victoria public transport to get $4bn boost in

Victoria public transport to get $4bn boost in state budget
AAP
http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/4b-boost-for-Victoria-public-transport-RPS5R?OpenDocument


The Victorian government will spend $4 billion to improve the state's transport systems in Tuesday's state budget.

The Herald Sun newspaper says the record transport spend will be split evenly between roads and public transport and aimed at cutting overcrowding and delays on the rails and easing road congestion.

The newspaper said Premier John Brumby and Treasurer John Lenders will also forge ahead with their $38 billion transport wish list, seeking federal funding to complete projects including:

- $650 million to buy 20 extra trains to complement the 18 already ordered;

- $200 million to electrify the rail line from Sydenham to Sunbury, beginning early next year;

- 14 more trains a week on the Maryborough to Ballarat rail line;

- $400 million for the first stage of the $1.9 billion Metro ring road project; and,

- $475 million to improve roads in suburban hubs such as Ringwood and Broadmeadows.

The government will borrow heavily to fulfil the increased transport spend, with debt to rise from $6 billion now to $16 billion by 2012, the newspaper said.