Transport experts attending the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) Transporting Communities into 2030 Conference gave a healthy report card to the Melbourne 2030 policy framework but felt Vancouver had the edge as most liveable city for its strong focus on integrated metropolitan planning and community engagement in decision making.
MAV President, Councillor Geoff Lake, said pre-eminent transport strategists clearly identified governance arrangements, pricing and funding for transport and integrated planning as areas that need to be addressed to meet the challenge of housing an extra million people in Melbourne by 2030.
“The Vancouver model was applauded by speakers and delegates as one of the world’s best examples of how cities become more economically efficient, reduce congestion and improve quality of life,” he said. “Under this model, the Provincial (State) Government devolved responsibility for transport planning to a regional structure, constituted by the metropolitan Councils. This led to better cooperation and improved services for the entire metropolitan area.”
During her presentation, Dr Ann McAfee, Co Director of City Plans in Vancouver, said her Council’s approach had taken the community from NIMBY (not in my back yard) to YIMBY (yes in my back yard).
Councillor Lake said it was heartening to hear expert evidence that big changes in public transport patronage were possible through road space reallocation, as well as road user and congestion pricing.
“Bus rapid transit was identified by many speakers as a workable option for achieving Melbourne’s target of converting 20 per cent of motorised trips to public transport by 2020,” he said. “Freeing up road space for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport through establishing dedicated bus lanes has led to an increase in economic activity in areas of the United Kingdom and also leverages the massive investment already made in road and highway infrastructure.
“Other issues highlighted as being real problems for metropolitan Melbourne include the current lack of public transport choices in outer suburbs and a need for Commonwealth funding for public transport.
