Reader survey: How to fix Melbourne’s deteriorating traffic congestion

SUNDAY Herald Sun readers have revealed their solutions on how to rid Melbourne of its deteriorating traffic congestion after an RACV report stirred up widespread arguments. VOTE FOR THE PROJECT YOU WANT FIXED.

An RACV report revealed last week stirred up widespread arguments and suggestions as Melburnians continue to sit idling in traffic. Picture: Nicole Garmston

DOUBLE-DECKER trains, decentralisation and population control are needed to help rid congestion, according to Sunday Herald Sun readers.

An RACV report revealed last week stirred up widespread arguments and suggestions as Melburnians continue to sit idling in traffic.

The two-year analysis of growth areas polled 17,000 people and suggested Melbourne’s transport network was a “generation behind”, with an $13 billion dollar injection needed to reduce build ups.

Several readers commenting on the story at heraldsun.com.au blamed the centralisation of businesses in Melbourne’s CBD and suggested placing taxes on city office spaces.

“If we don’t have everyone trying to get to the same place at the same time every day, congestion on train, buses, trams and roads will be dramatically reduced,” David said.

“Move ALL government departments to the outer suburbs within the next 3-5 years … Increase taxes on city office space and subsidise private companies that decentralise.”

Other readers said an airport in the East was an “easy-fix” to reduce congestion, in particular on the Monash and Tullamarine freeways.

“[An airport] is a no brainier … it would provide jobs for country people and save wasted hours in traffic,” Sam said.

Picture: Nicole Garmston

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Other responses said Tooradin had been touted as a potential airport site which could greatly reduce the cost of fuel and parking for those living in the Eastern suburbs.

Also trending was Melbourne’s rapid population growth, with the city’s outer suburbs set to overtake the combined population of inner and middle suburbs by 2031, according to the report.

“Our [public transport] system can’t keep up with the incredible population explosion,” John said.

Another reader said: “The obvious answer is to slow immigration to sustainable levels. Less immigration = less cars = less congestion,” another reader said.

The use of double-decker carriages was also popular, with readers comparing Metro’s single-level trains to Sydney’s bi-level cars that would increase capacity for commuters.

Readers have suggested Melbourne’s single level trains should be replaced by double decker trains like those in Sydney. Picture: AAP

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Other suggestions included an extra railway at Wonthaggi, a new train line to Leongatha, a direct train to the airport and one reader even demanded a personal express lane to and from work.

“An express lane just for me would be good,” the reader said.

“I could leave all the ambling and right hand drivers far behind me and get home in good time to my family who need me.”