NSW Govt faces transport pressure
The New South Wales Government is facing a three-pronged attack over its transport policies.
At the top of the list are reports that Cabinet is considering a proposal to overhaul security arrangements on the state's rail network.
The state's 600 transit officers would be sacked.
Instead the number of police dedicated to transport duties would be doubled from 300 to 600.
Transit officers have more limited powers to arrest and demand identification from passengers, and are armed only with a baton.
The position was created in 2002 because of concerns about private security guards who were then patrolling trains.
Opposition spokeswoman Penny Sharpe says fewer staff would put safety at risk.
"The question is, who is best to do the security? There are currently dedicated staff who have provided that role," Ms Sharpe said.
In early 2009 there were reports the then Labor government considered a very similar proposal.
Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian, then in opposition, condemned the prospect of any cut to security resources.
Back in the present, Ms Sharpe has also taken aim at the Government over legislation giving freight trains priority over passenger services, and the time-line for extending the Sydney Light Rail network.
An extension of the tram system further into the city's inner west, from the current final stop at Lilyfield to Dulwich Hill, was to have been completed by the end of next year.
Read More
At the top of the list are reports that Cabinet is considering a proposal to overhaul security arrangements on the state's rail network.
The state's 600 transit officers would be sacked.
Instead the number of police dedicated to transport duties would be doubled from 300 to 600.
Transit officers have more limited powers to arrest and demand identification from passengers, and are armed only with a baton.
The position was created in 2002 because of concerns about private security guards who were then patrolling trains.
Opposition spokeswoman Penny Sharpe says fewer staff would put safety at risk.
"The question is, who is best to do the security? There are currently dedicated staff who have provided that role," Ms Sharpe said.
In early 2009 there were reports the then Labor government considered a very similar proposal.
Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian, then in opposition, condemned the prospect of any cut to security resources.
Back in the present, Ms Sharpe has also taken aim at the Government over legislation giving freight trains priority over passenger services, and the time-line for extending the Sydney Light Rail network.
An extension of the tram system further into the city's inner west, from the current final stop at Lilyfield to Dulwich Hill, was to have been completed by the end of next year.
Read More
An extension of the tram system further into the city's inner west, from the current final stop at Lilyfield to Dulwich Hill, was to have been completed by the end of next year.
Movers Packers