As the new transport minister for New South Wales, Jo Haylen has pledged to fix the state’s “broken” transportation infrastructure first.
Haylen told 9News that she had inherited a wide range of problems, including those with buses, ferries, and the contentious Korean-built rail fleet that caused strike action by transportation workers.
The minister is also attempting to address the reasons behind recent significant delays on Sydney’s train system and has laid the blame for these problems at the feet of the previous administration.
As the new transport minister for New South Wales, Jo Haylen has pledged to fix the state’s “broken” transportation infrastructure first.
“Passengers have experienced substantial cancellations and delays, and many of them were left stranded under the Liberal government,” she said.
“Simply put, people want to be able to arrive at work on time.
“That is what public transportation is all about, and we want to improve that system. I’m here to speak with those who can make that system function.”
Notwithstanding Haylen’s allegations of “abandonment” by the former Liberal government, Sydney Trains CEO Matt Longland has refuted any maintenance shortages.
Reviewing the top investments that will have the biggest impact is what we’re currently doing, according to Longland.
Especially the daily delays we experience across the network.
We want to get back to a trustworthy network that users can rely on.”
The fleet of intercity trains manufactured by Koren needs to undergo months-long, multibillion dollar modifications before it can be operated securely on the railroad network.
Travelers have also been inconvenienced by the bus system, which has become a major election issue, particularly on Sydney’s northern beaches.
In addition to promising to build future transportation vehicles in the state rather than elsewhere, Labor has also committed to creating a task group for buses to help improve the service for Sydneysiders.
