Sydney, a city renowned for its stunning beaches and scenic beauty, has earned a reputation as one of the most walkable cities globally. However, Sydneysiders often overlook their public transport system when listing the city’s greatest assets. Despite its challenges, Sydney Tops Australia Public Transport Rankings among Australia capital cities, according to a new report.
The Climate Council’s annual Next Stop Suburbia report revealed that only half of the 15 million people living in Australia’s five largest cities have access to frequent, all-day public transport. In this landscape, Sydney stands out, with its residents enjoying better connectivity than any other capital city in Australia.
The report assesses public transport systems in the five largest Australian cities based on factors such as population, population density, land area, and public transport maps. The findings indicate that 67.2% of Sydneysiders live in areas with access to the minimum level of public transport—defined as having an address within 800 meters or a 10-minute walk of a service that runs at least every 15 minutes between 7 AM and 7 PM. While this statistic is the highest among major Australian cities, it still leaves many Sydneysiders reliant on private cars, which are both expensive and polluting.
Despite the relatively high access rate, only 27% of Sydneysiders use public transport for their daily commute, with most opting for private cars instead. This discrepancy highlights the need for improved public transport options and better incentives for using them.
Australian Cities with the Most Challenging Public Transport
Brisbane ranks lowest among Australian cities for public transport accessibility, with only 33.7% of residents having access to frequent services, and a mere 14% using public transport for their daily commute.
Perth is the second worst, with 40.5% of residents having access to frequent public transport services. Adelaide follows closely in third place with 47.6%.
Surprisingly, Melbourne, despite its extensive tram network, ranks fourth, with 52.5% of residents having access to frequent public transport services throughout the day.
The report also highlights a significant disparity in public transport access between poorer and wealthier areas in most cities. In Sydney, however, lower-income areas are better connected than those in other major cities. Brisbane and Melbourne show a 27% lower access rate in poorer areas, while Adelaide and Perth have 19% and 18% lower rates, respectively. In Sydney, access is “about the same” in lower-income suburbs, indicating a more equitable distribution of public transport services.
The Path Forward: Sydney Metro and Beyond
The findings from the Climate Council’s report underscore the urgent need for government investment in public transport to enhance urban connectivity. Fortunately, Sydney’s public transport system is set for a significant upgrade with the forthcoming Sydney Metro. The recently announced opening date for the Sydney Metro promises to transform the city’s transport landscape, making it more efficient and accessible.
While Sydney faces major challenges, such as the ongoing housing crisis, the improvements in its public transport system offer a glimmer of hope. The full report and the Climate Council’s proposed solutions are available for those interested in exploring the details further.
With these developments, Sydney is on the path to becoming not only one of the most walkable cities but also a leader in public transport within Australia.
