Canberra’s light rail is due to start taking passengers this Saturday (20 April) with Transport Canberra hosting a community launch event to welcome the system to the city’s public transport network.
Minister for Transport, Meegan Fitzharris said Saturday’s community launch event has been carefully planned to ensure the large numbers of people expected to attend were safe as they waited to ride the new light rail.
“The ACT Government also wants Canberrans to have a fun day out with their families as we celebrate this milestone for our city,” Ms Fitzharris said.
She said a number of security, traffic management and infrastructure measures would be put in place to ensure the event is safe for the community.
“There may be waits, but live music and roving entertainment at either end of the line will keep Canberrans entertained.”
She said the light rail services would run for free all weekend, with increased frequencies on Saturday and timetabled services from then on.
“Passengers riding the light rail will have to get off at either the Gungahlin or City terminus to give people waiting there a chance to board,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“In the City and Gungahlin there will be entertainment for people to enjoy while they wait at either end, including bands, street performers and activities for the kids such as face painting.”
She said that in order to make more room for passengers, bikes would not be allowed on board on launch day, but wheelchairs and prams were welcome.
“Traffic controllers will be on site to guide motorists, cyclists and pedestrians through the area and there will be barriers as well as warning and detour signs to alert people to the road closures and changed traffic conditions,” the Minister said.
“Light rail will also run for free when the new network launches on 29 April and there’ll be no charge for public transport on Easter Sunday 21 April, so there are plenty of opportunities to ride,” she said.
“This is the biggest change to public transport since our city was founded.
“It will make Canberra better connected and we want Canberrans to try it out, so we’re offering a month’s free travel across buses and light rail from Monday 29 April.”
