Construction is set to begin on a commuting hub for cars and public transport users in Gungahlin.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The $200,000 park and ride facility near the bus stops on Valley Avenue and Hibberson Street is being built by contractors Littlewoods Civil for the ACT government.
Territory and Municipal Services Minister Shane Rattenbury will announce the start of construction for the 200-car space facility on Monday.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of next month.
Canberra’s network of park and ride facilities are along the ACTION Rapid bus routes and at selected population centres to allow for connection with peak hour bus services.
The system seeks to reduce car-only travel in Canberra, help alleviate traffic congestion and meet demand for parking at employment centres.
Mr Rattenbury said the project would deliver improved transport options to north Canberra residents, including by providing parking near the area’s planned light rail facilities.
Capital Metro will include light rail transit services from Civic to Gungahlin via Northbourne Avenue.
Construction of stage one is due to begin by 2016.
“The Red Rapid bus routes currently service the area every 10 minutes during the peak period and every 15 minutes during the off-peak,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“This will be improved to every five minutes during the peak period with the introduction of Network 14 in mid-2014.
“The facility combines vehicle use with bus travel to give patrons a quick and hassle-free trip to Canberra’s busy town centres while saving them money and the stress of finding a car park in town.”
Mr Rattenbury said residents could park their car free of charge and join bus passengers travelling to Civic.
It comes as ACTION prepares for the introduction of paid parking in the Parliamentary Triangle from July 1.
Staff conducted a series of information sessions last week, helping departmental workers learn about bus services to the area.
Similar free park and ride facilities are already in place at Belconnen, Woden, Curtin, Kambah and Tuggeranong.
Some require users to apply for an ACT government-issued permit, including at Mitchell, Mawson and Tuggeranong bus stations.
All of Canberra’s park and ride locations are fully illuminated for driver safety at night and most bus stops are sheltered.
“Providing Canberra with better public transport options is key to making the city more sustainable and reducing congestion on the road network,” Mr Rattenbury said.w