The Public Transport Association of Canberra (PTCBR) is calling on the ACT Government to carefully plan and (re)design areas around light rail stations to ensure safe and convenient access for passengers who walk or transfer from buses.
The PTCBR made a submission to the first major public consultation round for Light Rail Stage 2B (Civic to Commonwealth Park). The PTCBR strongly supports the project, but urged the government to take a holistic approach to planning and design that accounted for future development along the alignment, safe and convenient pedestrian access to stations, and passenger experience.
“The plans, renders, and design principles presented for public comment showed a bold, positive vision for the future of Canberra, with an attractive and high-quality light rail system improving transport access and transforming harsh car-dominated areas on the southside,” PTCBR chair Ryan Hemsley said.
“It’s no secret that PTCBR have been very eager to see progress on this project, and while the delays are frustrating, we are extremely heartened by what’s been presented in this consultation round.
“With these illustrations, Light Rail Stage 2B has become more than just a line on a map. This project will change our city for the better, and this step in the approvals process has given us an important first look at key details of the project.”
PTCBR suggested that the station slated for Kent/Novar Streets in the proposed North Curtin Residential Area might be moved to better serve its future population and connect with existing bus routes.
PTCBR also encouraged the government to improve land use around stations by rationalising nearby intersections and consolidating surface car parks into multi-level structures.
“We want passengers to feel comfortable at stations, which will require excellent lighting, protection from the weather, and measures to reduce noise from surrounding roads,” Mr Hemsley said.
“We also know from Canberra’s first stage of light rail that the median passenger walks 600 metres to a stop, and some regularly walk up to twice that distance. So we want people to access the stations safely and conveniently, and that means co-locating bus stops and improving active travel infrastructure on the approach roads.
“It’s great to be able to help shape the coming Environmental Impact Statement in this consultation round, and we look forward to further engagement on the Stage 2B plans as work on the project progresses.”
A spokesperson said the ACT Government would consider PTCBR’s feedback as part of the broader Environmental Impact Statement consultation, which will provide the basis for Light Rail Stage 2B to progress through the required statutory planning approvals.
“The ACT Government is committed to ensure Stage 2B provides safe and accessible light rail stops as part of an integrated public transport network,” the spokesperson said.
The draft EIS will be publicly exhibited for review and comment in early 2025, and will include the ACT Government’s responses to the issues raised by the community, including PTCBR’s submission.
“The proposed design is in an early stage and will consider future developments, including the North Curtin Residential Area, as detailed planning for the area continues over the coming years. The ACT Government is also developing a Southern Gateway Planning and Design Framework. This framework will build upon the Woden and Inner South District Strategies and provide guidance for future planning and land use along the proposed light rail corridor.”
