❓ Opposition questions the Transport Minister about the cost of a proposed bus system as an alternative to the MAX light rail project, specifically regarding cost escalation.
AnsweredQoN 135Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
METRO AREA
EXPRESS LIGHT RAIL — REPLACEMENT BUS SYSTEM
135. Ms R. SAFFIOTI to the
Minister for Transport:
I refer to the minister's estimated cost of $1.2 billion
for a bus system to replace the Liberal Party's election commitment of
the MAX light rail system.
(1) Is the $1.2 billion figure escalated?
(2) If yes to (1), what year is it escalated to?
(3) What is the base year for the escalation?
EXPRESS LIGHT RAIL — REPLACEMENT BUS SYSTEM
135. Ms R. SAFFIOTI to the
Minister for Transport:
I refer to the minister's estimated cost of $1.2 billion
for a bus system to replace the Liberal Party's election commitment of
the MAX light rail system.
(1) Is the $1.2 billion figure escalated?
(2) If yes to (1), what year is it escalated to?
(3) What is the base year for the escalation?
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(3) We
have a preliminary analysis that suggests that we should further consider a bus
service in a dedicated lane over a light rail solution. The only difference we
are talking about is whether it is metal wheels or rubber wheels—everything
else is the same. As I said yesterday, in 2008 it was part of the Labor Party's
strategy to deliver a super bus service. We are talking about the costings. The
plan we are looking at for the MAX service, whether it be bus or light rail, is
to commence in 2017–18. So, the costing estimates are based on that
time frame. We have a preliminary analysis, and we have already said that we
are going to review it. We have not said that we are not going to do a light
rail. We have said that it is my responsibility to be prudent and to ensure
that I investigate to see whether I am delivering the best possible solution
for the community of Perth, and that is what I will do.
have a preliminary analysis that suggests that we should further consider a bus
service in a dedicated lane over a light rail solution. The only difference we
are talking about is whether it is metal wheels or rubber wheels—everything
else is the same. As I said yesterday, in 2008 it was part of the Labor Party's
strategy to deliver a super bus service. We are talking about the costings. The
plan we are looking at for the MAX service, whether it be bus or light rail, is
to commence in 2017–18. So, the costing estimates are based on that
time frame. We have a preliminary analysis, and we have already said that we
are going to review it. We have not said that we are not going to do a light
rail. We have said that it is my responsibility to be prudent and to ensure
that I investigate to see whether I am delivering the best possible solution
for the community of Perth, and that is what I will do.
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