Transport Guide
April 23rd 2007 04:51
Category: Transport
The metropolitan city of Sydney encompasses a massive geographical area of over 12 000 square kilometers, with a reasonably large population of over 4 million residents. The transportation system in the city faces the volatile burden of moving all of these people throughout the city, combined with the problems of crossing Port Jackson and the Parramatta River.
Luckily, the public transport system in Sydney is quite well managed, despite the protests of Sydneysiders. Sydney is covered with extensive bus, train and ferry services, and these services are, generally speaking, reliable and frequent.
The train system in Sydney is operated by CityRail, a corporation run by the New South Wales Government. It is a hybrid system, composed of underground subways, suburban trains and interurban trains a system that allows commuters from faraway suburbs to get to the city, or across it, without needing to change trains often.
Its not uncommon to take the crowded trains in the morning, only to have a delay caused by cumulative delays elsewhere in the system. At this point, many of the daily commuters will start cursing under their breath, looking around furiously others will let their glaze drift off into the distance, trying to lose themselves in the fertile land of their memory. Its a contentious point, but Sydneysiders are generally displeased with the level of service offered by the train system.
In all fairness, the train system runs reasonably well considering its breadth and extensive services. Using the train, one can travel west as far as the Blue Mountains; south as far as Goulburn, and north as far as Newcastle. Train service is quite frequent during the weekdays, but at night and on the weekend, this reviewer found himself standing alone in the rain for 30 minutes waiting for a slow-moving train.
CityRail trains run by overhead wires at 1 500 V; the intention here is to minimize the air pollution caused by combustion engines, even though the electricity was probably generated by coal at a generation plant far from the city.
Areas of Sydney that are not served by the train have comprehensive bus routes, run by Sydney Buses. As these are state-run bus services, the routes are served fairly regularly, even at off-peak hours, making them an excellent method of transportation. The routes, however, are confusing to follow, and the cost of the bus trip varies based on the distance. Some of the outer suburbs are serviced by private bus companies. There have been several complaints of infrequent service at night and on weekends.
Compared to other cities, Sydney bus drivers are exceptionally friendly and courteous, giving exact change, and offering advice on best routes. On Christmas Day, the unfortunate drivers that have to work are often seen wearing a Christmas elf hat, in contrast to their surly grimace. In my experience, though, theyve always acted with good manners and had a friendly smile.
Perhaps the most exciting part of Sydneys public transport service is the ferry system. The complicated network goes up the Parramatta River, out to the Eastern Shores and the Northern Beaches. While commuters use the ferries extensively during rush hours, tourists take advantage of the low fares to take a scenic tour of Sydneys spectacular harbour scenery.
Ferries leave from Circular Quay, the wharf located adjacent to the Sydney Opera House. Costs are minimal, and travelers looking to explore the city are well advised to buy the Daytripper, a $15 pass that allows unlimited one-day use of the ferry, bus and train system. With this pass, you can freely travel to Manly, or Taronga Zoo, and come all the way back.
The only real impediment of the Sydney transport system is the relatively high prices. An extensive system surely has a high overhead cost, but even a short trip will end up costing at least $3. Student and pensioners receive a 50% discount, which is gives excellent value to students, but in a move of reckless intolerance, the state government has decreed that international students do NOT qualify for student prices.
That is correct. International students must, unfairly, pay full fares on all buses, trains and ferries.
Despite the high prices, the public transport system is an excellent way to move around the city, especially considering that all the incredibly beautiful beaches are somewhat remotely located. With a weekly TravelPass, available from all stations (with varying costs depending on the zones traveled), you can get to work everyday, and use the pass to cruise out to the beach.
Certainly, public transport becomes a more inviting option when you appreciate the horrendous rush hour traffic that permeates the city, the escalating gas prices, and all the other tedious minutia that accompany the operation and maintenance of owning an automobile. Considering the enormous size of Sydney, public transportation manages to serve the thousands of people that traverse the city every day.
Sydney Ferries
The train system in Sydney is operated by CityRail, a corporation run by the New South Wales Government. It is a hybrid system, composed of underground subways, suburban trains and interurban trains a system that allows commuters from faraway suburbs to get to the city, or across it, without needing to change trains often.
Its not uncommon to take the crowded trains in the morning, only to have a delay caused by cumulative delays elsewhere in the system. At this point, many of the daily commuters will start cursing under their breath, looking around furiously others will let their glaze drift off into the distance, trying to lose themselves in the fertile land of their memory. Its a contentious point, but Sydneysiders are generally displeased with the level of service offered by the train system.
In all fairness, the train system runs reasonably well considering its breadth and extensive services. Using the train, one can travel west as far as the Blue Mountains; south as far as Goulburn, and north as far as Newcastle. Train service is quite frequent during the weekdays, but at night and on the weekend, this reviewer found himself standing alone in the rain for 30 minutes waiting for a slow-moving train.
CityRail trains run by overhead wires at 1 500 V; the intention here is to minimize the air pollution caused by combustion engines, even though the electricity was probably generated by coal at a generation plant far from the city.
Areas of Sydney that are not served by the train have comprehensive bus routes, run by Sydney Buses. As these are state-run bus services, the routes are served fairly regularly, even at off-peak hours, making them an excellent method of transportation. The routes, however, are confusing to follow, and the cost of the bus trip varies based on the distance. Some of the outer suburbs are serviced by private bus companies. There have been several complaints of infrequent service at night and on weekends.
Sydney Buses
Perhaps the most exciting part of Sydneys public transport service is the ferry system. The complicated network goes up the Parramatta River, out to the Eastern Shores and the Northern Beaches. While commuters use the ferries extensively during rush hours, tourists take advantage of the low fares to take a scenic tour of Sydneys spectacular harbour scenery.
Ferries leave from Circular Quay, the wharf located adjacent to the Sydney Opera House. Costs are minimal, and travelers looking to explore the city are well advised to buy the Daytripper, a $15 pass that allows unlimited one-day use of the ferry, bus and train system. With this pass, you can freely travel to Manly, or Taronga Zoo, and come all the way back.
The only real impediment of the Sydney transport system is the relatively high prices. An extensive system surely has a high overhead cost, but even a short trip will end up costing at least $3. Student and pensioners receive a 50% discount, which is gives excellent value to students, but in a move of reckless intolerance, the state government has decreed that international students do NOT qualify for student prices.
That is correct. International students must, unfairly, pay full fares on all buses, trains and ferries.
Despite the high prices, the public transport system is an excellent way to move around the city, especially considering that all the incredibly beautiful beaches are somewhat remotely located. With a weekly TravelPass, available from all stations (with varying costs depending on the zones traveled), you can get to work everyday, and use the pass to cruise out to the beach.
Certainly, public transport becomes a more inviting option when you appreciate the horrendous rush hour traffic that permeates the city, the escalating gas prices, and all the other tedious minutia that accompany the operation and maintenance of owning an automobile. Considering the enormous size of Sydney, public transportation manages to serve the thousands of people that traverse the city every day.
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