Sydney 's most popular leisure precinct of Darling Harbour , shop at Paddy's Markets or try their luck at Star City Casino … and nothing beats a trip to the Sydney Fish Market for the best fish and chips in town.

*Compared to 5 section Travel 10 or single fares.

8/1/2007

SPECIAL EVENT TICKET FOR AUSTRALIA DAY 2007

On Australia Day 2007, Metro Light Rail will have special event tickets to ensure smooth travel and easy ticket purchase for our customers.

From 5am on 26th January until 5am 27th January only two types of tickets will be sold:

Return Adult ticket: $5.00
Return Child ticket: $3.00

Weekly, yearly, supervoucher day passes and Metroconnect tickets will be accepted. However, senior cards, pensioner cards and student cards will not be valid for this period.

18/12/2006

NEW MONORAIL STATION AT CHINATOWN MEANS EVEN MORE FOR SYDNEY VISITORS

Today, on the 18th of December Sydney Monorail will open its newly named Chinatown Monorail Station in Number One Dixon Shopping Centre.

The Monorail station is based right in the heart of Chinatown 's colourful mixture of Asian culture, shopping and cuisine.

Michelle Silberman , Marketing Director, Sydney Monorail said, “ Chinatown is a fantastic destination for tourists. With the Monorail now stopping right in the middle of Chinatown , visitors to Sydney can enjoy the easy access to the extensive shopping as well as some of the best Asian restaurants in Sydney .”

Sydney 's Monorail is one of just a few city monorails in the world. It travels over the busy streets to the most exciting shopping and tourist precincts. The scenic trip takes approximately 15 minutes per loop and links Darling Harbour 's activities, museums, bars and restaurants with the City's top shopping and attractions – a ride on the Monorail is something that every visitor will enjoy.

Miss Silberman said, “With the opening of this new station we also look forward to being able to better service the guests of our local hotel partners.”

“The new station will provide easy access to the City and the northern part of Darling Harbour for guests of the Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney , Southern Cross Suites Darling Harbour Hotel , Holiday Inn Darling Harbour, Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour and Crown Plaza Darling Harbour.” she said.

The Chinatown Monorail Station is also just a few minutes to the Chinese Gardens of Friendship.

The Chinese Gardens offer an insight into Chinese heritage and culture. Visitors can take a journey through the pa vilions, lakes and waterfalls and enjoy jasmine tea in the traditional Chinese Teahouse .

An unlimited day pass on the monorail including hundreds of dollars worth of discounts and offers for local attractions, restaurants and shopping is just $9 per person or $22 per family.

For more information visit www.monorail.com.au

 

24/11/06

RESEARCH SHOWS SYDNEY RESIDENTS WANT GREEN PUBLIC TRANSPORT

A recent research study by UMR Research*, found that 94% of people believe pollution from traffic and congestion in the City is unhealthy. 89% of people believe that the public transport in Sydney needs to be upgraded to be more modern and environmentally clean.

The study found that there is serious concern among Sydney residents about traffic congestion, noise and air pollution in the City and the general state of the environment due to that traffic congestion.

91% of respondents believe that the congestion will get worse over the next five to 10 years.

90% of Sydneysiders believe that traffic congestion in the CBD is a big issue and needs to be fixed and 91% of people believe that it is the NSW Government's responsibility to maintain a clean and healthy City.

85% of respondents agreed that light rail was an environmentally friendly form of transport while only 52% of people thought this was the case with buses.

The research also showed that 81% people support a proposal to replace buses with a light rail (tram) system that would run between Central Railway and Circular Quay in the CBD, only 9% were against.

78% of respondents would also like to see the light rail routes extended to Oxford Street and Anzac Parade.

The research, commissioned by Metro Transport, was designed to determine opinions on public transport in the City.

Mr Kevin Warrell , CEO Metro Transport said, “It was interesting how important the environmental issues were for Sydneysiders with regard to public transport.”

“A tram creates one third of the amount of pollution as a bus and carries four times as many people. Trams do not emit any pollution in the City which would go a long way to improving Sydney 's environment,” said Mr Warrell.

Mr Warrell said, “Light rail offers a simple, cost effective and immediate solution to traffic congestion and noise and air pollution in Sydney . Replacing diesel buses with an environmentally friendly tram system would address both transport and pollution issues” said Mr Warrell.

UMR Research Pty Ltd. Survey of 400 inner city residents, October 2006

23/11/06

IEMMA WRONG ON LIGHT RAIL AS BUS TRANSPORT 'FIX' WOULD RUIN SYDNEY CBD

The NSW Government's comments made about light rail are unsubstantiated, misleading and factually incorrect. Iemma's Urban Transport plan to add more bus lanes in the CBD and to have a mid-city interchange will do nothing for Sydney except increase congestion and pollution.

