Light Rail in Canberra: Does it solve the transport problem for the ACT?

Discussing light rail and electric buses and the transport problem in the Australian Capital Territory with members of the University of the Third Age at Goodwin Village, Farrer, ACT. Light Rail in Canberra: Does it solve the transport problem for the ACT? If the focus is on reducing carbon emissions, then electric buses can achieve that while provide more flexibility for less infrastructure investment. Given the ACT Government is currently paying one million dollars per day to service their current debt, and this is expected to double by 2026, a lower infrastructure spend would help solve the transport problem sooner and at less cost to taxpayers.

1. The Story of the Tram Burley Griffin and the tram narrative Light rail as urban renewal Light rail as a green technology Light rail as a superior technology High-density living and Australian culture Perverse policy outcomes Is the cost of the tram worth the price?

2. Current Tram Operation Professional operation capable of expansion Focus on safety and coordination Potential for driverless but control room remains 24/7 Trams will be retrofitted for batteries for Stage 2A Stage 2a expensive due to gradient and London Circuit Stage 3 to Woden well past budget deficit paydown planned until

3. Transport outcomes in the ACT

4. Patronage and subsidy in the ACT Transport Canberra reported the following in June 2022: Bus journeys 9,830,134 Tram journeys 2,403,625 Subsidy per journey = $6.08, in 2023 $ = $6.51 Total journeys = 12,233,759 Therefore, total subsidy = $74,381,255 But total expenses for Transport CBR = $261,900,000 Subsidy in 2018 (pre-tram) in 2023 $ = $9.38 So where did the other $187,518,745 go? New reporting measures = % of overall cost, but no transparency

5. Electric Buses

6. Questions? Thank you! Conclusion