The Public Transport Association of Canberra (PTCBR) has expressed alarm at the Canberra Liberals’ announcement to build a new stadium at West Basin without extending the light rail network across Lake Burley Griffin to serve the new facility.
PTCBR Chair Ryan Hemsley stated, “The decision to proceed with the construction of a new stadium at West Basin without extending the light rail network across the lake is short-sighted and neglects the significant transport needs of this new facility,”
“A stadium of this scale will attract thousands of visitors. Without high-capacity public transport operating on its own dedicated right of way along the full length of Commonwealth Avenue, the Canberra Liberals are setting our city up for traffic chaos.”
Mr Hemsley urged the Canberra Liberals to reconsider their plans to scrap the planned extension of Light Rail to Woden, and instead develop a comprehensive transport plan for the new West Basin stadium that includes extending light rail to Canberra’s southern suburbs.
“Canberrans deserve a transport system that is reliable, popular, and sets our city up for long-term success,” Mr Hemsley concluded. “We call on the Canberra Liberals to drop their ideologically-motivated opposition to light rail and make the right decision for our city’s future.”
Ryan Hemsley is the chair of the Public Transport Association of Canberra, a public transport users group committed to improving public transport in the ACT and surrounding region.