The case for Light Rail for the ACT and Capital Region...The Capital Region’s roads are increasingly congested, especially during peak hours and the entire road network is becoming increasingly unsuitable for the volume that is currently commuting every day just to get to work... Light rail will provide a transport system attractive enough to encourage people out of their cars in all areas of the ACT and Capital Region. The ACT Government (with the assistance of the Federal Government) needs to commit resources to undertake an initial comprehensive feasibility study that will explore possible routes and establish accurate costing for a Light Rail network. A proposed Light Rail network could initially utilise the existing Tuggeranong, Kingston, Queanbeyan/ Bungendore rail lines and ultimately be expanded to include all ACT town centres and significant areas of employment.  The above map illustrates only one of many options for a possible staged implementation of a light rail network for the Capital region. The initial line leverages the existing rail track running down the ACT/NSW border. The network then could be expanded in stages (numbered 1 through 4). Park and Ride facilities are strategically placed around the network to minimise reliance on the car as a primary transport mode. Map Key: Red Hatched: Exisiting heavy rail line; Dark Blue - Possible 1st built stage (based on NCA upgrades to Constitution Avenue); Green - Possible 2nd built stage (major Park & Ride Facilities); Pink - Possible 3rd built stage (connection to Town Centres); Light Blue - Possible 4th built stage (completion of network circuits).
Note that the concept map has been designed to promote interest and discussion only - the actually phased implementation should be determined by a proper unbiased feasibility study and cost benefit analysis.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 21 July 2008 )
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ACT Light Rail is bitterly disappointed that the ACT Government Integrated Transport framework shows no leadership or real vision for implementing light rail as part of an integrated transport network in the ACT.
"Recently the Chief Minister made a very big deal of the fact that he had asked the Federal Government for a significant amount infrastructure funding. He claimed that the implementation of a light rail network was a priority for the Territory," stated ACT Light Rail Deputy Convener Jonathon Reynolds
"For a document that is meant to be a framework for the future of the Territory’s integrated transport network, only loosely worded motherhood statements have been used to mention light rail and not a single budgetary dollar has been allocated to undertake either a detailed feasibility study nor a cost benefit analysis in support of the bid for substantial Federal funding," continued Mr. Reynolds
"This was the ideal opportunity for the Government to show real commitment to the environment and related issues. However, the community should remain skeptical of the Government’s real intentions when it continually makes hollow commitments." concluded Mr. Reynolds |
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ACT Light Rail has added their support to an open letter from public transport and conservation groups to the Prime Minister.
The letter called on the Prime Minister to take urgent steps to invest in expanding the reach and quality of public transport in urban, regional and rural Australia.
It also asked him to work with the ACT and other state and territory governments, to provide better quality public transport services that will provide an alternative to private vehicle use.
“This letter to the Prime Minister comes less than a week after the Stanhope government flagged a Light Rail network in the ACT as its top priority in the Infrastructure Australia fund” said ACT Light Rail convener Damien Haas
”ACT Light Rail supports the proposal by the Stanhope government and we have offered to work with the ACT Light Rail Task Force in assisting the Infrastructure Australia bid”, Mr Haas continued
Mr Haas concluded by saying that “There was a national recognition that increased investment in public transport would benefit all Australians, and that less time spent commuting added to everyones quality of life, as well as helping the environment.” A copy of the Open Letter to Prime Minister Rudd is available at the following URL: http://www.ptua.org.au/federal/joint_open_letter_2008-07-14.pdf (PDF format) [ENDS - 16 July 2008] |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 16 July 2008 )
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ACT Light Rail - is a community based, not for profit public transport lobby group comprised of members, (both individuals and representatives of other community groups) who share the common goal of promoting and achieving the ideal of Light Rail as the primary mode of mass public transit in the Capital Region.