Latest news with #JoHaylen
Sydney Morning Herald
29-07-2025
- Automotive
- Sydney Morning Herald
You're paid to cycle to work in France and the Netherlands. Sydney could be next
Sydney commuters would be paid to ride an e-bike or e-scooter to work under a European-inspired financial incentive scheme being assessed by the NSW government, in a bid to promote the uptake of electric-powered devices on streets across the state. Financial incentives for e-micromobility devices were proposed in a secret internal document circulated by a senior government bureaucrat in October, three days before then-transport minister Jo Haylen announced a pathway for the legalising of e-scooters on public roads. Among the sweeteners suggested were a tax incentive that would allow riders to claim a per-kilometre allowance for each commute, which could replicate successful schemes applied in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, with the latter country observing cycling participation more than doubled in the second year of the program. Transport for NSW projected that e-bike riders would undertake four additional trips every month with the backing of the financial incentive, while e-scooters, which would be made legal subject to the passing of legislation later this year, would be used on six further occasions each month. 'When the conditions are right, the experience in other jurisdictions shows that financial incentives can increase ownership and ridership,' read the internal document, obtained by the Herald. 'Locally, research has shown that financial incentives would encourage people in NSW who already own a bike (including e-bikes) and e-scooters to take more trips.' The document also suggested introducing one-off rebates to offset the expense of purchasing an e-bike, mirroring schemes implemented in Queensland and Tasmania over the past two years Australia Institute research manager Morgan Harrington, who last year co-wrote a discussion paper recommending a ride-to-work cycling allowance be introduced, said fresh ideas are needed to confront transport challenges posed by rising populations and urban sprawl.
The Age
29-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Age
You're paid to cycle to work in France and the Netherlands. Sydney could be next
Sydney commuters would be paid to ride an e-bike or e-scooter to work under a European-inspired financial incentive scheme being assessed by the NSW government, in a bid to promote the uptake of electric-powered devices on streets across the state. Financial incentives for e-micromobility devices were proposed in a secret internal document circulated by a senior government bureaucrat in October, three days before then-transport minister Jo Haylen announced a pathway for the legalising of e-scooters on public roads. Among the sweeteners suggested were a tax incentive that would allow riders to claim a per-kilometre allowance for each commute, which could replicate successful schemes applied in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, with the latter country observing cycling participation more than doubled in the second year of the program. Transport for NSW projected that e-bike riders would undertake four additional trips every month with the backing of the financial incentive, while e-scooters, which would be made legal subject to the passing of legislation later this year, would be used on six further occasions each month. 'When the conditions are right, the experience in other jurisdictions shows that financial incentives can increase ownership and ridership,' read the internal document, obtained by the Herald. 'Locally, research has shown that financial incentives would encourage people in NSW who already own a bike (including e-bikes) and e-scooters to take more trips.' The document also suggested introducing one-off rebates to offset the expense of purchasing an e-bike, mirroring schemes implemented in Queensland and Tasmania over the past two years Australia Institute research manager Morgan Harrington, who last year co-wrote a discussion paper recommending a ride-to-work cycling allowance be introduced, said fresh ideas are needed to confront transport challenges posed by rising populations and urban sprawl.
Sydney Morning Herald
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
The transport minister made a safety promise. Four days later, it was torn apart
Transport bureaucrats circulated secret plans to slash improved safety measures at a major Sydney intersection four days after the then-minister gave public assurances that no such cuts would be made, casting aside expansive upgrades promised as a condition of WestConnex four years ago. An internal presentation shared on November 14 laid bare plans to remove or weaken at least 14 of the 33 featured upgrades for Sydney Park Junction, at the intersection of St Peters, Erskineville and Alexandria, despite then-transport minister Jo Haylen's office confirming on November 10 that the upgrades would go ahead as promised in 2021 after Transport for NSW's first attempt to slash upgrades in August. The new tranche of documents, obtained by the Herald, reveal the latest proposed cuts to Sydney Park Junction, including the removal of a pedestrian and bicycle crossing once touted as a centrepiece of the upgrades. This would represent another broken promise for an inner-city community seeking safer active transport links. An extended cycleway and new bus shelter are among the other upgrades on the chopping block, while plans for widened footpaths and raised pedestrian crossings have also been toppled as a proposal for increased car parking on Sydney Park Road is preferred. Transport for NSW would not provide further project details when asked by the Herald, saying that investigations and designs for the junction, including active transport links promised in 2021, were not finalised and were subject to further consultation. 'Transport will work with the community and council to deliver outcomes that align with community expectations, and for the safety of all road users,' a spokesperson said. Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, who has played a key role in the installation of inner-city active transport links, said the state government 'can't turn its back' on the upgrades, originally due for completion in mid-2024. 'I share the community's real concerns about a significant reduction in scope in the most recent plans that Transport for NSW released and ongoing delays to the Sydney Park Junction project,' Moore said.
The Age
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Age
The transport minister made a safety promise. Four days later, it was torn apart
Transport bureaucrats circulated secret plans to slash improved safety measures at a major Sydney intersection four days after the then-minister gave public assurances that no such cuts would be made, casting aside expansive upgrades promised as a condition of WestConnex four years ago. An internal presentation shared on November 14 laid bare plans to remove or weaken at least 14 of the 33 featured upgrades for Sydney Park Junction, at the intersection of St Peters, Erskineville and Alexandria, despite then-transport minister Jo Haylen's office confirming on November 10 that the upgrades would go ahead as promised in 2021 after Transport for NSW's first attempt to slash upgrades in August. The new tranche of documents, obtained by the Herald, reveal the latest proposed cuts to Sydney Park Junction, including the removal of a pedestrian and bicycle crossing once touted as a centrepiece of the upgrades. This would represent another broken promise for an inner-city community seeking safer active transport links. An extended cycleway and new bus shelter are among the other upgrades on the chopping block, while plans for widened footpaths and raised pedestrian crossings have also been toppled as a proposal for increased car parking on Sydney Park Road is preferred. Transport for NSW would not provide further project details when asked by the Herald, saying that investigations and designs for the junction, including active transport links promised in 2021, were not finalised and were subject to further consultation. 'Transport will work with the community and council to deliver outcomes that align with community expectations, and for the safety of all road users,' a spokesperson said. Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, who has played a key role in the installation of inner-city active transport links, said the state government 'can't turn its back' on the upgrades, originally due for completion in mid-2024. 'I share the community's real concerns about a significant reduction in scope in the most recent plans that Transport for NSW released and ongoing delays to the Sydney Park Junction project,' Moore said.
