Released 17/10/2018
The new bus network unveiled this week has been designed to encourage more students to use public transport, give families greater choice and help offer students greater flexibility while getting them to school on time.
Currently most Canberra students don’t use public transport, with the majority of kids getting to school by car.
Minister for Transport Meegan Fitzharris said the new network would provide a better mix of dedicated school and regular buses, depending on the needs of local school communities.
“We really want to encourage more students to catch public transport to and from school, and have worked extensively over the past few months with schools and the education sector to deliver a balanced network that will encourage more students onto buses and light rail,” said Minister Fitzharris.
“We know currently around 60 per cent of students who catch a bus to school use the regular network, so kids are very happy to catch regular buses, which are safe, flexible and easy to use.
“By changing the network so more regular buses and light rail serve schools, we give families more options and reduce travel times for students so they can get to school on time.
“Plus if they miss one bus, there will be another one along very soon, which is not always the case with dedicated school services.
"Improvements to the regular bus network, including the introduction of light rail and new rapid services, has removed the need for some dedicated school services.
“The new network will also make it easier for students to get to events, sports matches, after-school activities, weekend work and catching up with friends and family during the evening and weekends.”
Minister Fitzharris said the number one priority of the new network would be helping students navigate the system safely.
“We want students to be safe on our buses, which is why we will ensure there is more help and supervision at interchanges. We will employ more customer service officers and school crossing supervisors, improve the infrastructure around schools and provide better information to help people navigate the new network.
“There will still be 222 dedicated school bus services every day for students across the territory. These services will be simpler and easier for students to use, with most services running both morning and afternoon using the same route number,” said Minister Fitzharris.
In addition to better services on the regular network, the updated network includes 78 more dedicated school services than in the initial consultation to help students get to school.
School-by-school information detailing services for the new network is available online: https://www.transport.act.gov.au/getting-around/new-network
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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