The ACT Government announced its plan to extend Canberra’s light rail network from Gungahlin through the City Centre, and on to Woden.
The Government says the expansion will give locals more transport options, reduce traffic congestion and support the transition towards a net zero emissions goal.
The light rail in the ACT has been controversial amongst politicians. The Liberal party argue there is a significant cost for it to only service a small portion of Canberran’s.
While the ACT Government sees the expansion as a positive development for Canberra, some local business owners aren’t as excited.
What do locals think?
“I don’t think the light rail is going to do anything for the business to be honest,” said Frank Kochinos.
Mr Kochinos is a small business owner in Woden, when asked what he thinks the light rail expansion would do for his business said:
“It is good for public servants that use it to commute. But for business I think they got a few things wrong.”
Mr Kochinos would prefer investments in the area to encourage people to visit.
“You need somewhere for people to go, to encourage them to use it.”
The planned expansion will deliver nine new stops between the City and Woden. Crossing Lake Burley Griffin though a newly constructed tramline between the Commonwealth Avenue bridges.
It will then travel around state circle, along Adelaide Avenue through to the Woden interchange.
The Federal Government has invested $50 million into the 2B expansion to Woden. The ACT Government has not confirmed final costing, and they are not expected to until after the procurement process is finalised.
What are the Liberals planning?
The Canberra Liberals see the expansion as an unnecessary and expensive project.
The Canberra Liberals have proposed a dedicated bus lanes between the City and Woden instead of the light rail, regular express bus services, as well as hundreds of locally constructed electric buses.
They believe this will be a cheaper, more efficient option than the light rail – as well as quicker to implement.
Mr Kochinos agrees that the Liberal transport plan will be more effective for Canberra, and small businesses in the area. As it can be quickly implemented and would be more cost effective.
The future of public transport in the ACT remains uncertain, but no doubt it will be a popular topic at the election later this year.
Photos by Emily Kearney