Mr Kevin Warrell , CEO Metro Transport, owners of the current light rail network said the comments on light rail made in the statement are blatantly incorrect.

“More than $2 million worth of independent and Government studies have indicated that light rail is a suitable transport solution for Sydney CBD. For the Government to turn around and ignore these facts is unbelievable.”

“Their plan to increase buses and bus lanes in the CBD is not only a 3 rd World solution but it will not work. What they are planning to do with buses is inadequate and inappropriate. Sydney CBD will be turned into a bus terminal. Capacity will not be increased and congestion will just get worse,” said Mr Warrell.

The Government strategy includes adding an interchange, introducing more bus lanes, transferring buses from one street to another, moving on street parking, changing traffic signals, buying some new buses and making travellers buy prepaid tickets.

Mr Warrell said,” The Government plans are short-sighted, ineffective and insulting to the people of Sydney who want a real and long term solution to the traffic problems. Adding buses and bus lanes which will overload already crowded streets is not a solution. It would be impossible to run more buses in the City, while light rail vehicles carry four times the number of passengers than a bus.”

“For the Government to suggest that replacing 20% of the buses in the CBD with light rail is a bad thing is beyond me. Trams will offer increased capacity and at the same time would reduce traffic density, congestion, noise and air pollution,” said Mr Warrell.

Statements made about low operating speeds of light rail vehicles at 7-9 km/hr are incorrect. The Governments own studies* show that light rail would run at 13 km/hr on George Street in the morning peak. With some traffic light priority, which is not possible with buses, this could increase to 16km/hr. This compares with current bus operating speeds of 8 km/hr.

“It is misleading to say that CDB streets would be “quarantined”. Light rail can and does operate with other traffic; no cars, taxis or courier services would be affected by adding light rail to the city. Light rail actually causes less congestion than buses because it is restricted to its own tracks, unlike buses that constantly move out of their bus lanes and into other traffic causing major disruption,” he said.

Mr Warrell said “The Government incorrectly states says that trams can only run every 2.5 minutes, which is simply not true, as it is possible to run trams as frequently as buses.”

“It is unquestionable that light rail is a higher capacity mode than buses. Only light rail can provide for the CBD's growing transport needs. It works beautifully in many larger world class cities. The Government is just looking for excuses to say that the vehicle length is problem,” said Mr Warrell.

A recent research study of Sydney residents by UMR Research found that 91% of people believe that it is the NSW Government's responsibility to maintain a clean and healthy city.

The research also showed that 81% of people support a proposal to replace CBD buses with a light rail (tram) system and only 9% were against the proposal.

According to the same research, 76% of Sydneysiders are happy to accept interchange from bus to light rail once they understand the benefits.

Metro Transport proposes that there could easily be an efficient light rail service operating in the CBD by 2008-2009, when the NSW Government will begin “Stage 1” of their transport plan. Proposed construction time for light rail is just 18 months and construction has been designed to cause limited disruption.

Mr Warrell said, “We have a real and viable solution. One that is ready to go. It is very hard to believe that the Government can ignore the fact that light rail is the most cost effective, environmentally responsible and sensible solution for Sydney CBD.”

*Paramics study 2004, Masson Wilson Twiney for NSW Roads and Traffic Authority

28/06/06

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS OF THE MAGICAL WORLD OF DISNEY ON ICE COMPETITION

The following lucky Metrokids members where the winners of double passes to The Magical World Of Disney On Ice opening night on 5 July 2006 PLUS a Monorail Family Supervoucher Day Pass. The total prize is worth more than $100 each.

Jackson E aged 8  from Morebank
Margaret B aged 10 from Leichhardt
Natasha W aged 8 from Willoughby
Joshua S aged 6 from Randwick

Tickets for The Magical World of Disney on Ice can also be booked through Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com.au or ph 136 100.

30/05/06

GRAB THE MONORAIL TO THE GOLF SHOW

The PGA Golf Show is Australia's largest annual golf industry forum, convening a variety of golf exhibitors, trade delegates and keen golfers from Australia & New Zealand and beyond. This industry gathering offers a two day golf trade show, as well as two days of public show, in an effort to promote and "grow the game."

The show will offer visitors a chance to the best on offer from companies featuring the latest, greatest golf technologies & equipment, golf holiday & real estate companies as well as a myriad of golf courses, resorts and organisations.

