The transport challenge
Transport is an essential service, with access to transport being a social determinant of health, education, opportunity and jobs, as well as social and recreational connections. The challenge is to provide a transport network that meets everyone’s needs.
This challenge is compounded by:
- a growing population
- an expanding and evolving freight task
- ageing infrastructure and
- a constrained fiscal environment.
What we're planning for and responding to
We’re focused on preparing for and responding to a range of emerging trends, technologies and policies.
Every life lost or person who is seriously injured on our network is one too many. That’s why our vision is unambiguous: zero fatalities and serious injuries across the transport network.
With unprecedented investments delivered in recent years – Sydney Metro, WestConnex, Western Sydney International Airport connections, and regional upgrades such as Newell Highway and Great Western Highway – our focus will now shift toward optimising, integrating, and enhancing what we have.
Climate change is no longer a future risk. Intense floods, heatwaves and bushfires are already testing our network’s resilience. We must design for a new climate reality, ensuring continuity, safety and reliability across all modes.
At the same time, transport must be part of the solution, accelerating our efforts to reduce emissions.
The State's population is growing and aging. We must design and manage a transport system that can accommodate growth and is inclusive, accessible and responsive to local needs.
NSW is diversifying its economy to drive productivity and resilience, capitalising on emerging industries such as critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, and digital services.
To support this transition, transport must enable growth through faster, smarter and cleaner movement of goods and people. With the demand for goods forecast to continue to increase, freight movements will remain critical to powering economic activity.
From hybrid work to rideshare, micromobility to the growing role of AI in daily life, travel patterns are shifting. Transport must keep pace with the way different people want to move and when.
Expectations of younger customers are also redefining what public transport must deliver: real-time, on-demand, integrated and zero-emissions options.
Where you live should not determine your access to opportunity. Yet, in many parts of NSW, particularly outer suburban and regional areas, limited transport options leave communities disconnected, deepening social and economic disadvantage.
We are committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive network.
The cost of maintaining and expanding the transport system is growing - with ageing infrastructure, climate resilience requirements and rising service demand all increasing financial pressures.
We must invest wisely, equitably, and with future generations in mind.
Contact Connecting NSW
For more information, please contact us: