Forced to drive

Motorists are steering clear of some of Sydney's busiest train stations and driving to work because of a lack of parking facilities, according to a new report by NRMA Motoring & Services.

NRMA's 'Park and Ride' report revealed almost half (43 per cent) of the 600 motorists surveyed said they would use Park and Ride facilities rather than drive to work if more facilities were available in secure areas.

Only 18 per cent currently travel to work by public transport and 37 per cent of those drive and park at the train station.

The survey found a lack of safe parking facilities as the main reason why more people don´t drive to the station and catch the train to work.

"More than 80 per cent of motorists currently drive to work - we could get that number down considerably if motorists were given the option of driving to the station and parking in a secure, well-lit parking space," NRMA President Alan Evans said.

"Motorists would rather the convenience of using public transport but often the time it takes to get from their home to the train station and the lack of parking makes the train ride less attractive.

"Park and Ride facilities are seen as an excellent link between having to use the car for the whole journey to work and using public transport.

"Currently most motorists are left with no choice but to drive to work, which adds to traffic congestion, increases the weekly fuel bill and leads to more carbon emissions.

"Increasing the number of Park and Ride facilities at suburban train stations and bus stops has the additional benefit of freeing up spaces in the city."

The NRMA report found a critical shortage of Park and Ride facilities at some of the state's busiest train stations between 6:30am and 9:00am:

• Strathfield 23 spaces; 10,700 commuters.
• Hornsby 350 spaces; 7,290 commuters.
• Parramatta 780 spaces; 15,190 commuters.
• Bankstown 170 spaces; 4,720 commuters.
• Kogarah 330 spaces; 6,770 commuters.

The report found Campbelltown, one of Sydney's fastest growing areas only had 735 spaces for 4,560 commuters and Sutherland had 500 spaces for 4,700 commuters between 6:30am and 9:00am.

Mr Evans said the State Government, local councils and the business community needed to work together to plan and build more Park and Ride facilities at local train stations.

"More than 60 per cent of motorists surveyed said the Government should make more parking available," Mr Evans said.

"We need more parking spaces built at local train stations that have adequate lighting and security - that is a great way to entice motorists away from the roads and on to trains.

"Without this most motorists are forced to drive to work."

The NRMA report also identified a need for more 'Kiss and Ride' facilities at train stations - designated stopping bays near train stations that allow people to get dropped off at the station by loved ones without getting booked.

Some of Sydney's busiest stations have no Kiss and Ride facilities, including Epping,Sutherland, Burwood, Bankstown and Thornleigh.

"Kiss and Ride facilities make it easier for people to get a lift to the station and home without having to take the car," Mr Evans said.

"Too many of our busiest train stations have nowhere for people to stop legally and in a safe place to pick up and drop off moved ones - this needs to be addressed."