No. 59

INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT IS JUST THE TICKET

The Stanhope Government has allocated $550,000 in the 2006-07 Budget to improve Canberra’s public transport infrastructure. 

Minister for the Territory and Municipal Services, John Hargreaves, said the Stanhope Government is committed to providing the ACT community with a sustainable, high quality passenger transport system.

Canberrans continue to break public transport records –– such as the achievement of 24,000 adult passenger boardings on ACTION buses in a day –– and these infrastructure improvements will further encourage the use of public transport.

“The Government has provided $350,000 for improvements to public transport infrastructure, including new bus stops and shelters and an additional $200,000 towards replacing ACTION’s ageing ticketing system.

“The current ticketing system was installed in 1994 and needs updating.  New evolving technologies need to be examined to provide improvements to customer service with the objective of continuing to increase patronage.

“The study into a replacement ticketing system will provide us with a detailed analysis of public transport ticketing systems, as well as the types of technology available, the scope of the work to be conducted and a full cost benefit analysis.  This initiative is about getting the best advice and then acting on it.

“This initial investigation into a new ticketing system ensures that the Government will provide residents and commuters with the best system possible, both financially and technologically.”

Mr Hargreaves said this funding initiative demonstrates the Government’s continuing commitment to sustainable transport for the Territory.