Canberra is a city of big thinkers, entrepreneurs and planners.
We have the opportunity to dictate our future and turn it into something we want Canberra to be.
Canberra is growing as a city and as we enter our second century of existence our growth has accelerated.
Here are five reasons why light rail has a part to play in this acceleration.
Sustainability is crucial in Canberra’s growth
Canberra needs to keep growing as a smart and sustainable city. We are growing towards a population of 500,000 and that growth must be directed by a vision that includes high quality transport connections, more active lifestyles and a revitalised city centre. Light rail will play an important role in delivering this vision and it will help to reduce the congestion that costs Canberra more than $100 million every year.
We can’t keep building more roads for more cars
Canberra has the highest car dependency of any major Australian city and we travel further in our cars than residents in any other major city in Australia. As the city grows this car and road reliance will become unsustainable and the grandest road network plans will not allow us to keep growing sustainably and responsibly. One light rail vehicle will hold up to 300 people, equating to 300 cars off the road. This will improve traffic congestion and our environment.
Diversifying the economy and creating jobs
The Capital Metro project has a positive benefit cost ratio and it is forecast to support 3,500 jobs during construction. In a time when Canberra needs jobs, light rail will deliver. Light rail also has a track record of driving extra commercial activity along its route. Passenger exposure and the convenience of living and operating businesses near light rail stops, drives significant commercial opportunities.
Better health and environment
Light rail will support a big reduction in emissions and a much healthier lifestyle. Today in Canberra the vast majority of people sit in cars as part of our daily commute and many of these cars are carrying just one person. If the 200 or more people that light rail can carry left the car at home, walked to a light rail stop, enjoyed a quick and smooth trip and then walked to work their health and our precious local environment would benefit immensely.
Connecting Communities
The corridor between Gungahlin and the City is bursting with opportunities and they need to be connected. Decades of planning is contributing to a revitalised Northbourne Avenue, fast growing mixed use areas in Gungahlin and a major upgrade to Dickson’s commercial precinct. The certainty of light rail tracks in the ground and high frequency and high capacity services is the glue that connects the opportunities together.
Press Release of www.capitalmetro.act.gov.au,
3 July 2014
