News

Recent news

Contrary to reports, our rail system is alright

Economics & Deregulation | | Richard Allsop
The Age 14th November, 2008

For years, Paul Mees has been arguing that there is some overseas city whose public transport system Melbourne should be emulating, but in his...

Coughing up for others' inefficiencies

Economics & Deregulation | | Richard Allsop
The Australian 13th November, 2008

When Infrastructure Australia is sorting through funding requests from the states there is a strong argument that it should reject any for...

City car levy is just another taxing burden

Economics & Deregulation and Nanny State | | Chris Berg
The Age 31st August, 2008

There are two basic tasks governments have historically been very good at - collecting taxes, and thinking of interesting new taxes to collect. So...

Connies a nostalgic symbol of lost community spirit

Economics & Deregulation and Governance & Service Provision | | Chris Berg
The Age 20th July, 2008

The proposal aired in last week's Sunday Age to reinstate conductors to Melbourne's trams was greeted with unsurprising enthusiasm. But the...

Driving in two directions on fuel

Energy and Climate Change | | John Roskam
The Age 4th June, 2008

Two things stand out about the Rudd era of Australian politics. First, there is the Prime Minister's love of slogans - "working families" and...

Melbourne's public transport is on a road to nowhere

| Alan Moran
The Age 7th April, 2008

The report of Sir Rod Eddington into Melbourne's transport needs has opened up all the predictable responses from pressure groups favouring public...

Overhaul needed as Melbourne's cabs taxi to a halt

Deregulation Unit | | Richard Allsop
The Age 29th March, 2008

If you think Melbourne's taxis are providing a poor service, you are not alone. The latest patronage and satisfaction figures show general...

The public is being taken for a ride

| John Roskam
The Age 13th February, 2008

It would be good to know whether the people who make decisions about Melbourne's public transport system actually use it. And it would also be good...

Wheels have fallen off transport debate

| Alan Moran
The Age 14th December, 2007

Victorians had until today to comment on proposals for "a new legislative framework for transport in Victoria". A discussion paper inviting such...

Brumby shows how to lead the pack

| Richard Allsop
The Age 24th August, 2007

John Brumby's aim to be a more decisive premier than his predecessor seems to have brought a quick end to the months of speculation about what will...