More Park-and-Ride facilities needed

NRMA Motoring & Services is calling on the NSW and local governments to get serious about planning for and delivering improved Park-and-Ride facilities to get more local commuters on public transport.

During a meeting at Broadmeadow Station with Newcastle Lord Mayor Clr John Tate today, NRMA local Director Kyle Loades and NRMA President Alan Evans highlighted an undeveloped parcel of land on Graham Road - between Teramby Road and Chatham Street - that could be used to expand the existing commuter parking facilities.

"The NRMA believes that governments need to coordinate their planning and commit to delivering increased Park-and-Ride facilities for Hunter commuters," Mr Loades said.

"This vacant land parcel on Graham Road - adjacent to the existing Broadmeadow Station car park - is just one example of where local Park-and-Ride facilities could be expanded to get more motorists onto public transport.

"A larger Park-and-Ride facility here would take pressure off families who are currently forced to drive to work and spend increasing amounts on petrol and car maintenance, as well as reducing traffic congestion."

Earlier this year, the NRMA completed a report on Park-and-Ride facilities in NSW and surveyed 600 motorists about their transport habits.

The statewide survey revealed almost half 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 Park-and-Ride study found a lack of safe parking facilities as the main reason why more Newcastle residents don't drive to the station and catch the train to work.

Mr Loades said it's time for local and state governments and infrastructure providers to get serious about making local Park-and-Ride facilities - like that here at Broadmeadow - a more attractive option for commuters.