The latest survey of community attitudes towards public transport in Canberra has revealed that users would like services to be quicker and more frequent, with more up-to-date information delivered on mobile phone apps and digital displays.
Releasing the findings from Transport Canberra’s first phase of consultation for a new public transport network integrating buses with light rail, Minister for Transport and City Services, Meegan Fitzharris said the preferences were consistent with earlier consultations in 2016.
She said 678 people filled in the online survey, with 82 per cent of respondents saying they currently used public transport.
“As we move towards implementing a seven-day network with services that run to a more frequent timetable every day of the week, we want to make sure we are listening to the community about what will make public transport more attractive and easy to use,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“The first phase of consultation told us that as we move away from a ‘nine-to-five’ lifestyle, people want more services at all times of the day and week.”
She said this could be achieved by reducing duplication across existing routes, freeing up more buses and providing more frequent services.
“Integrating light rail with our bus network will also free up buses and provide more direct services to key destinations,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“A total of 62 per cent said they would use public transport more often if services were more frequent, while 54 per cent said they would if journeys were faster.”
The Minister said more than 60 per cent of respondents said they were keen to see more flexible bus services for residents with limited mobility, and 50 per cent said they were interested in demand-responsive services for residents who could not access regular bus services.
“People said they want to get information about planning their transport journey increasingly through digital displays and mobile apps,” Ms Fitzharris said.
