April media note worthies
Amids the saturation coverage of the COVID-19 response, the implications for transport and major infrastructure projects were widely canvased.
Two government messages emerged. First, that the State was committed to proceeding with the Big Build items, especially as they are job creators. But doubts started to arise about the timelines, given labour and supply concerns. Second was the importance of rapid take up job creation projects. It was not lost on cycling advocates that the long list of unfunded projects in the cycling plan could fit the bill very nicely.
Commentators mused over the long term impact on patronage, cycling, working habits and commerce. There’s no doubt that COVID-19 will be a line in the sand.
April media note worthies
What do we want life in Melbourne to look like on the other side?
By Nicholas Reece
The Sunday Age 26 April 20
The road to recovery: Are Victoria’s mega-projects still worth it?
By Clay Lucas and Timna Jacks
The Age 25 April 20
Calls to rethink Victoria’s most expensive road project during pandemic
By Timna Jacks and Clay Lucas
The Age April 17, 2020
Crisis talks as Melbourne’s train, tram passenger numbers slump by 90%
By Timna Jacks
The Age 27 March 20
First Victoria-built electric bus gets thumbs up from bus expert
Renew Economy 28 April
Background: Transdev have purchased 1 electric bus for 12 month trial. We make 88 return trips per day on route 246 with around 25-30 buses travelling this route each day (numbers vary according to timetable and fleet). The electric bus trial on Route 246 between Queens Parade in Clifton Hill and Elsternwick Railway Station/Horne St (Elsternwick) between 5.45am to 11.30pm weekdays. Route 246 operates a high frequency service with buses every 10 minutes and was selected for the trial as the trial route needs to be repeatable with buses following each other in closely timed proximity for comparison between the performance of existing late model Euro 5 and Euro 6 emission standard diesel buses and the new electric bus.
In terms of passenger comfort, the bus has a low floor, is quieter and is equipped with passenger USB ports.
Melbourne in a post-pandemic world: how the virus could transform the city
By Jewel Topsfield, The Age 3 May
It’s early days but urban planners are already pondering the marks that will be left by COVID-19.
