FROM THE DESK OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

I just read another excellent piece on transport and suburban Melbourne, by Clay Lucas, at The Age.

So, I am going to say it.

John Brumby must be anti-public transport in Victoria.

(Many Australians would know John Brumby, but for international readers is state leader of Victoria, with the parliament seated in Melbourne, where 2thinknow is based. But I would also think this comment is constructive for other cities with much-maligned transit systems – especially some North American cities.)

It’s the only reason. Think about it:

Wasting over $1 Billion on a MYKI (ala Oyster) ticket swipe card system that should slow down entry/exit of trains and trams across Victoria and Melbourne.

Not spending aforesaid money on actual trains, trams or new routes.

More ring roads and toll-roads, although evidence suggest these have not improved transit times – especially due to feeder road bottle-necks.

Not replacing level crossings with tunnels or bridges – despite numerous deaths.

Badly designed trams with 1.5 seats instead of 2 seats.

Refusal to build new train or tram lines.

If one takes all the logical reasons, and assumes a rational reason for the recalcitrance, then there is only one reason. Most likely the reason is political.

Simply put – a poll-driven assumption that Victorians say they want transport but actually want roads. And the fact that Brumby simply doesn’t like public transport.

This may be disguised by some noble high-minded sounding excuses internally – based on practically incorrect assumptions on climate change, outsourcing or electoral boundaries; these are my guesses. But I suspect that Brumby and the Cabinet also simply don’t support public transport, but like to buy adverts on the topic.

I think that is out of touch. And I think their internal polling is wrong. I also think they are modelling a dated view of Victorians, far from the reality.

In 2thinknow City Benchmarking Data – global comparative standards of cities like Frankfurt, Curitiba, Denmark, Amsterdam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dusseldorf, Strasbourg and others – mainly in Europe – comprehensively outperform Melbourne.

These cities have developed integrated multi-modal transit solutions. And, at times, these cities have done so in less benign climates than faced Victoria under the Brumby-Bracks “economic honeymoon”.

Now, many Victorians have been to these cities in increasing numbers. In my casual conversations, the transport infrastructure of Singapore – one of Melbourne’s economic competing cities – is widely seen as out-performing Melbourne. This is public water cooler comment.

And, if I was a businessperson, locating a firm in Melbourne, Sydney or Singapore now I’d have to think hard about that decision. Transport, of course, is an opportunity for Brisbane – assuming they can ever sort out their new traffic problems.

Of course, Robert Doyle, Lord Mayor of Melbourne, catches the tram. I’ve seen him, numerous times. Round of applause.

Transport is only one aspect. Of course, if you want to learn more about how Human Infrastructure promotes innovation – purchase our Innovation Cities Analysis Report. My view, is that Melbourne is falling behind.

And, just because Sydney is a political basket-case, does not mean that Melbourne can stop competing just as Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo and Seoul accelerate.

I can only think that John Brumby doesn’t like trams or trains. I’m not partisan, or convinced the Liberals will do better, but transport is blocking Victoria releasing its innovation potential and damaging jobs not yet born.

And I think Brumby will find transport, and law and order, damaging electoral issues. You can’t spin your way out.

I’m a big believer in ‘correct alignment of incentives’.

My proposal, is that Victoria should pass a law that all politicians should catch public transport on sitting weeks.

If any politician has conviction – they would do just that.

Just a thought…

Keep innovating,

Christopher Hire
Executive Director

> Yet another put-upon Victorian! Well, OK, the Arts Precinct is good.