A draft long-term transport strategy for Sutherland Shire says the present reliance by residents on cars cannot be sustained and more trips have to be made on foot or by bicycle.
The Sutherland Shire Council document says, if not properly managed, traffic congestion will increasingly impact on the liveability of the shire, including the economy, environment and work/life balance of many residents.
The strategy aims to increase the present active transport (walking and cycling) mode share of all daily trips taken across Sutherland Shire by 25 per cent by 2030.
Another aim is to increase the present public transport mode share of all daily trips taken across the shire by 35 per cent in the same period.
The draft Integrated Transport Strategy will be considered at Monday night's council meeting before being placed on public exhibition for community feedback.
"Traffic congestion imposes significant costs on society by increasing travel time and user stress, resulting in a loss of productivity," the document says.
"For the shire as a whole we use private vehicle transport at a higher rate (76 per cent of all trips) compared to Greater Sydney (69 per cent).
"Household vehicle ownership is also higher with approximately 60 per cent of shire households owning two or more vehicles, compared to under 45 per cent for Greater Sydney.
"Dependency on private transport for both short and long trips worsens congestion, decreases freight efficiency and places further demand on parking.
"This current situation is not sustainable and if not properly managed, congestion will increasingly impact on the liveability of the shire including the economy, environment and work/life balance of many of our residents."
The document proposes a range of measures to get residents out of their cars.
Proposals include a program of shared cycle-walkways and on-road cycle facilities, including supporting the state government's Sutherland to Cronulla Active Transport Link.
Other ideas include pedestrian access and mobility plans for town centres, way finding upgrades, improved lighting, cycle skill courses for children and parents and a community education campaign.
The list of proposals to increase public transport travel include a government planning study of the Sutherland and Miranda centres and Sutherland Hospital and ANSTO.
The council would advocate for the state government to expedite the proposed mass transit system between Kogarah and Miranda.
The council would also seek bus priority measures in all major intersection upgrades, more efficient and reliable bus services to major destinations and an expansion of on-demand buses.
Another proposal is for an investigation of high rotation shuttle bus services to and from rail-bus interchanges during peak periods.
