Sydney's existing transport system is not sustainable – hobbled by a long history of short-term and car-centred thinking according to a new report prepared for the Rail, Tram and Bus Union by the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF).

The report, Moving On, was commissioned by the Union as a spur to put public transport on the agenda for this year's State election. It argues that the city's transport system is in crisis and the public can only see the tip of the iceberg.

Prepared by the ISF's Alison Atherton, Chris Riedy, Institute Director Stuart White, and intern May Samali, Moving On makes ten recommendations for fundamental structural changes that are needed to develop a sustainable public transport system for Sydney.

The recommendations include the need for a long-term legislated transport plan, continuous, annual and substantial State and Commonwealth funding and the establishment of an independent NSW transport coordination authority.

"Without significant change, New South Wales' and Sydney's continued economic growth will be threatened and the negative impact on our community and the environment will be exacerbated by the growth of transport modes that are neither fuel-efficient nor socially equitable," the report says.

"A sustainable transport system is possible in Sydney. Volumes of reports and studies tell us how this can be achieved.

"There can be no argument that this is needed urgently, for the sake of the community, the health and well being of residents, the environment and the economic base of this great city.

"Transport shapes a city, and is the single largest influence on the city's amenity for its residents. A more sustainable transport system would transform Sydney in many ways.

"Fast, reliable and safe public transport options would reduce reliance on motor vehicles and the damage they inflict. It would reduce the isolation and dependence of the many transport-disadvantaged in our community.

"It would result in a fitter, healthier community in more liveable streets and neighbourhoods. Fewer accidents, reduced noise and air pollution and a reduction of our contribution to global climate change would be amongst the benefits.

"Governments would benefit from the increased trust of citizens as they become involved in the decision-making process and see decisions being made on the basis of sound and transparent planning, adequate funding and good monitoring.

"The economy would benefit as the massive costs of our current misallocation of funds are removed and congestion and travel times are reduced.

"All of this is possible. It is not a lack of solutions or of technology that prevents it. It is merely a lack of vision and the lack of will to take the steps that are needed.

"The community will get behind the government that has the courage to take these steps," the report says.

Moving On is available for download from the ISF website.