Transport Canberra has developed a plan to drive the Territory’s strategy to encourage Canberrans back on-board buses and light rail by harnessing lessons learnt during the pandemic.
Transport Canberra said the ACT Transport Recovery Plan was designed around four objectives, with a focus on building a stronger transport system in the wake of COVID-19 that had public transport and active travel at its centre.
“The pandemic is not over, but there are strong signs that Canberra’s recovery is underway,” Transport Canberra said.
“Canberrans will progressively be vaccinated throughout the second half of 2021 and local businesses, shops and services are gradually returning to their pre-COVID rhythms,” it said.
“That means it is time to step up our efforts to encourage people back onto public transport in a safe and sustainable way.”
Transport Canberra said its Recovery Plan focused on restoring community confidence in public transport as a safe way to move around Canberra; driving sustainable public transport usage patterns; returning patronage to pre-COVID levels; and preparing the public transport services to play a key role in mitigating traffic disruption associated with upcoming delivery of major infrastructure projects.
“It also supports our transition to a zero-emission bus network by 2040 and vision of a more connected, sustainable and vibrant city,” the Agency said.
It said its principles for the recovery of Canberra’s public transport system were putting the health and wellbeing of passengers first; data and engagement as core tools to drive more customer-centric outcomes; continued investment in service improvement and expansion; and all decisions to drive a long-term and sustainable shift to public transport.
Transport Canberra’s nine-page Recovery Plan can be accessed at this PS News link.
