Save Our Rail Lower Hunter Transport Plan

Both major political parties have indicated an interest in an alternative transport plan, with statements that the line should not be closed until a "better" plan is in place.

Save Our Rail has this better plan "in train!" Our Technical and Research Team, headed by Darrell Harris, is preparing to launch a major initiative which would improve and revitalise all transport within the Lower Hunter area.

Why Do We Need A New Lower Hunter Transport Plan?

• The Lower Hunter Transport Working Group's plan was a failure.
• Transport Minister Watkins wants a BETTER Transport plan.
• NSW has the worst state public transport system in Australia.
• NSW Rail services have been neglected for decades.
• The government says it wants to get people out of motorcars.
• The government says it supports the Kyoto Protocol.
• Car users say petrol and parking are too expensive.
• Car users say Newcastle roads & intersections are too congested.
• Commuters say that buses are too slow & infrequent.
• Commuters say buses don't go where & when they want to go.
• Elderly & young people say it's BETTER travelling by train.
• Disabled people don't want to negotiate steps.
• Vision impaired people can't tell a bus from a truck.
• Cyclists & surfers say travelling on buses is near impossible.
• Rail travellers don't want a forced interchange to a bus.
• All commuters want the fastest, most economical & safest travel.

A Summary of the Save Our Rail Lower Hunter Transport Plan

1. Will provide fare-free travel to Cessnock, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Newcastle, and Port Stephens local government areas.
2. Fare free travel will apply to all bus, rail and ferry transport starting and ending within the Lower Hunter transport area.
3. One Lower Hunter Transport Authority shall regulate all transport in the Lower Hunter.
4. Profits that result from this plan will be returned to the Lower Hunter to further improve local transport.
5. Government will need to inject approximately M$50 initially. This is less than the cost of the proposed rail services closure.
6. Lower Hunter Commuters can save more than $1500 annually of their present travel costs. Many car users and public transport travellers presently pay. BONUS! Sell your second car!
7. Lower Hunter business & ratepayers will be asked to contribute about $20 annually to the Plan.
8. Buses will travel 15% to 20% faster by not collecting fares.
9. Because the system will be so attractive many people will want to leave their cars at home, freeing up roads and car parking spaces for those who must travel by car.
10. Ratepayers will also benefit because less parking is required, less parking stations will need to be built and maintained.
11. Because the same number of people will be travelling but they won't be on the roads, intersections will be freed up.
12. Deaths from pollution and road accidents will decline.

Readers, this is your plan. Save Our Rail needs your ideas. Please write, phone or email us. Tell us if you like the proposals listed in the above summary. Do you have more or better ideas?

Proposal for Newcastle Station with new buildings
according to SOR Lower Hunter Transport Plan.
Artistic concept by Joan Dawson.
(click image to enlarge)

Landscaped Rail Corridor proposed in the winning
design from the 1981 Newcastle Harbour Foreshore Competion.
Prepared by the Parks and Playgrounds
Movement for Save Our Rail.
(click image to enlarge)

Proposal for Civic Station showing pedestrian plaza
according to SOR Lower Hunter Transport Plan.
Artistic concept by Joan Dawson.
(click image to enlarge)

Proposal for Civic Station showing island platform
according to SOR Lower Hunter Transport Plan.
Artistic concept by Joan Dawson.
(click image to enlarge)

Proposal for Civic Station showing relocated kiosk
according to SOR Lower Hunter Transport Plan.
Artistic concept by Joan Dawson.
(click image to enlarge)

Proposal for Hamilton Station with island platform
according to SOR Lower Hunter Transport Plan.
Artistic concept by Joan Dawson.
The existing station building is just visible on the far right.
(click image to enlarge)