The Australasian Rail Association (ARA) has voiced its support for the ACT Government’s selection of the City of Woden as a preferred route for Stage 2 of Canberra’s Light Rail network.
Stage 1 of the network connected Canberra with its fastest growing region, Gungahlin, and Stage 2 will further extend the light rail route into Canberra’s southside across Commonwealth Bridge.
ARA CEO Danny Broad said, “Stage 2 from Civic to Woden will generate urban renewal, create jobs for Canberrans and realise a renewal of Woden town centre.
“Light Rail along the Woden corridor through the Parliamentary Triangle will ease congestion and is friendlier to the environment than continuing Canberra’s reliance on motor vehicles.
“With more than 200,000 Canberrans projected to live or work within a kilometre of the Woden corridor by 2041, this Stage 2 decision is a vital link in Canberra’s broader Light Rail network that has future public transport needs at its heart.”
Mr Broad said it was positive to see ACT Government take an integrated approach in its planning for Canberra’s future public transport needs.
“Buses, bicycle paths and parking will be smoothly integrated with Light Rail to ensure a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly transport network for our nation’s capital,” Mr Broad said.
“Canberra’s Light Rail network must also eventually extend to Belconnen in the north and Tuggeranong in the south and I call on the ACT Government to move quickly in announcing future stages, to ensure a continuity of associated works programs and to maintain community support.”
