Page 4589 - Week 12 - Thursday, 15 October 2009
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ACTION buses. ACTION will be introducing a new smartcard ticketing system in 2010 and the use of a family ticket will not identify the number of passengers boarding and alighting a bus or the origin and destination of the journeys. Patronage statistics are a key performance indicator for ACTION in its reports to the government and the Assembly, and this information is also vital for service planning.
The second recommendation which is not agreed to relates to amending the Discrimination Act 1991 to require public bodies to promote access, equity and equality. It is not necessary to legislate to ensure that ACT government agencies promote access, equity and equality. These outcomes can be achieved through a range of administrative mechanisms.
I am pleased to outline a number of initiatives the government has introduced that address other issues raised in the report. In 2007, the government provided funding of $2.3 million over four years for ACT seniors and community transport. All holders of an ACT seniors card are now able to use concession fares on ACTION buses during peak periods. Previously, non-age-pension ACT seniors were not eligible for concession travel in peak periods.
The funding also allowed for the introduction of a community on-demand, wheelchair-accessible minibus service to supplement public transport. This initiative benefits 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. Six minibuses provide on-demand bus services and are administered by regional community services.
In 2008, free bus travel was introduced for any Canberran 75 years or older, by using an ACTION gold card. I think it is one of the areas that Minister Hargreaves introduced. The ACT government provided $500,000 over four years towards this initiative. The gold card is linked to the existing older drivers awareness program, where it is recommended that drivers over the age of 75 consider their driving circumstances. The gold card initiative encourages our seniors to take the bus instead of driving their car. The gold card has been a fantastic success, with approximately 1,200 users per day. This initiative potentially reduces social isolation for our older Canberrans, and I have heard that some gold card users take a bus ride now at no cost as their outing for the day.
The ACT government continues to improve our public transport system, which is paramount to reducing transport emissions and preparing for a low carbon future. The government has provided $1 million in 2009-10 for ACTION to introduce a service, REDEX—rapid express direct—to be trialled in that year. The concept of rapid transit services such as REDEX will complement the government’s long-term transport plan.
Free travel for cyclists was introduced in December 2007 to encourage the use of bike racks. This initiative was also part of the government’s climate change strategy. However, now that cyclists are using the bike racks, ACTION does not believe any incentive such as free travel is necessary. In July 2009, free travel for cyclists was removed, although it should be noted there is no charge for carrying a bike on the bike rack. ACTION has recently introduced a new policy for fold-up bikes. Fold up bikes that are designed to be carried on public transport can be carried on ACTION buses.
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