Media Coverage

Alan Squire interview on ABC 1233. 11th June 2010

Newcastle Deserves a Better Transport System

Heavy traffic, noisy roads, rising petrol prices, air pollution, a lack of parking, and no end in sight.

Smart, efficient, clean, fast and affordable public transport systems have operated for decades in cities much smaller than Newcastle.

With the recent plans to develop Newcastle city centre, one proposal by a group called 'Newcastle Transport for Business Development' is for a tram-train network that is a realistic and convenient transport option for the people of Newcastle and the Hunter.

The proposal involves a tram-train network for the Lower Hunter as an alternative to cutting the Newcastle railway. Hybrid tram-train technology would run on the heavy rail line complementing the existing heavy rail train services from Sydney and the Hunter.

Subsequent stages of the proposal would see the tram trains extended to the University, Maitland and Glendale linking with expressbuses to Charlestown, John Hunter Hospital, Raymond Terrace, Cessnock and the airport, with integrated ticketing throughout.

You can read more about the proposal in: Lower Hunter Tram Train Network.pdf

train-tram

Aspects of this proposal include:

Stage 1

  • New level and pedestrian crossings at Worth Place, Steel Street and Market Street
  • Light rail loops in Newcastle and The Junction and the Hunter Street Mall
  • An integrated ticketing system

Stage 2

  • Express tram-bus link between Charlestown and the University and transfer stations at Shortland and Tickhole
  • A light rail loop at the University of Newcastle
  • Glendale terminal loop to connect with the Lower Hunter Transport Interchange.

Stage 3

  • Cessnock, Raymond Terrace and Newcastle Airport Tram-Bus
  • Extension of the Lake Macquarie Line
  • Maitland Tramline

If you are in support of this proposal, you can let your voice be heard by signing the petition HERE

A1 Lower Hunter Tram/Train Network

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A2 Newcastle CBD Pedestrian Access Zones

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A3 Lower Hunter Express Rail Stations

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A4 Tram-Train Platforms, Access and Egress

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Charlestown/University Tram/Bus

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Charlestown / University Tram/Bus stops

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