Outer Sydney residents face higher car costs due to public transport scarcity

Outer Sydney residents face higher car costs due to public transport scarcity

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An alliance of outer Western Sydney councils is calling for more public transport funding, citing the region's expected 38 per cent of the city's population growth. The NSW transport minister has stated that business cases for expanding the Western Sydney Airport Metro were funded.

According to the Outer Western Sydney Alliance (OWSA), public transport is limited in the region. In Wollondilly Shire Council area, just 12 per cent of residents have regular public transport within 400 metres of home. In Wollondilly and Camden local council areas, residents live almost 9 kilometres from the nearest train station on average.

Caitlin Webster, a resident of the car-dependent outer south-western Sydney suburb of Wilton, shared her experience of relying on a car due to limited public transport options. She lives in an area serviced by only one bus route that does not go near her house.

Ms Webster's situation highlights the challenges faced by residents in outer Western Sydney. She was unable to leave her house for six weeks after having a baby, and even simple tasks like going to local shops would take over two hours to walk. Public transport options in the area are infrequent, making it difficult for residents to access essential services without a car.

The Outer Western Sydney Alliance wants more investment in rapid bus routes to address the public transport scarcity in the region. This move aims to provide residents with more convenient and accessible transportation options, reducing their reliance on cars and the associated costs.