Additionally, the public show looks forward to a spectacular driving range where visitors can try out the newest golf clubs, a variety of exciting exhibitors and many chances to win golf prizes ranging from full sets of clubs to complete golf holidays!

If you are interested in golf (as an expert or a novice or anywhere in between), you won't want to miss this show!!

The 2006 PGA Golf Show Public Days Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July 2006 9.30am - 5.30pm Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre Show website www.pgaexpo.com.au Entry fees to the public show are as follows (all prices include GST):

• $17/adult
• $10.50/child or concessions
• $42/family (2 adults and up to 3 children under 16)
• $7.20/Metro Monorail Daypass (regularly $9)

To pre-purchase tickets and discounted Monorail Day passes (and be entered to win a set of His and Hers Drivers from MacGregor)

22/05/06

GOVERNMENT DEFIES LOGIC ON THE
LIGHT RAIL ISSUE

The State Government continues to defy logic as it argues against light rail, with leading members of the NSW Government and State Transit Authority distorting the facts to suit their arguments.

Building Light Rail in the CBD of Sydney would improve Sydney's transport nightmare as many independent studies and reports have stated. Light rail is an extremely well researched and a popular solution with retail, business, local Government and Sydney residents.

Yet despite regular and extensive briefings the State Government seemingly fails to understand basic transport planning issues, and now resorts to distorting the truth to support its case against light rail.

The facts are:

Congestion
The light rail WILL REDUCE congestion as one light rail vehicle can replace four buses. A light rail every two minutes is a better option for commuters than gridlocked buses. It is not “fanciful”, as mentioned by the Transport Minister, it is fact.

Costs
IT WILL NOT COST $1.5 BILLION, as stated by the NSW Government. The CBD light rail extension would cost $180m in total of which only $40m is needed from the public sector, the balance coming from the private sector.

East-West traffic flows in the City
These were modelled by the RTA and found to be unproblematic.

Interchange and buses
Approximately 6,000 passengers would interchange at Central under the CBD proposal, NOT 25,000 as suggested by the State Transit Authority. The proposal DOES NOT change any bus routes from East or South Sydney.

Interchange and journey times
Interchange would not add five to ten minutes onto a journey. The average interchange time would be one minute followed by a reliable and quick journey into the heart of the CBD. Overall journey times would be reduced and more importantly would be reliable to ensure passenger arrival times for work and other commitments. If interchange works in other World cities it is unclear why it would not work in Sydney.

Capacity
The amazing claim by the State Transit Authority that buses have higher capacity than light rail is completely incorrect and demonstrates a woeful understanding of transport planning. The capacity of light rail is three to four times that of a bus route.

Narrow streets
Sydney's streets are NOT too narrow for light rail as repetitively mentioned by the NSW Government – the width required by a light rail vehicle is LESS than that of a bus.

Sydney is unique
NO IT'S NOT. There are 400 cities worldwide that have successfully installed light rail which are not all so different to Sydney. Examples include Lisbon, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Zurich, Nottingham, London, Manchester, Portland, Los Angeles, Calgary, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Other road users
Trams in the CBD would not have any impact on other road users apart from a positive one by removing many buses from the streets. The CBD proposal takes over bus lanes, while other traffic is unaffected.

The CBD already has three modes of transport
True, and none of them work well. This is an attempt to fix surface mass transport in the CBD.

Government should spend money in Western Sydney
Agreed, but that does not mean that the heart of Sydney, the CBD, should be allowed to degenerate into an unworkable and congested mess. The funds required for this project are minimal compared to the money promised for other public transport reform not to mention the monies which are misspent every day by the Government.

19/05/06

LIGHT RAIL BACK IN THE MEDIA

The Sydney Morning Herald reports light rail as the solution to Sydney's transport woes according to an independant report.

19/05/2006
Transport Shambles click here to read

20/05/2006 - Editorial, Time's up for a transport fix

The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Saturday, "The Parsons Brinckerhoff report, revealed yesterday by the Herald under freedom of information law, is yet another major study which finds light rail for a city centre link is practicable and beneficial. It confirms our buses are overcrowded and slowing. Above ground some trips are now faster on foot; below it, trains and stations are close to capacity. The Transport Minister, John Watkins, looks dangerously like a man representing a Government without a clue. He cites arguments for discarding light rail which are not backed by the nearly 50 reports commissioned on the subject in the past decade. People will change from bus to light rail at well-designed interchanges on the edge of town if they see it makes trips faster overall. Buses have the biggest role to play in the new Sydney - on key cross-town, express and feeder services. But the city centre and a number of trunk routes into town are beyond bus capacity. Light rail will bring significant benefits to those corridors, leaving upgraded bus services to do the rest.” click here to read article