Commuters can expect a bus every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes during off-peak times on high-demand
Commuters can expect a bus every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes during off-peak times on high-demand weekday routes when the ACT Labor Government trials new rapid transit buses in 2009-10.
Chief Minister and Minister for Transport Jon Stanhope revealed today that the Territory Budget will provide $1 million for the new service, REDEX – Rapid Express Direct, to be trialled in 2009-10 between 6:30am and 7pm on weekdays during school terms.
Stanhope says passengers and businesses will benefit from better transport access to town centres and the “parliamentary triangle”.
“This responsible investment by the ACT Labor Government will deliver more buses more frequently in peak demand periods,” he says.
“The rapid transit buses will create the capacity for an additional 300,000 passengers travelling to major employment hubs, town centres and through the ‘parliamentary triangle’.”
Stanhope says REDEX is expected to commence in October 2009 to coincide with the start of the fourth school term.
New ACTION buses that were funded in last year’s Budget, for nearly $50 million, will provide the additional bus capacity needed to deliver the services, he says.
A review of the trial and community feedback about the new services will inform the future of REDEX and its potential growth.
“The ACT Labor Government is committed to providing Canberrans with better public transport options. By increasing the frequency of our bus services we can help to address traffic congestion, reduce transport emissions and provide better access to our town and employment centres,” he says.
REDEX 1 will be a return service to Gungahlin, Dickson, City, Russell, Barton, Woden, Erindale and Tuggeranong. REDEX 2 will be a return service to Kippax, Belconnen, City, Russell, Barton, Woden, Erindale and Tuggeranong.
Buses will run every 15 minutes from 6:30am to 9:30am and 3:30pm to 6:30pm and every 30 minutes at all other times.