Sharath's Western Sydney Public Transport Inquiry Appearance (Building Beautifully)

On the 5th of February 2024, the second hearing of a NSW State Parliamentary Inquiry into the current and future public transport needs of Western Sydney took place. I appeared and spoke about what I believe needs to change in Western Sydney in order to reduce car dependency, improve transport outcomes for Western Sydneysiders, and make this city a better place for everyone to live. I spoke alongside Mrs Alison Dench, another Western Sydney resident.

[@calculator17]

Brilliant, future minister for transport for the 2041 Election!

[@CockatooTransit]

or earlier!

[@ConnorHogan-d8g]

Earlier please

[@rogerbeck3018]

pls add planning minister to your aspirations

[@aidenq]

Amazing work Sharath and Mrs Alison Dench! It's great that you gently reminded everyone that public transport has additional benefits outside of travelling to and from work. Hope to see you as transport minister one day!

[@completingsydney]

Congratulations on the appearance. Great work speaking for transport

[@OsakaBoi]

Wonderfully spoken, and representing the concerns of western sydney and your Viewers. Thank you

[@xyznihall]

as a western sydney resident, thank you so much sharath

[@MoleMedia]

perfectly spoken mate, thank you for representing Western Sydney with such wisdom.

[@steveremington]

An absolutely brilliant submission. You have a brilliant future ahead of you in whatever aspect of city / infrastructure planning you chose to focus on.

[@davidunwin7868]

Well done to both of you. Great to see the videos are not just videos but also taking action to make things better! 👏

[@lithyy2972]

Would have loved to be there myself, but im glad you were able to voice what i would have liked to say. Not only building Beautifully, but building a voter base if you ever go that way. godspeed

[@ads998]

Sharath, you're my new hero! Well done brother. Very well structured, clear and excellently delivered 👌

[@mofo78536]

AI Summary of this video based on video transcription In the video from the "Building Beautifully Alt" KZbin channel, Sharath presents at the NSW State Parliamentary Inquiry on February 5, 2024, focusing on public transport needs in Western Sydney. He advocates for significant changes to reduce car dependency and enhance public transport services for the residents of Western Sydney. Sharath, alongside Mrs. Alison Dench, a fellow resident, highlights the disparities in public transport infrastructure between Western Sydney and more central areas of the city. Key points discussed include: - The necessity for increased investment in public transport infrastructure to serve the growing population of Western Sydney. - Proposals for new Metro extensions and improvements to existing bus services to ensure more frequent and reliable transport options. - The importance of integrating transport planning with urban development to promote denser housing near public transport hubs, reducing the reliance on cars. - The social and economic benefits of improved public transport, including better access to employment, education, and healthcare. The video emphasizes the urgency of addressing these issues to make Western Sydney a more equitable and sustainable place to live, with a focus on public transport as a catalyst for positive change. The specific outcomes or decisions resulting from the inquiry are not detailed in the description, suggesting the video primarily covers the testimony and perspectives shared by Sharath and Mrs. Dench during the hearing. Based on the transcript, recommendations made by Sharath and Mrs. Alison Dench during their appearance at the NSW State Parliamentary Inquiry into the current and future public transport needs of Western Sydney include: 1. **Increased Investment in Public Transport Infrastructure**: A call for substantial government investment in public transport to cater to the growing population of Western Sydney and reduce car dependency. This includes the construction of new Metro lines, extensions of existing ones, and improvements to bus services. 2. **Integration of Transport Planning with Urban Development**: Advocating for a strategic approach that combines transport infrastructure development with urban planning to encourage denser housing near public transport hubs, facilitating easier access to services and reducing reliance on private vehicles. 3. **Frequent and Reliable Bus Services**: Highlighting the need for more frequent and reliable bus services as an immediate solution to improve public transport accessibility, particularly in areas not currently serviced by rail or Metro. 4. **Extension of Metro Services**: Specific proposals for extending the Sydney Metro Southwest to Liverpool, the Sydney Metro Northwest to Schofields and St Marys, and the Southwest Rail Link to the new Western Sydney Airport. Also, the creation of a North-South Metro line through Paramatta to improve connectivity between different parts of Western Sydney. 5. **Focus on Equity and Accessibility**: Ensuring that public transport developments prioritize equity and accessibility, catering to the diverse needs of Western Sydney residents, including those in newly developed and high-growth areas. 6. **Community Engagement and Feedback**: The importance of incorporating community feedback and needs into transport planning and infrastructure development to ensure that public transport services meet the actual needs of Western Sydney residents. 7. **Socioeconomic Considerations in Transport Planning**: Recognizing the broader socioeconomic benefits of improved public transport, such as enhanced access to employment, education, health services, and reduced environmental impact, and incorporating these considerations into transport planning and investment decisions. These recommendations aim to address the current shortcomings in Western Sydney's public transport system and propose a vision for a more connected, equitable, and sustainable transport future for the region.

