No. 4 
New Rapid Transit Buses every 15 minutes

Commuters can expect a bus every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes during off-peak times on high demand weekday routes when the ACT Labor Government trials new rapid transit buses, Chief Minister and Minister for Transport, Jon Stanhope, said today.

The Budget provides $1 million for the new service, REDEX – Rapid Express Direct, to be trialled in 2009-10 between 7am and 7pm on weekdays during school terms. 

Mr Stanhope said passengers and businesses would benefit from better transport access to town centres and the Parliamentary Triangle.

“This responsible investment by the ACT Labor Government will deliver more buses, more frequently in peak demand periods,” Mr Stanhope said. 

“The rapid transit buses will create the capacity for an additional 300,000 passengers travelling to major employment hubs, town centres and through the Parliamentary Triangle.
 
“REDEX is expected to commence in October 2009 to coincide with the start of the 
4th school term. New ACTION buses that were funded in last year’s Budget, for nearly 
$50 million, will provide the additional bus capacity needed to deliver the services. A review of the trial and community feedback about the new services will inform the future of REDEX and its potential growth. 

“The ACT Labor Government is committed to providing Canberrans with better public transport options. By increasing the frequency of our bus services we can help address traffic congestion, reduce transport emissions and provide better access to our town and employment centres," Mr Stanhope said.

REDEX 1 will be a return service to Gungahlin, Dickson, City, Russell, Barton, Woden, Erindale and Tuggeranong. REDEX 2 will be a return service to Kippax, Belconnen, City, Russell, Barton, Woden, Erindale and Tuggeranong.

Buses will run every 15 minutes from 7am to 9:30am and 3:30pm to 6:30pm and every 30 minutes at all other times.

5 May 2009
Media Contact: 	Jess Wurf	6205 0504 (w) 	0411 772 700 (m)