Page 2152 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 2 August 2022
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that they can be delivered in time for the operational beginning of Stage 2A. Once the procurement comes to a close we can then provide the public and Mr Parton with the information about the cost of those vehicles.
MR PARTON: Thank you Madam Speaker. Minister, given the cracking issues that have emerged in several jurisdictions worldwide in the CAF Urbos 3, irrespective of whether it is three or five vehicles, have other vehicles been investigated for the new acquisition?
MR STEEL: As I have said before, we are negotiating with Canberra Metro. We are talking with them and part of their consortium. They have CAF, the Spanish light rail vehicle and train manufacturer, so we are working with them through the procurement. When I can announce the procurement of light rail vehicles I will.
DR PATERSON: Minister, can you detail the benefits of getting light rail to Woden?
MR STEEL: Thank you Madam Speaker and thank you Dr Paterson. The whole point of this is to build a better public transport system—to build a more sustainable, vibrant and connected city with a light rail system that connects our city north to south. We have a very successful stage 1 route from Gungahlin to the City and we want to—
Opposition members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, Mr Hanson, Mr Hanson—enough.
MR STEEL: extend the same benefits to the constituents in Murrumbidgee that Dr Paterson and I represent—and that Mr Hanson should be representing. We want to provide those benefits to the rest of the city, for Tuggeranong residents who will be connecting with light rail in the future, and for other parts of the city. So, this is a significant project and we need to get on with the job. You have to wonder at what point will the Canberra Liberals support this project? Will it be when the light rail vehicles roll into Callum Street for the first time Madam Speaker? Maybe even—
Opposition members interjecting—
MR STEEL: then they will be questioning the benefits, as thousands of people will no doubt use these, as they did for stage 1, when we opened that system, and it has seen significant increase in patronage across the corridor.
Roads—safety
DR PATERSON: My question is to the Minister for Transport and City Services. Minister. What infrastructure investments is the government making to improve road safety across the ACT?
MR STEEL: I thank Dr Paterson for her question. The ACT government is investing in making our roads safer. I was very pleased to recently announce the significant infrastructure investment that we will be making in this year’s budget of $24 million to improve road safety across the ACT. These works will add to the already significant pipeline of infrastructure works that are underway. We will be investing in
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