A 12-month review of the Light Rail Stage One has revealed a property value boom and population growth along the transit corridor.
Minister for Transport, Chris Steel said the Benefits Realisation Report found that living and working next to light rail was proving popular.
“An average increase in the unimproved value of blocks growing by 35.2 per cent … was significantly greater than the Territory average of 21.7 per cent for the same period,” Mr Steel said.
“Based on census data, population growth in the suburbs along the light rail corridor has exceeded what was initially expected in the business case by nearly 2,500 people,” he said.
“From the very beginning of operations, light rail has proved itself as a huge success, with the project coming in under budget and seeing an immediate jump in public transport patronage.”
Mr Steel said reliable and frequent services had seen a sustained increase in the use of public transport, with more than 4.2 million boarding’s over the past year.
He said that as part of the review process feedback was sought from local traders with many Gungahlin-based businesses citing an increase in revenue, footfall or improved access for customers and staff.
He said the review also found that construction on major projects could be disruptive and communication would be enhanced with those affected by future projects.
The 35-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
