Tram no Metro

There’s been a lot of discussion on the light rail proposal to serve the new employment zone proposed for Fishermans Bend.

It’s worth reflecting on similar issues encountered with the development of Canary Wharf in London; a metro line was initially promised but delivery delayed and development stagnated.

The Docklands Light Railway provided an inadequate stop-gap (think trams in Melbourne). Only with the Jubilee Line and now CrossRail (both without bridges over the Thames) has Canary Wharf thrived.

The lesson learnt has been the importance of a high capacity regular metro type service to provide the connectivity that will facilitate development. As was the case in London, light rail is not a viable solution.

It’s perhaps worth noting that as an interim measure buses should be able to provide the same capacity as trams but without the upfront infrastructure costs and the detrimental impact to the public amenity of the river.

Paul Rea

Bike danger

I wish to support the essence of Farah Hassim’s letter regarding the dangers associated by allowing cyclists to use New Quay Promenade. As a long-term resident on the Promenade I have seen numerous accidents caused by speeding cyclists including a lady in her 60s and a boy 8 years old, both of whom required serious medical attention.

These cyclists use the promenade as a shortcut to their work destinations. So, the idea of riding in a sedate and careful manner has no appeal and pedestrians and tourists alike regardless of their age have to, at risk to themselves, avoid the speeding danger.

Tax payers have already funded a legitimate bike track i.e. Harbour Esplanade and Docklands Drive, and it should be illegal and a serious offence for cyclists to abuse the tax payer-funded pedestrian walkways.

Grant Claughton