2019 Federal Election: Labor promises $11.5m for West Ryde commuter carpark

The fight for the commuter vote has propelled Labor to promise $11.5 million towards a multi-deck carpark at West Ryde train station if it wins the Federal Election.

Anthony Albanese and Dr Brian Owler at West Ryde train station.

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The fight for the commuter vote has propelled Labor to promise $11.5 million towards a multi-deck carpark at West Ryde train station if it wins the Federal Election.

Bennelong Labor candidate Dr Brian Owler and opposition transport spokesman Anthony Albanese visited the station today and called for the State Government to match funding to deliver more spaces.

“Over nearly six years of chaotic government, the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government has cut infrastructure investment and allowed traffic congestion to worsen on its watch,’’ Dr Owler said.

Michael Daley and Jerome Laxale at West Ryde train Station during the State Election campaign when Cr Laxale was Ryde’s Labor candidate. Picture: Tim Pascoe

“A Shorten Labor Government would invest in better public transport, better roads and improved park and ride facilities, an approach that will make a real difference to the lives of Australians.”

Labor said its contribution would be drawn from its $300 million National Park and Ride Fund.

Dr Owler said West Ryde train station carpark was full each weekday by 7.30am.

“This means many residents who want to access public transport instead drive to work, adding to the traffic congestion that is eroding Sydney’s quality of life and acting as a hand brake on productivity,’’ he said

Bennelong federal Liberal MP John Alexander hit back and called for Ryde Mayor Jerome Laxale to free up 170 “wasted” car spaces on level 2 under Coles supermarket at West Ryde.

“This level is never used by shoppers and is controlled by council,’’ he said.

“If it was opened up for local workers and commuters, it would provide relief to the congested on-street parking situation being suffered right now in West Ryde.

“Yet we see no action by the Labor Mayor on this simple initiative that would help.”

But Cr Laxale said there was a demand for business owners to use that carpark for shoppers.

He said there had long been two-hour parking restrictions at the site.

He said West Ryde was the station most locals used.

“Anecdotally, people who park at Eastwood come from west of Ryde and most of the parking is in Parramatta,’’ he said.

“West Ryde’s also services people with express trains where as every second or third train misses Denistone.”