Canberra’s light-rail a step closer with Canberra Metro to design and build stage one
Canberra Metro has won the tender to construct the first stage of Canberra’s light rail system from Gungahlin to the CBD in an announcement this week.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) minister assisting on transport reform Shane Rattenbury welcomed the announcement of the Canberra Metro as the firm that will bring trams to the Australia’s capital city.
“This is a milestone that marks the next stage for Canberra as a progressive, sustainable, 21st century city,” he says.
“Over one hundred years ago Walter Burley Griffin laid the foundations for light rail with his ambitious and progressive vision for our city.
“This is an important step in his vision becoming reality with the announcement of the consortium who will deliver the first stage of Canberra’s light rail network.”
Cannberra Metro edged out three other consortia that expressed interest including ACTIVATE, Connecting Canberra and CANGO, to secure the tender.
The announcement comes just in time, in Rattenbury’s estimation, as people continue to flock to Canberra.
“The latest demographic data shows that Canberra’s population will reach 400,000 this year.
“Current projections show that without change in approach there will be 124,000 more cars on our roads by 2040.
“We are a growing city that needs and deserves better public transport options and we are going to get just that with an integrated, inclusive and affordable light rail network across the city.”
The $698 million project is expected to be complete, with trams running on stage one by 2019.
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