Sydney's CBD will be transformed with new light rail, a cycle network and speed limits slashed to 40km/h under a radical proposal to be unveiled Today.
The Daily Telegraph says it's understood Premier Kristina Keneally and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore will sign a memorandum of understanding to inject new life into the CBD as part of the Government's $50.2 billion Metropolitan Transport Plan.
But the plan has already drawn scorn from the Opposition, with Shadow Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian saying Sydney commuters shouldn't hold their breath, reports the ABC.
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The memorandum will have 16 key initiatives, including: construction of new light rail through the CBD; reducing the CBD speed limit to 40 km/h; creating a separated cycle network in the CBD; Reducing wait times for pedestrians in peak periods; and implementing a metropolitan parking policy.
The overhaul is intended to support economic development, jobs growth and Sydney's role as a global city.
It's also hoped it will make the CBD an attractive place to live and work and ensure the city centre is well served by its public transport, pedestrian, cycling and road networks.
It will be driven by a new steering committee which will include senior representatives from the Roads and Traffic Authority, State Transport Authority, RailCorp, City of Sydney, the Department of Planning and the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
The new memorandum will recognise that light rail is the key to improving traffic flows and reducing congestion.