[@I_LOVE_THE_SUNCOAST]

Hello from USA, this is very informative, thank you for sharing.

[@josephj6521]

Great speech. I think a rail link between Dee Why, Pymble, Macquarie Park, Strathfield and Hurstville is a must! It’ll assist everyone as this links many working areas. Those people behind that desk appear dismissive. I don’t think they truly understand or care? Cost this, cost that. FFS, we need more rail EVERYWHERE! East, west, north, south. Strangely the Tullawong to Schofields link wasn’t built originally. Strange. It’s a no brainer to extend the railway from the new airport to the south west. As for building UP, we need BETTER quality apartments. 5 bedroom with triple parking space (yes, we will still need cars). There is nothing for families. Zero! 1 & 2 bedroom apartments just force families further away. There are no other alternatives.

[@Wesda]

Sharath absolutely drippin 🔥

[@apsley8704]

Awesome job! I’d absolutely love for you to speak upon the lack of transport in Newcastle as i feel like we are left in the dark when it comes to public transport.. Only 1.7% of our population uses public transport and 53% used private vehicles as per 2021 Census and being NSW’s second biggest city this huge lack of usage is quite upsetting

[@daveb3987]

Outstanding, Sharath! Your passion, drive and expertise on all of this give great promise for the liveable future of Sydney. If Sydney could have transport like Singapore's MRT and buses it would be heaven on earth. Let's just hope the right people in power actually get it and can stave off the greedy developers.

[@Ram8as]

I live in Cambridge Park NSW and where I live, buses on my route comes every hour but the 780 comes more often...frequent buses is a must to cater for late buses due to traffic.

[@the_black_douglas9041]

Onya Sharath!! As a Belmore resident, and having grown up in Hong Kong, up and not out is the way forward. But I think, as you say, planning should be stripped from councils. Too much corruption to ensure affordable quality homes. Have a look at the Coronation property story currently unfolding…

[@eddaines237]

Well done both. Very eloquently made points.

[@anilthapa-wu1wn]

hey mate, love your work mate :) Keep doing what you doing. Quick bang for the buck projects in my view are 1) Tallawong to Schofield current Metro extension, 2) Carlingford to Epping current light rail extension, 3) Dulwich Hill to Strathfield current light Rail extension, 4) Leppington to Western Sydney airport current heavy rail extension, 4) Moore Park to Bondi Junction & Bondi Beach current light rail extension. Medium Term projects in my view 1) Western Sydney Airport to McCarthur/Picton (via Appin, Wilton, Narellan, Oran Park etc) Metro extension, 2) St Mary's to Tallawong/Schofield Metro Extension, 3) Bankstown to Western Sydney Airport Metro Extension via Liverpool, Hoxton Park, Austral using existing train lines from Bankstown to Liverpool. Long term Projects in my view 1) Parramatta to city Metro already committed 2) Schofield to Richmond Metro, 3) Fast train (bullet train) from Goulburn/Canberra to MacCarthur (Phase I), extending to Western Sydney Airport (Bradfield city) for Phase II and Parramatta for Phase III, 3) Newcastle to Epping Fast train (Bullet Train)

[@ChristianWiley-cf8gx]

Well done to both of you. I appreciate your points about circumferential travel and connecting hubs within Western Sydney. Many of our industries are not located in the "CBD" such as healthcare, education, and retail (I put "CBD" in quotations because it is not centrally located being about 20km east of the actual population centre of Sydney). People also use public transport for non work purposes (visiting friends, local shopping, leisure, entertainment, sporting events). Your previous story on the surprisingly high demand for Singapore metro's circumferential lines show how planners sometimes don't appreciate the demand for this type of travel.

