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Our wishlist for better public transport in Canberra – the 2019 Budget submission from the PTCBR to the ACT Government

Every year the ACT Government invites the public and community groups to tell them what they would like to see the Government allocate funds to over the next year. It’s an excellent opportunity for our association, representing the users of public transport in Canberra, to let the Government know what we expect. In our Budget submission this year we have asked for a split between the passenger experience (making it better) and long term planning. We have also asked that Canberras iconic bunker shelters receive heritage listing!

ACT Budget funds for Mitchell light rail stop, improving ‘Park and Ride’ and Woden light rail

This announcement from TCCS Minister Meegan Fitzharris focuses on light rail and buses. It also provides funding to address any questions that the NCA and the federal inquiry into light rail, may have. The highlights of this announcement are the construction of a light rail stop in Mitchell in 2019/20, and $10 million to further advance the technical and design aspects of light rail to Woden.

Canberra Liberals support light rail and want a light rail stop in Mitchell

PTCBR are pleased that the Canberra Liberals are now supporting light rail in Canberra. The benefits of light rail for residents and businesses along the light rail stage one corridor have been supported at two elections, and it is pleasing that business owners in Mitchell, and the Canberra Liberals, now support better public transport options.

Canberra companies building our light rail

Transport Minister Meegan Fitzharris MLA recently advised the Assembly of the Canberra companies that are helping to build light rail stage one. She advised the Assembly that: 58% of the contracts for stage one have been let to Canberra owned companies. Of the 137 local contracts, they are shared between 114 local companies. That is a great result for a project where one of the objectives was to grow local expertise in building light rail.

ACT Assembly extends third party insurance to light rail

On Wednesday August 2 2017 some important legislation covering a few practical elements for light rail operations, was passed in the ACT legislative Assembly. This enables drivers to legally operate light rail vehicles. The Road Transport Reform (Light Rail) Legislation Amendment also extends third party insurance to light rail vehicles and passengers.