The ACT Government today released the ‘Moving Canberra 2019-2045 Integrated Transport Strategy’ policy paper. This is open for consultation into the New Year. The PTCBR will host a public meeting in early 2019 devoted to this.
You can download the full Integrated Transport Strategy from the PTCBR website.
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!
The PTCBR has welcomed today’s release of the JSCNET report on Commonwealth and Parliamentary approvals for the proposed stage 2 of the ACT light rail project, arguing that the report provides much-needed certainty around the second stage of Canberra’s most important infrastructure project. The Committees report means that the NCA and the ACT Government can resume working on a light rail route through the Parliamentary Zone that can serve the people of Canberra, service national institutions and satisfy heritage concerns.
The PTCBR are pleased that Transport Canberra have reacted to community consultation and made sensible changes in local services and rapid bus routes. The new integrated public transport network is a massive change and will take some getting used to by passengers used to the local bus services meandering around their suburbs. It may take some time before the changes are fully appreciated. This network is going to be a strong builder of public transport patronage based around light rail and more frequent buses. It is the modal shift Canberra has needed.
The PTCBR are pleased that provision for a future light rail route has been included in the plans for two of the Molonglo Valley’s key arterial roads. Recently released design documents show a planned light rail route in the median of John Gorton Drive and Bindubi Street, with a stop servicing the planned residential estate of Whitlam. Light rail will be a critical part of Molonglo’s infrastructure mix if it is to avoid many of the road congestion problems that have plagued Gungahlin.