Late night transport for Sydney?

Liquor & Gaming NSW has released a list of 25 proposed actions in the wake of a series of roundtable discussions including a push for much needed late night transport.

The Sydney Night-Time Economy Roundtable sessions saw a selection of representatives – from the hospitality, live music, and liquor industries; health, transport and police spokespeople; local and state government; small business, planning and residents groups – discuss ways to grow Sydney’s status as a global city, and develop a safer and more dynamic nightlife.

The published outcomes will be considered by the NSW Government and have been referred to the Callinan Review, which is examining liquor laws including 1.30am lockouts and 3am last drinks in Kings Cross and the Sydney CBD.

Among new ideas for boosting Sydney’s night-time economy are:

• Establish an online app or portal to provide real-time information about what’s on and open and how to access it; and establish a world class ‘wayfinding’ system for visitors to access public transport hubs and major facilities.
• Conduct and promote a trial of public transport (such as train services, night buses, ferries, light rail,) to 4am on Friday and Saturday nights; informed by further data analysis, review of current late night transport options, desktop and consumer research.
• Develop and implement a social marketing campaign to achieve cultural change / education to support responsible alcohol consumption and appropriate behaviour in the precinct after dark.
• Trial an increased late night retail and non-licensed premises trading program.

The three Roundtable events, held between March and May, were reportedly “productive discussions” that “gathered a wide array of views and feedback on the future of Sydney’s night-time economy to help ensure the city keeps offering safe, exciting and innovative night-time experiences for Sydneysiders and visitors”.

The outcomes also suggest the creation of a new government entity that would have ongoing responsibility for the leading and monitoring of new initiatives, while liaising with stakeholders to further develop Sydney’s night-time economy.

The roundtable’s report including its 25 proposed actions are available on the Liquor & Gaming NSW website.