[@RelaxNChillOut]

I agree there with everyone, I recommend you run for Transport Minister Sharath. Question though, has any public infrastructure ever run a profit? from any country?

[@samphelps856]

Thank you!

[@roadtonowherefilms]

Incredible work Sharath. Well done

[@adammuggleton4107]

The metro west line should be extended east to have a station at Randwick’s hospital precinct. Hence providing a direct connection Westmead Hospital. Kind of a no brainer.

[@jeffwilliams5671]

Giving evidence next to a local legend, Ally as well. Love both of your works.

[@TejasPitale-wo1gr]

Awesome, I hope you make big strides in the future!

[@yggdrasil9039]

Well said. Improved public transport via Metro is a no-brainer. Well pointed out on Metro extensions and the North-South line which is completely lacking, a bizarre omission. Another point that is unbelievable is why Carlingford does not connect to Epping (????). It's such a no-brainer to connect train lines that are right next to each other.

[@mt-mg7tt]

Carlingford to Epping was sort of planned early on, when it was still a heavy rail line. Now that is being converted to Light Rail, it would have to continue as LR to Epping. There might be some difficulties with putting LR on (say) the roads to Epping, but it would be nice, as it’s a nuisance getting between these suburbs.

[@yggdrasil9039]

@@mt-mg7tt I looked at the route and it's a tunnel from Carlingford under the A28 and then emerging on the eastern side and straight down the middle of Carlingford road to Epping. It would require a redesign of Carlingford road as a clearway obviously, but nothing too complex. I don't live anywhere near this area, but I used to use Sydney's clapped out pt network and the disconnected nature of the network is next level. I gave up long ago and now drive everywhere.

[@yggdrasil9039]

@@mt-mg7tt it's nothing to do with getting between Epping and Carlo or Epping and Parra. It's about connecting Parra to the entire north shore network, and every single station on the new Metro, northern and north shore lines. Without having to go via fricking central every time. Honestly Sydney pt planning.. it's next level dumb dumb

[@mt-mg7tt]

@sil9039 I agree that linking Epping and Carlingford would improve connectivity right across the region. But it WOULD locally improve things as well. One does not exclude the other. I mentioned local surface routes because one of the original schemes involved continuing HR to Epping. Sharath even covered this - there is still a strip of land going from Carlingford station north-east for some distance. Owing to KZbin's awful interface, I cannot find your 2nd comment again, but a tunnel under the road could be done and was considered IIRC. But putting LR in long tunnels tends to be frowned upon (it would have to be a continuation of the LR, or else a HR spur from Epping). There were other schemes such as continuing the Carlingford line to join with the proposed NW heavy rail, but the latter scheme was stupidly cancelled, and then revived but as the NW Metro. And there WAS a scheme to do HR from Parra to the Carlingford line. I think the new LR link from Parra to Camellia sort of follows its once-proposed route. And yes Sydney "planning" is mega-dumb! What would Bradfield say if he saw the current mess?

[@yggdrasil9039]

@@mt-mg7tt Yep that's correct I recall the old heavy rail proposal for Chatswood - Parramatta announced by the Labor Govt in the 2000s but never, like so many projects that never saw the light of day, executed. What's frustrating in Sydney's transport system is its disconnectivity. That's also the case for roads new release suburbs that only connect to a main road at a single point, meaning the suburb is bottle-necked at that point. I guess it's to reduce rat-runners, but only having a single point of entry and exit (eg. Marsden Park, and many many other new release suburbs in the NW), which is a recipe for congestion (I notice Richmond Road is congested even on a Sunday now!) Roads, LR and HR lines and even bicycle paths that don't quite connect seems to be a signature move for Sydney. From my knowledge of that area LR would not need to be in a long tunnel, just a cutting and then a short tunnel under the A28, emerging fairly soon after at Carlingford Road above ground. There could be a stop here where the road is wider and a traffic island could be built for people alighting on the Eastern side of Carlo Rd, and/or there could be one extra stop perhaps halfway down Carlingford road with a traffic light to allow people to alight and cross the remaining road lane in safety. There would be some noise abatement for residents needed, though not much as trams/LR like EVs are often eerily quiet. The remaining lane would obviously have to become a clearway so cars could pass when trams were on the centre track. Stabling would remain at the other end of the line (Westmead I believe) so there would just be a turn-around at Epping where trams would switch tracks and switch directions for their return journey where the bus interchange currently is.

