Today’s release of the ACT Light Rail Master Plan by the ACT Government is welcomed by the peak body for rail, the Australasian Railway Association, (ARA). According to the ARA’s Chief Executive Officer, the 25-year master plan is an appropriate and timely proposal that supports a long term vision for the city of Canberra.
“It is clear through the Light Rail Master Plan that the ACT Government has an ambitious vision for the future of Canberra, one that will unlock the potential of Canberra’s CBD and Parliamentary triangle, (through to the south, via the main town-centres) and surrounding suburbs through urban redevelopment,” said Danny Broad.
“It’s pleasing to see high-level, long term planning and community consultation underway for Canberra’s Light Rail project. As alerted to in our 2015 report Capital Metro – Canberra’s light rail project in a global context, light rail as a mode of transport -integrated with other transport systems- acts as a major provider of many benefits to cities.
“Canberra is set for further expansion over the coming decades, the transport needs for a city of 500,000 people is vastly different to that of 300,000, leaving the city's car dependency unviable for a modern, sustainable city. Now is the time to start planning this major infrastructure project and look at how the rail network will integrate with the existing bus network. Continuing to plan ahead, and invest in Canberra’s transport infrastructure is crucial in order to effectively serve the needs of Canberra and its growing population."
“The Light Rail project supports the vision of Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, the architects who designed the city of Canberra. Unbeknown to some, the wide median strips down the ‘main boulevards’ of Northbourne, Adelaide and Wentworth Avenues were designed as a major part of the Griffin’s vision for the city; they saw these avenues as a corridor to connect the city by rail. It’s pleasing to see Griffin’s vision in the first steps of realisation."
“The rail industry supports the ACT government’s move to prioritise public transport for the city of Canberra and welcomes the release of the Light Rail Masterplan; proper planning is essential in managing future growth and improving the city’s amenity, liveability and sustainability,” said Mr Broad.
About The Australasian Railway Association (ARA)
The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) is the peak body representing all passenger, freight, track operators and the wider rail supply industry in Australia and New Zealand.
Our fundamental purpose is to create an environment that will permit the Australasian rail industry to prosper. When issues arise that affect the whole industry, the ARA takes the lead facilitating an industry response.
The ARA is actively involved in the development of rail policy to ensure the industry's views are represented.
As well as shaping policy in the areas of passenger, freight, rail safety regulatory reform, the environment, technology and research, the ARA is also involved in programs aimed at improving the productivity, capacity and overall safety of the Australasian rail industry.
Our vision
The Australasian Rail Industry's vision is that rail will become the transport mode of choice because of its economic, environmental and social advantages. In achieving this we aim to provide enhanced passenger services for our communities and have more trains carrying increased volumes of bulk freight and goods.
Comments
There are no comments yet for this item
Join the discussion