ACTION staff will host drop-in sessions in the Parliamentary Triangle this week to help workers in the area find out about ACTION bus services ahead of the commencement of pay parking on 1 October, Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury, announced today.
The sessions will be held from 12 pm to 2 pm on Tuesday 23 September at Russell Drive, Russell (in front of the War Memorial) and at the temporary bus bay in front of the National Museum of Australia; and from 12 pm to 2 pm on Wednesday 24 September at Barton bus station, National Circuit and King Edward Terrace, Parkes (in front of the Centenary fountain).
“ACTION’s new Network 14 provides significant improvements to bus travel in the Parliamentary Triangle, with an 18% increase in services,” Mr Rattenbury. “Under Network 14, there will be 602 trips through the area each day, in addition to the 405 that will travel along Commonwealth Avenue, which is close to several of the major institutions.
“This has seen Parliamentary Triangle service frequency increase to between one to seven minutes (rather than one to twelve minutes in the previous network) in the morning peak and increase to between one to ten minutes in the afternoon peak (rather than one to fifteen minutes in the previous network).
“ACTION is really modernising its service. In addition to the new NXTBUS system, which allows passengers to access the arrival time of their bus from their work station or while on the go, the ACT Government has also recently improved bus infrastructure in the Parliamentary Triangle. This has included upgrades to bus stops on Russell Drive, Kings Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue as well as the new Barton bus station.”
“With pay parking commencing on National land from Wednesday 1 October, there has never been more incentive to catch a bus.
“Interestingly, recent research showed that by leaving their car at home and travelling by public transport to work five days a week, the average commuter working in Canberra CBD would save $3,516 annually. By not owning a car at all (or not purchasing a second car) and commuting with public transport the average saving is $7,348 annually. This is not to mention the convenience, environmental and health benefits.”
Mr Rattenbury said the ACT Government is working closely with the National Capital Authority (NCA) to ensure effective promotion of the many bus travel options to the area’s public servants.
For more information visit the ACTION website at www.action.act.gov.au or call the ACTION bus information line on 13 17 10.