Your views: on an electric car tax and more
Today, readers comment on the plug being pulled on an SA EV road user tax intended to replace fuel taxes, recharging public transport and highway high-rises.
Commenting on the story: Plug pulled on electric car tax
It’s a small but necessary tax. Roads and infrastructure for all these new electric vehicles are essential.
The switch to electric is a fait accompli and costs are not going to deter people who want and can afford them. The Labor Government is being short sighted and politically expedient. – Clive Hardwick
This reduction in cash for roads is in line with Labor not maintaining Adelaide Hills roads during their prior 16 year term in office. I hope there are more subsidies available for 4WD EVs, because in a few years the cheaper EVs will get lost in the potholes. – Chris Heinrich
Commenting on the story: Can Koutsantonis fix Adelaide’s public transport?
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Perhaps the government should consider creating some new train routes to the north of the city where all the new suburbs are being built. That would certainly increase patronage on the trains. – John Joseph
As a regular commuter on public transport, my opinion is that there should be more accessibility and connection to more suburbs and more frequency with some buses.The system feels disjointed to me.
I often look at Google maps and try and establish how to access remote locations with more ease. There should a resurgence of more train lines as there was in my parents generation and also more bus tracks replicating the O-Bahn. When one has limited time and is required to travel more than thirty stops for example on a bus, obviously the time is taken up by travel alone then there’s less time to achieve what you need to do.
Regarding tourism and public transport, it goes without saying that many tourists enjoy visiting wineries and need to be able to access them without any difficulties. As mentioned previously, I’ve heard there should be connections with Hills suburbs, McLaren Vale and the Barossa to these wineries by train. A day trip enjoyed by all. – Julie Craven
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It seems like the government’s plan to replace traditional buses with electric ones is commendable, however, it would be wise to compare the cost-effectiveness of this move against the potential benefits of expanding the existing tram network.
While electric buses may seem like a convenient option, they come with a high cost due to the expense of their batteries and the sustainability concerns surrounding the extraction of materials for battery production. On the other hand, trams powered by overhead wires don’t face these issues and can be a more practical solution.
Additionally, it’s noteworthy that Adelaide currently lacks any rail connections to the airport or between the east and west, which could also be addressed through expanding the tram network, with the added benefit of also providing a smoother ride with a larger capacity vehicle. – Liam Baxter
Commenting on the story: Anzac Highway high-rise apartments up in air
(Planning Minister Nick) Champion needs to think about these decisions in the context of 30 years time – not just today.
While no doubt the usual NIMBY crowd will applaud this decision with gusto, all it will lead to is further sprawl in a city already plagued by it. With the State Government thus far not voicing much interest in serious public transport investment, more sprawl just means more cars on the road and in turn, emissions and congestion.
While eight storeys is arguably too high for the area, surely a compromise of six would be a fair outcome? Now all that will likely happen is the same “character” houses will be demolished, but instead be replaced by only three storey apartments – a wasted opportunity.
SA Labor won the 2022 Election with the motto “For the Future” and a promise to make decisions with the next generation in mind. If they are indeed serious about making decisions with future generations of Adelaide residents in mind, they should be actively encouraging well designed infill development in the inner suburbs. – Louis Rankin
Nick Champion has wisely considered the opinions of existing residents by temporarily blocking eight storey developments.
Which individuals benefit from the status quo or a proposed large scale, intrusive building developments? So often, the business lobby wins, and residents lose. Remember that residents have lived in a suburb for many years, whereas builders leave after making a profit.
What counts the most? A few business people seeking profit, or a community keen to maintain a suburb’s character? – Stephen Morris
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