Released 14/03/2019
Canberra commuters can now start to plan their trip on the new Transport Canberra network after timetables were released today, with one month of free travel to be provided when the new network starts.
“The new bus network, including new school services, will launch at the beginning of Term Two on Monday 29 April, with more buses, more customer service officers and more frequent services helping people get where they need to go,” said Minister for Transport Meegan Fitzharris.
“A new journey planner has been developed to make it even easier for people to plan their trip on public transport. We will also offer a month of free travel for all commuters when the network starts.
“With six weeks to go until our new network starts, people can now check out the new timetables and begin to plan their journey.”
The new network includes 10 rapid routes, including light rail, new local routes and more buses servicing schools across the ACT.
When the new network begins, additional Transport Officers, Customer Service Assistants and Transport Canberra representatives will be at major bus interchanges to help customers with the changes and provide timetable information.
“We know this will be a big change for many people, but we hope having a more frequent, faster network every day of the week will encourage more people to catch public transport.
“Community consultation undertaken in mid-2018 identified people wanted more direct routes, more frequent and reliable services and increased services during on and off-peak times.
“There will be services at least every 15 minutes along rapid transport routes from 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday, continuing into the evening with less frequency. Weekend and public holiday service times will also be extended to 10pm.
“We are also increasing safety across our network, with CCTV cameras on every bus and at all major interchanges, school crossing supervisors at 25 school crossings, improvements to infrastructure around schools and an additional 28 customer service assistants at interchanges.
“We also have a Schools Liaison Manager in Transport Canberra who can further assist school communities as they become familiar with the new network.”
Minister Fitzharris said light rail will also begin in April, which will integrate with the bus network so commuters can use their MyWay card across both modes of transport.
“Whether you catch light rail, buses or both, you will only need one MyWay card and you will be charged the same fee, although both buses and light rail will be free for the first month.
“We don’t have an exact date for light rail yet, but we are confident it will begin either before or at the same time as the new bus network begins.
“This is a new era for public transport in Canberra. Our city is growing and that’s why we are investing in a better public transport network to keep Canberra connected,” said Minister Fitzharris.
To view the new timetable go to https://www.transport.act.gov.au/getting-around/new-network
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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