World-class public transport must become a key component of nation building in the age of climate change and peak oil, and today the Australian Greens successfully initiated a Senate Inquiry to begin the process.

"This is has never been undertaken in Australia before," said Greens public transport spokesperson Senator Scott Ludlam.

"Building a Green Australia, responding to climate change, and shock-proofing our community against the impacts of peak oil all rely on properly investing in the nation's public transport infrastructure.

"Today the Senate is debating the Nation-building funds bills, which could be crucial in putting a funding base under the provision of public transport infrastructure in Australia."

Senator Ludlam said that public transport was treated as the poor cousin of infrastructure spending, but its importance would grow over coming years.

"For that reason I've initiated an audit of all public transport in Australia and an assessment of the benefits of its use. Australia needs to clearly understand what public transport exists, what condition it is in, where the gaps are, and what can be done to increase its usage in the community."

The result will be a comprehensive snapshot of public transport in Australia, and a blueprint for action for the Government to begin making a major investment in public transport.

Senator Ludlam said increased use of public transport was of great benefit to the community.

"Current levels of car usage are simply unsustainable and government needs to actively encourage people to take up public transport, if we have any hope of addressing climate change."

"As costs of petrol continue to rise, the availability of accessible and affordable public transport is becoming increasingly important. The community is crying out for green transport options because they know that it will not only allow them to reduce their carbon footprint, but it makes good economic sense as well."

"Unfortunately, in many parts of Australia, public transport infrastructure is either weak or non-existent. I want this senate enquiry to shine the light on that and throw up some options for what can be done," said Senator Ludlam.

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