Page 1688 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 9 May 2018
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The new network is now being developed, and we have committed to a second phase of community engagement prior to the implementation of this network. While the final network will be subject to further feedback from our community, Canberrans should expect to see a new bus network that reflects the input they gave to the government last year and that delivers on these priorities.
The government is working hard to design a network with faster and more direct bus routes as well as a network with more frequent and reliable services at all times of the day and week, a truly seven-day-a-week network. The government knows that with fewer people now on a strict nine to five schedule, there is a greater need to provide more services to help people travel in the evenings and at weekends. That is why we are designing a public transport network that will move Canberrans on all days, seven days a week.
I am pleased to advise the Assembly that our new integrated network will provide access and equity for people to get home safely at night seven days a week. We are looking to expand the hours of operation, with the initial light rail timetable running until 11.30 pm Monday to Thursday, 1 am on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday mornings, and 11.30 pm on Sunday night. Likewise the new Transport Canberra bus network rapids will run to midnight Monday to Saturday, and we are looking to run them to 10.30 pm on Sunday nights.
The Labor government are expanding our bus network based on what people told us they wanted: more buses, more often. We are delivering on these commitments to provide more rapid bus services for Canberrans, and record patronage growth shows that they are voting with their feet. We are on track to exceed this year’s patronage target of 18.4 million customer boardings, and my focus is on ensuring our new network encourages even more Canberrans to use public transport. I look forward to providing a further update to the Assembly about the government’s plans for our public transport network in August.
I move the following amendment to the motion:
Omit all words after “That this Assembly”, substitute:
“(1) notes that:
(a) Canberra is a modern city of over 400 000 people; and
(b) the ACT Government is focused on getting more Canberrans to use public transport and ensuring access and equity so that people can move around our city and get home safely at night; and
(c) the new integrated light rail and bus network will assist in overcoming challenges for people with low income and those who work in late-night hospitality and other shift work seeking to travel home using public transport. This will assist in addressing disadvantage, especially for low income Canberrans, who may be disproportionately impacted;
(2) further notes that:
(a) interstate bus services arrive at the Jolimont Centre until 1.30 am;
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