CityRail needs to shape up before another price hike 4:36pm 11.06.08

The IPART review of CityRail has revealed an underperforming Government agency, that should cut its own financial excesses before raising fares by 30 percent, says the Sydney Chamber of Commerce.

“CityRail is acting as a sponge for tax payers money and its management should look closer to home to cut costs and improve its efficiency before it comes to commuters with a begging cup in hand,” says Patricia Forsythe, executive director of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce.

“Questions will be raised if the [Transport] Minister overlooks the $480 million of internal cost savings IPART has identified within CityRail and goes straight to commuters to make up the shortfall,” adds Forsythe. “What IPART has revealed is that the NSW Government has to take some tough decisions in the interests of a better rail system.”