Transport paper highlights ‘grave’ concerns about proceeding with Stage 2B of the tram

 

A paper released today titled 21ST Century Public Transport Solutions For Canberra highlights grave concerns about the future of public transport in the ACT, in particular continuing with stage 2B of the tram.

The detailed paper concludes that stage 2B of the tram to Woden should not proceed as it will be slower, less flexible, have greater environmental impacts and cost significantly more money which will impose a substantial financial burden on all Canberrans for decades to come.

Shadow Transport Minister Mark Parton said the report highlights many of the issues the Canberra Liberals have been raising about the tram and why if elected the Canberra Liberals will not proceed with stage 2B that is anticipated to cost over $4 billion.

“This report also provides detailed information regarding the significant engineering challenges with Stage 2B including the construction of a new bridge between the existing Commonwealth Avenue bridges and seven new bridges along Adelaide Avenue and Yamba Drive,” Mr Parton said.

“It paints a very bleak picture about the future of public transport in the ACT if we proceed with the tram that will significantly increase travel times for Canberrans from the south.

“The current rapid bus between Civic and Woden takes just 15 minutes which will increase to over 30 minutes on the tram and the report highlights the significant benefits of bus rapid transit compared to the tram.”

Mr Parton said the information provided in the report emphasises why Andrew Barr and the Labor-Greens government refuse to be upfront with Canberrans about stage 2B of the tram.

“Despite repeated calls by the Canberra Liberals, Andrew Barr refuses to tell Canberrans how much this significant project will cost taxpayers, how they plan to overcome the engineering challenges and even the route between Commonwealth Park and Woden.

“The Canberra Liberals will put forward a transport policy that will focus on getting Canberrans where they want to go when they want to get there that will be faster, greener, better connect and cheaper,” Mr Parton concluded.