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Traffic


Annalisa

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Hi all

We are considering Brisbane and Melbourne

I have heard about the traffic being a nightmare in Melbourne. Is it true?

I have also heard Ozzies don't really know what traffic is - anyone who has worked in Sandton and driven from Pretoria or South or East JHB into Sandton will know even 10km distance can take 1 to 1.5 hours in peak time.

WE HAVE NO PUBLIC TRANSAPORT to rely on so its one person for every car.

Ive heard traffic is considered traffic that side when the car moves at 30 to 40km an hour so in my mind not traffic?

The other question is in Brisbane or Melbourne what areas have the worst traffic?

We considering North west or North east Brisbane as a settlement area. In Melbourne we would consider East or South East.

Our decision on areas was solely based on best schooling for the kids and good rentals in various suburbs.

I know its a flurry of questions all on one topic but if anyone can shed some light I would be most grateful.

I guess im still in a mental block phase thinking I have to use a car but I see trams trains etc are all good options.

The problem is with kids and with a job in audit one needs a car to get around from client to client or kids and home

Thanks

Annalisa

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It's all relative. The traffic in Melbourne isn't particularly bad if you ask me - it's about what you would expect for a city of over 4 million people.

I can only really compare it to Joburg, Durban, Cape Town and London on my experience and I certainly don't think Melbourne is worse than any of those. Rush hour is always going to be a challenge, but I think Joburg is lot worse.

If you're having to see different clients throughout the day and driving, then it's not too bad out of rush hour times.

People do complain about the traffic in Melbourne, but then again, people complain about traffic in any city.

Put it this way - I don't think it's of great concern compared to other cities.

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Yeah these relative things are hard to pin down from anecdotes.

Saying that, I just finished reading this Melbourne traffic review on another forum from a long time poster who recently moved from Brisbane to Melbourne. But remember this poster is used to Brisbane traffic so the comment is probably just relative to that:

"the traffic is HELL. Ended up shoving 6 months rent up front, to secure a new unit, very happy with it.

Traffic, rush hour seems to go from 5am to 10am and 2pm to 7pm, aside from that too easy. Trains cheap for students, cap of 3.70 a day, cheaper on monthly pass."

Edited by Fish
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I've lived in both Melbourne and Brisbane. When I first arrived in Melbourne I thought the Aussies were having me on with the complaints about the traffic. However, I worked out that Melbourne traffic can change dramatically quickly.

School holidays the traffic is a breeze. But when everyone is around the traffic is choking. Yes, it can take an hour to move in Sandton, but I knew the back routes and could find a way through. Always possible to to find a loophole and gain distance quickly.

Not so in Melbourne. Easy shortcuts are blocked or lead to more traffic. A lot of side roads are difficult to move through due to parked cars, round abouts, and dead ends..

You get to Saturday and think no problem, 10 minutes to ballet etc bit then find yourself in a massive traffic jam for 45 minutes for no reason other than that all the children are going to a sport.

Eventually you learn to leave with enough time, relax in the traffic and accept that you will get there when you get there. You work out when it is bad on what days.

Brisbane is quite different. Not that much traffic, most of the time you keep moving, but when it stops.... well then a 5 minute trip can take an hour.

Between the two. Brisbane is much easier traffic wise.

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Unless I have to drive, would always prefer the public transport. Have had some issues, but generally the public transport is excellent - frequent, safe, relatively clean - yes, there's a bit of litter and some graffiti, but that is unfortunately the reality of other people. I found people on the train to be fairly well behaved.

New Year's Eve we took the kids to a (free) firework display, which finished after 10, then we stayed for the end of the (free) movie being shown on big screens. 11pm several thousand people all descended on the station to catch their various (free) trains home. No pushing, no shouting, no queue jumping. We were home in time to watch the count down on TV and at no stage did I feel nervous or uncomfortable.

So, if possible, have one car for the family and stick to public transport. Read a book or listen to music on the way to work - you will be soooooooo much calmer.

Just rereading your post about a job in audit - that will also depend on where your firm is and where the clients are. If you are in a CBD firm with clients primarily in CBD and surrounding areas, then public transport is perfectly feasible.

Something else to factor in is that the cost of parking can be absolutely crippling. And if your firm provides parking, you will pay tax on that benefit. My husband actually negotiated for them to pay for his train ticket instead.

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Aussies have it relatively easy compared to Joburg. Here in Perth, even the worst days are a joke compared to G lands worst.

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Got to admit one of the wonderful things of living in WA and particularly 70kms south of Perth is that in the 7 years of being here, I have been in about 3 traffic jams, each delaying me by about 5 minutes. I can't even remember what a traffic jam is. To be honest, life is too short to sit for 3-4 hours a day in a car getting to and from work. If you profession allows you too, I would choose a lower salary out of the city and claim those 3-4 hours of life back. Spending that time with the family, leaving later and getting home earlier is priceless and not worth selling for a few extra dollars.

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From a Brisbane perspective, I can only mention that you should do some research with regard to public transport and particular suburbs. Unfortunately not all suburbs are serviced equally well and this can really hamper your travelling. You can use the Translink website to play around with and get some ideas of travelling times, distances & cost.

I've done a quick journey planner from North Lakes to the city to give you an idea.

http://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/journey-planner/your-travel-options/-847728398

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