Number of bus stops boosted to encourage use of the bus network in ACT
Two handy new bus stops and pedestrian lights became operational on Canberra’s Commonwealth Avenue this week.
Minister for roads and parking Mick Gentleman says the new bus stops on Commonwealth Avenue will operate permanently to allow easier access Regatta Point and community events in the area.
“The bus stops became operational on Monday,” he says.
“The pedestrian lights became operational on Sunday, May 17, just in time for the RSPCA Million Paws Walk.
“The bus stops and pedestrian lights were only operational for big events like Floriade.
“However, they have now become a permanent fixture.
“The lights and bus stops will make visiting the city, Commonwealth Park, Regatta Point and Westside at Acton Park safer and easier.”
They also aim to encourage people to park further away from the city centre and take alternative forms of transport such as buses, walking or cycling to appointments and events in the city.
“The pedestrian lights and bus stops will allow easier access to the Civic Cycle Loop and Lake Burley Griffin pedestrian paths,” Gentleman says.
Minister for territory and municipal services Shane Rattenbury says improving bus services and pedestrian access was all part of supporting a healthy and active community and encouraging people to use the bus network by increasing the number of bus stops in key areas.
“This is one small change of many changes that need to occur right across Canberra to help and encourage Canberrans to choose sustainable forms of transport such as public transport, walking and cycling,” he says.
Routes that will service the new stops include routes 1, 2, 3 and 80, as well as the Blue Rapid service, which is a high-frequency service linking the Canberra CBD with Belconnen, Woden and Tuggeranong.
Both bus stops now have pedestrian paths linking to the Commonwealth Avenue pedestrian lights, Civic Cycle Loop and R G Menzies Walk around Lake Burley Griffin.