‘Transformative Sustainable Infrastructure’

Posted by Rebecca Eggleston on February 05, 2009 |

While Perth, and most Australian cities, have a long way to go to transform themselves into sustainable exemplars, it is exciting to hear of the changes in motion and the benefits stemming from new planning, investment in transport infrastructure and TODs. 

“In Perth, this sprawling capital city is attempting—with a regional plan (Network City) and major new extensions of its rail system—to reduce dependence on private cars…. The journey-to-work data between 2001 and 2006 show that Perth increased its use of rail by 44 percent and its use of cars by just 15 percent.”  According to this new book, Green Urbanism Down Under, between 1991 – 2001 rail ridership grew from 8 million to 31 million riders per year and again to 47 million by 2005 as a result of new metro rail.  With the addition of a new extension recently completed, patronage is expected to double again – which would take Perth from no rail to 100 million passenger trips a year in 15 years. 

From a personal perspective, it is heartening to hear from home of all the people now using the new train line to get to work, their evening engagements and, of 'course,…

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