Inside the government’s blueprint for ‘one-stop shop’ transport hubs

The state government would build four new transport hubs and aim to connect Greater Sydney residents to major services in no more than 30 minutes under a new strategy to be released on Monday.

The Future Transport Strategy would begin with the piloting of transport hubs in Parramatta, Chatswood, Wollongong and Coffs Harbour to provide commuters with a “one-stop shop” for a range of essential services such as supermarkets and post offices.

The state government is planning to build four pilot transport hubs in Sydney and regional NSW.Credit: Louise Kennerley

Planning for the four trial hubs will begin now but there is no current time-frame for their construction.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the strategy would ensure the transport network would be fit for purpose into the future, creating shorter wait times and quicker trips.

“We all have busy lives and this is a vision to make it easier and more convenient for people to move about entire state,” he said.

“Future transport hubs will allow people to drop off dry cleaning, pick up parcels and grab groceries directly at the station, making life easier and saving them time, so they can get to work or home sooner.”

Artist impression of Central Station precinct redevelopment, to be unveiled in the Future Transport Strategy.

The hubs would contain information boards to provide real-time information on all transports services connecting at the location, including trains, buses, light rail, Metro, ride-share, walking and cycling paths.

They would also feature a range of other businesses and services such as supermarkets, dry cleaners, cafes and postal services.

Under the strategy, more walking and cycling pathways would be built to link existing transport options. Four existing pathways at Parramatta would be joined up and linked to light rail and the transport hub.

The plan includes a vision to ensure people living in the “six cities region” — which includes Sydney, Newcastle, Central Coast and the Illawarra — can access “key destinations” by public transport within 30 minutes.

The NSW transport agency would also investigate ways to create 24-hour transport services in and between the “six cities”.

The strategy includes a vision for 15-minute travel to local services within neighbourhoods through public transport, walking, cycling or e-bikes.

Cities and Infrastructure Minister Rob Stokes said the pandemic had produced demand for walking and cycling infrastructure.

“Train stations shouldn’t just be for trains, roads shouldn’t just be for cars — they are places for people and our whole transport network should adapt to our citizens’ various and changing needs,” he said.