Released 15/08/2018
More than 10,000 pieces of feedback about the proposed new bus network have been received by Transport Canberra, which will help to build a new public transport network for Canberra that attracts more people onto buses and light rail.
Minister for Transport and City Services Meegan Fitzharris said with only 8 per cent of people currently catching public transport to work, the new network would help improve patronage and make the network better.
“While the Canberra Liberals run their scare campaign against any changes to buses, we are getting on with the job of delivering what the people of Canberra voted for – more buses, more often, seven days a week.
“During the recent consultation we received consultation through a range of channels:
- 9,663 online surveys completed
- Over 350 people attended Community Council meetings
- 504 emails received
- Over 1,100 conversations at pop up roadshows
- More than 90 phone calls through Access Canberra
“Additionally, hundreds of individuals and organisations with a strong interest in how public transport works like schools, community councils and peak bodies made written submissions.
“Feedback from the community, mostly from existing bus users, covered a range of topics including Xpresso bus services, many of which are being replaced by Rapid services, school services and areas where bus routes are changing.
“We will have more to say about the final design of the network in the coming months. This will include details like timetables, more information for schools and parents and information about local infrastructure that will be delivered as part of the rollout of the new bus network.
“As Canberra grows, we need an integrated public transport network that works for more people. Currently many of our routes are too infrequent. Routes are too long and make too many deviations before people get to where they want to go. Different weekday and weekend routes are not intuitive, and the operating hours don’t work for everyone.
“These are all problems we want to fix with the new network.”
Minister Fitzharris said the consultation builds on previous plans and strategies that have been developed since 2009 to build a more modern, frequent public transport network.
“We have spoken to Canberrans over the better part of a decade to inform the development of our integrated transport policy and system, and now we have a real opportunity to build that new network, based on light rail buses and active travel, so we can move more people around our beautiful city in a sustainable way.
“Recent figures from Transport Canberra show a record 18.94 million bus boardings in 2017-18, exceeding the target of 18.4 million by over 500,000.
“This clearly demonstrates how the ACT Government’s continuous efforts to increase patronage are on the right track,” said Minister Fitzharris.
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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