Peter Moore, of the United International Public Transport Association, said all money collected from parking at Russell Offices and in the parliamentary zone should be committed to public transport.

Measures that would reduce bus travel time included priority at traffic lights, for which software had been available for years, and running buses in vacant lanes during peaks.

The inside lanes of Northbourne Avenue could be used for buses, running in the opposite direction to the rest of the carriageway.

This should be combined with free park-and-ride parking at Mitchell and Gungahlin for bus passengers.

Anticipating the ACT budget, Greens transport spokeswoman Amanda Bresnan said there must be a renewed commitment to improved public transport.

A rapid transit system should include improved bus services, links with taxis, bicycles and minibuses, and a modern ticketing system. ACTION hopes to introduce a new ticketing system next year.

Ms Bresnan said peak services should be extended past 6pm.

The ACT and Federal Governments acknowledge the link between increasing use of public transport and removing free parking at Russell and in the parliamentary zone.

But despite a recommendation in 2003 by a parliamentary committee that the National Capital Authority and the ACT Government prepare a detailed plan for paid parking in the zone, free parking continues.

A spokeswoman for the authority said the Federal Government had not advised a position on the recommendation.

It is estimated paid parking in these areas would raise up to $15million a year but Chief Minister Jon Stanhope has declined to commit this money to improving public transport.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times