She said most modern economic analyses of public transport did not fully capture its benefits, and cities such as Los Angeles, built around the car, were having to change.
''Globally, we are seeing the resurgence of public transport because of its positive economic and social benefits,'' the minister said.
''The car as the sole focus of transport is past its use-by date. Motorways are important, and relevant, and improving them is necessary … But new motorways must consider public transport connections and the opportunity to allow rapid bus transit or other transport options as part of the construction.''
Motorways such as the M4, M5 and M2 have been built without dedicated public transport infrastructure.
In emphasising public transport, and the importance of another rail crossing for Sydney Harbour, the minister's speech departed from Infrastructure NSW's strategy which said another crossing was not needed for decades.
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Andrew