Page 2082 - Week 06 - Thursday, 8 June 2017
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There are limited alternative offences available when a person takes a bus or light rail vehicle for a joy ride. The potential harm caused by a person taking any of these vehicle types would be significant and the value of these vehicles is generally much greater than that of a light vehicle. This amendment brings the ACT into line with other Australian jurisdictions where the equivalent offence extends to all motor vehicles.
Canberra’s future light rail network will deliver a modern transport system to meet the needs of our growing, changing, vibrant city. In addition to promoting public transport, light rail will also contribute to meeting objectives within my portfolio responsibilities of road safety and climate change. The ACT’s road safety strategy recognises the role played by sustainable transport policies in improving road safety. Policies that aim to reduce car traffic and prioritise sustainable transport, such as walking, cycling and public transport, are valuable in their own right but also have measurable safety benefits.
In simple terms, the fewer people driving, the fewer crashes will occur on ACT roads. If just 10 per cent of Canberrans changed to non-car transport modes we would expect to see a noticeable decrease in the number of crashes on ACT roads. The alternative to a car-centric city is one that provides genuine sustainable transport opportunities to residents.
Investing in sustainable transport options does not mean we stop building roads altogether or that we pretend cars are not part of our transport system. Many people rely on cars because of their particular job or family situation. I am committed to making our roads safer and ensuring that the ACT provides sustainable transport options. The light rail, together with buses, cyclepaths and pedestrian walkways, will form an integrated city-wide public transport network for Canberra.
In line with the government’s renewable energy target, by 2020 the light rail will be powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity and fewer cars on our roads will mean fewer emissions. Without improvements to public transport infrastructure, road congestion will continue to grow as Canberra’s population increases, impacting on travel times and the overall quality of life that we enjoy in Canberra.
All Canberrans will benefit from the introduction of light rail. It is beneficial to all who live and work in Canberra through the creation of jobs, encouraging investment opportunities and supporting the integration of public transport in Canberra. Light rail has a proven ability to attract development and investment opportunities that will help revitalise the Northbourne Avenue corridor and the city.
Light rail also brings social and community benefits to areas by increasing accessibility and encouraging better use of urban spaces. Further legislation will be introduced next year that will establish the light rail as a public passenger service. It will ensure that there are appropriate powers in relation to setting and collecting fares, including powers to deal with fare evasion. It will also prioritise the safety and amenity of light rail passengers and a seamless customer experience across transport modes.
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