[@blastoiseddr]

So proud of you, it feels like youre in the big leagues now!

[@jack2453]

Well done Sharath. Lots of sense spoken. But you need to take on board the points about making use of existing under-used rail lines e.g. Parramatta to Bankstown via Auburn. Like buses, these links can provide good quality interim solutions while we're waiting for metros.

[@hayekianman]

how can we ensure the denser buildings near metro stations are of really good quality. sydneysiders have been burnt by crappy apartment buildings in the last few years. mascot towers, olmpic park towers etc come to mind. just leave this to demand and supply?

[@pousis101]

Good on you.👍

[@waltercoslovi6404]

Between Sutherland and Cronulla our buses run hourly, would like them to run half hourly maybe also run small size EV buses.

[@JoseDownUnder]

Well done mate 👏👏

[@brettyallop6018]

40% in so far and open and honest criticism / feedback are; 1. I preferred your speech compared to your counterparts, at least you offered ideas and potential solutions! 2. Divided about the introduction but that was probably driven by 'the rule' rather than your message to the inquiry/government. As a western Sydney residenI who relies on public transport albeit too nfrequently for my liking for social connection and interaction I 100 % agree all Governments both current and ;the future should invest in infrastructure for the engine room of our society, Western Sydney!

[@mt-mg7tt]

It would be better to do HEAVY rail to WSA, and do HR/Metro interchange AT the airport. This would eliminate and annoying and inconvenient mode change at Glenfield, AND allow freight trains to move cargo to/from the airport. After all, it’s allegedly meant to be primarily a freight airport at least in the beginning, and without HR it forces all cargo onto trucks.

[@Triple-N]

The reason we commute to CBD is for jobs... So maybe the private sector also need to play its part in this? Why do organisations need to have head offices in the city. Could organisation set up shop city centres outside of the Sydney CBD? For example, if majority of their workforce or it's operations is based in Western Sydney, why have a head office away from it? Maybe the government needs to put incentives in places to entice the private sector to do this?

[@mcdoogs3037]

Well done mate

[@davemail66]

The closure of the Ropes Creek line is a fine example of the govt's stupidity and severe lack of future planning. Back in the days when this branch line was open and operating passenger rail services, there was minimal or no housing around the lines three railway stations. Yet today in 2024, there are new homes and housing estates everywhere along the old lines easement......but yet public transport (by rail) no longer exists, just crazy!

[@doggowhisperer6844]

Why is it that for these type of inquiries they always select pollies that have minimal knowledge of the subject matter. No wonder we’re so far behind where we need to be on public infrastructure.

[@davidhack2409]

Doing the lords work 🙏

[@harrygroundwater2590]

Indeed

[@jagerparigi6941]

fuck yeah keep up the good work, insane data and insane theory

[@dariuslankarian3282]

Good luck building up in the eastern suburbs, thats where the politicians and developers live. This is when democracy shows its limits when it comes to the greater good.

[@au009044]

Well done, mate! But where is your hat?

[@pw70]

Who was on the panel? Can't see all their names.

[@prazzo1232]

Excellent, but why is she calling you Miss Mahendran??

[@nicholasdemetriades3480]

👏👏👏

[@technobd]

Keep up the good work! A lot of these ideas get squashed in real life by ministers who wants to cut more ribbons by making multiple projects out of a great single project to get more votes at the elections.

[@1969Risky]

Sharath, what you've pointed out sounds good on paper, but how is it going to get funded? Govt sources & money are finite so don't expect anything like you have stated happening until the 22nd century. You also keep forgetting like everyone else in Sydney, that Sydney is not NSW. Remember that there are regional areas that don't have what western Sydney has now. Western Sydney is extremely lucky to have what it has now. The regional areas of NSW are worse off more than Sydney more than ever. If the population of Sydney needs to expand, then incentive for business, govt agencies & health services must be part of the infrastructure to get Sydneysiders to go regional. Renting in Sydney is high but finite as we see & hear via news outlets. What Western Sydney wants now is what all of regional NSW wants. If you want what you stated for Western Sydney, be prepared for rent hikes, more taxes & real estate prices going through the roof on top of bad developers that can't keep in tuned with building regulations.

