News - Transport

When GCC prepared a submission to the ACTION Inquiry, key things we asked for were:

• Major acceleration of the fleet replacement with new CNG buses
• Increased fleet size
• More frequency and less waiting for routes throughout the day
• More express services
• Better spacing of services
• Better connections
• Improvements to route design in many suburbs 
• Improvements to services in Gungahlin
• New services to Brindabella Park from Gungahlin
• Park and Rides - including one at EPIC

So when 33 media releases started pouring out of the ACT Government concerning their mini-budget, the one that really caught the eye was the following one about ACTION.

In a nutshell, all of the above, with the exception of the EPIC park and ride (we're still working on that)!

Everyone working out at the Airport will be very happy to see that one about the direct Gungahlin-Brindabella Park service especially. (Although we don't yet know the proposed route. We said it should go straight down Majura Road rather than getting clogged up going via the City - stayed tuned...)

Although we're keen to check out the detail, there's enough solid progress in this announcement for us to say well done Minister Hargreaves and Tom Elliott in ACTION. Thanks for listening.

The ACT Government Media Release follows...

$75 MILLION COMMITMENT TO TRANSPORT

Chief Minister Jon Stanhope and the Minister for Territory and Municipal Services John Hargreaves today announced a package of measures for transport improvements worth almost $75 million dollars - the most comprehensive commitment in the Territory's history, spanning bus services, infrastructure, accessibility and safety.

'The investment the Government makes today will deliver at least a 10% enhancement in bus services across the city and improve the comfort, convenience, accessibility and affordability of public transport for thousands of Canberrans.

'A massive $23.8 million extra over four years will be dedicated to significant improvements to ACTION.

'At the heart of this package is additional funding of $20.45 million...$3.95 million in 2007‑08, rising to $5.5 million a year from 2008-09...to deliver a substantial enhancement of ACTION's network,' Mr Stanhope said.

'The ACT Government and ACTION have responded to community feedback on the network and have undertaken a comprehensive review of ACTION bus services.'

'This funding will improve bus frequencies and connections and enhance services in many parts of the city. 

'Proposed improvements, to be introduced on 28th April 2008, include:

• Same route directions and route numbers 7 days a week
• More frequency and less waiting for routes throughout the day
• More express services
  
• Better spacing of services
• Better connections
• Improvements to route design in many suburbs
  
• Improvements to services in Gungahlin, the Parliamentary Triangle and Central Canberra
• New services for Brindabella Park from Gungahlin, Civic and Woden.

The community will be able to view the proposed network plan by visiting any bus interchange, Canberra Connect Shopfront, Library, or ACTION bus by the end of next week. The plan will also be available from the ACTION website at www.action.act.gov.au.

Mr Stanhope also announced that over the next four years, starting in 2008-09, the Government would invest around $50 million in new, wheelchair-accessible buses, to better meet accessibility requirements for Canberrans with disabilities. The investment is expected to deliver about 100 new buses and to meet the Government's commitment to have 55% of the fleet wheelchair accessible by 2012.

'he ACT Government has also committed funding of $1 million to improve the safety, security and maintenance at the Woden and Belconnen bus interchanges,' Mr Stanhope said.

'This additional funding will see the installation of security cameras at the interchanges and much needed maintenance work and will ensure a better experience for Canberrans using Belconnen interchange in the lead-up to the construction of a brand-new interchange. 

Mr Hargreaves said the package would deliver up to 100 additional seats at selected bus stops.

'In addition to this significant investment in the ACT's public transport system, the Government announced last week funding of $2.3 million over four years to allow all holders of an ACT Seniors Card to ride on an ACTION bus for half price at any time - even in peak periods,' Mr Hargreaves said. 'Canberrans aged 60 or over, who are permanent residents of the ACT and not in paid employment for more than 20 hours a week are eligible for an ACT Seniors Card.

'The funding will also allow for the introduction of a community on-demand, wheelchair accessible mini-bus service to supplement transport delivered by regional community services. This initiative will benefit older Canberrans and others isolated by a lack of transport options - such as people with a disability, new migrants, and people who may be temporarily unable to move easily in their community.

'These major transport improvements are consistent with the Sustainable Transport Plan and the objectives of increasing the modal share of public transport.  The installation of CCTV is also consistent with the Inter Governmental Agreement on Surface Transport Security', said Mr Hargreaves.

'This is a massive investment in the ACT's public transport system and a demonstration of the Government's commitment to efficient, sustainable transport options.'