Light rail can be a pleasant and effective mode of transport if it is properly integrated with existing transport modes and, provided it is adaptable enough to grow and change with the community it services, it can be a vital part of an integrated transport solution.
Chief Minister Jon Stanhope has released a Pricewaterhouse Coopers report presenting the business case for light rail in Canberra.
The report was commissioned by the Commonwealth Government after the ACT listed light rail as a project for co-funding through the Commonwealth’s Business Australia Fund.
The report found light rail would cost around $2 billion and could reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions with a benefit-to-cost ratio of 1.62.
The report says that a high-frequency service between the town centres and Civic could encourage a shift for peak-hour traffic from car to rail.
The central and most important part of any transport initiatives for Canberra should be an integrated, sustainable transport strategy, linked with other infrastructure planning and incorporating future growth and demographic changes in the ACT.
And it would receive stronger support if the actual cost to Canberrans, for both building and maintaining the service were provided in more detail.
This proposal needs further scrutiny: For the business case to be compelling, it needs to answer some questions relating to Canberra’s overall transport situation. For example, how would light rail on its own support the development of a future sustainable transport plan?
Why is it a better solution environmentally, economically and strategically than other transport options, such as a rapid bus system on current roads?
Importantly, its success hinges on its acceptance and use by all Canberrans. There would have to be safe and reliable parking for bikes and cars at the various stations (this is not included in the proposal’s cost estimates); the location of the destination stations close to workplaces and residential areas; and linkages between service modes – not discussed in the report.
The Property Council will continue to work with Government to ensure that transport strategy remains on the agenda and that real solutions are found to address Canberra’s transport problems.
Catherine Carter |
Thursday, 23 April 2009 6:00 AM |
One Comment