[@gabriel3.16]

Nothing will happen.

[@jethrotaylor2614]

the obvious solution for Western Sydney is trackless trams

[@josiahhosking3211]

Absolutely what miss Dench and Sharoth have mentioned. Both have strong and insightful information which is critical to our public transportation build in and around Sydney. Wonderful to these two guests speakers. The government should listen to the public. Not the politicians. They say if you build, and people will come. 💚💚🫶🫶🥰👋👏👍🏳️‍🌈🇦🇺🚆

[@hrssong]

Thank you! The priority should be western sydney airport metro line connecting to Glenfield station. Its shorter and more cost effective than linking Schofield all the way to Marsden park to St Mary’s. This will take another 20years…. Also connecting to Glenfield creates corridor and link to our current Mascot airport and people coming from city!

[@jamesrichardson645]

We already have half the line already connected to Leppington.

[@rileyeyeyy]

Imo it could definitely be done with our existing heavy rail but any connection to glenfield is better than the planned buses for south west Sydney

[@Wefdog85]

Heavy rain is dead. May as well rip up all of the heavy rain and convert to metro. Unfortunately there don't seem to be any people publicly speaking about building up heavy rail.

[@douglachman7330]

This shows the commitment to your public transport improvement and awareness interest. Well done and thank you.

[@kingstn16]

Raised valid points. Future transport minister.

[@electro_sykes]

if we do it later, it will just cost more. Sharath is the next Bradfield

[@MrCordycep]

It's great to see two speakers who made excellent arguments and a group of MLCs who while weren't familiar with the topic, they were willing to listen and understand.

[@chopstir23]

Thank you for representing us. Well spoken and well educated speech and responces.

[@Damien_Marquez]

These state MPs look like rabbits in headlights. Some of the questions they're asking are so basic is shows that they haven't done their homework.

[@tikasvtec]

Sharath needs to ease up with so many facts and so much common sense. Government can’t handle this.

[@mdorey]

Great talk! and congrats for running with such an opportunity!

[@jasperli]

Very well done, Sharath!

[@Ajayb0rkar]

Thanks Sharath. Hope the transport improves for west and norwest

[@Mick_Unfiltered]

Well said! Both of you.

[@philipmaxwell669]

Good on you Sharath ! Keep the good work going

[@RalphButtigieg]

Wear a shirt and tie next time

[@waltercoslovi6404]

Great speech and presentation. As someone that lives in the Sutherland area, if I need to go to the airport at Kingsford Smith I could either drive or catch a train change at Wolli Creek then to the airport but if I need to go to Badgerys Creek I would have to go to St Mary's to catch the metro to the airport, so why or are they planning an extension from the airport to Leppington Station and then join up at Glenfield and the Sydney airport line and have express trains between both. Maybe you can look into it. Thanks Sharath.

[@syphon_9892]

I really hope they are listening and writing down everything you have said Sharath, but i wouldn't trust the green party

[@antonrizzo6750]

Well done Sharath. Sharath for transport minister, premier, PM!

[@PalePaw-dr8cg]

So proud of you and the achievements you deserved. Im looking forward to your future move to have a significant impact on many lives.❤

[@scottmacarthur5572]

Legend!

[@nathanjsimpson]

More new rail (both heavy rail and Metro) is needed, not wasteful upgrades. What could have been done with the money that is being spent on replacing the Bankstown line? Will residents see an improved service? Are the many months of inconvenience and bus replacement services going to be worth it? I think not.

[@pleasecallmedoctor]

Well done Sharath. You are articulate and very thoughtful in your evidence. One challenge you did "glaze over" was that of money - where will the government find the money to continue to invest in more PT. Noting that roads serve more than just commuters, they are also used by emergency services, logistics, goods and freight. So it is not quite an "either or" equation between roads and PT. The government is also facing exponentially high budget pressure on health and education. What do you suggest the solution is?