Page 2655 - Week 08 - Thursday, 24 August 2006
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the evaluation of the PA will assist government in selecting a preferred route which can be protected into the future until such time as a commitment to construction is made.
Improvements to transport in the Belconnen town centre to integrate with the future transitway are also well advanced. Preliminary sketch plans for the proposed roadway and public transport improvements have been completed, including the provision of on-street cycling lanes, developed with the assistance of Pedal Power. A further planning study for transport operations within the city centre is also under way.
Another key short-term priority of the sustainable transport plan was the introduction of Gungahlin to City bus priority measures. The firm Parsons Brinckerhoff was commissioned to undertake a planning study on bus priority along this corridor and has recommended staged improvements. Stage 1 has been constructed and provides a bus lane on Flemington Road. Stage 2 is to reinforce this corridor along Northbourne Avenue, and a feasibility study for the stage 2 works has also been completed. The installation of new bus shelters on all major transit routes will improve the comfort of people using public transport, and a new bus loop system in city will give better public transport access to more of City. The planning of this loop is currently under way.
The territory has also released a new cycling and walking map for Canberra and Queanbeyan, in a paper form. An electronic version is nearing completion. We have also continued to construct more cycle paths, introduced bicycle racks on buses, released draft bicycle parking guidelines to ensure adequate bike parking, showers and lockers are provided in all new developments and are in the process of reviewing parking guidelines for the territory and preparing a parking strategy for City and the town centres.
ACTION is upgrading its services, increasing the frequency of off-peak trunk services and introducing the flexibus services, and implementing the Xpresso commuter express. In addition, an underpass is to be constructed beneath Parkes Way as a joint project between the ACT government, the Department of Defence and the National Capital Authority. Its construction is scheduled for 2006-07 and 2007-08 and will provide safe pedestrian and cycle movement.
The feasibility of introducing real-time passenger information and associated bus priority triggers has also been considered. A real-time bus information system minimises the uncertainty of catching a bus for passengers by providing up-to-date information and displays at key bus stops. The system can provide accurate bus arrival information at the bus stops and can provide traffic-light priority for buses at traffic light intersections. The government has decided not to proceed with this project at this time due to a range of technical issues. However, I am hopeful that it will be considered in the context of future funding bids.
The work that has been done on the sustainable transport plan is also ongoing and part of it is focused on changing people’s travel choices. Several TravelSmart programs are also under way and have begun to influence choice of travel and travel behaviour. The TravelSmart schools walking school bus program was rolled out across 17 schools and has been strongly supported by the YWCA. The TravelSmart households on the move pilot program was held in 2004 in preparation for the national travel behaviour change project and achieved a 4.5 per cent reduction in private vehicle travel. The TravelSmart workplaces pilot is being trialled in three workplaces. Two workplaces have completed
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