The strategy covers 2019 to 2045 and includes both a number of measures already taken and some that are only under consideration, many of which are aimed at discouraging people from driving and encouraging public transport use.

Reducing the speed limit to 40km/h on unsigned residential streets is listed as a "possible action", alongside increasing awareness of school zones and reducing speeds in residential areas where there are no footpaths.

"We’re getting ready for a city which will be home to 500,000 people by 2030, so to protect our liveability we need transport networks that provide genuine alternatives to the car," Transport Minister Meegan Fitzharris said.

"This updated transport strategy builds on recent achievements including commencing construction on the first stage of light rail and building a bigger and better bus network, and it outlines the strategic policies that will underpin our future transport needs."

Building more roads to cope with congestion looks unlikely under the strategy.

"We cannot 'build' our way out of congestion. Continuously expanding the road network will create future operational, maintenance and renewal burdens," the strategy said.

The ACT government will keep an eye on the use of "road user pricing" across other jurisdictions, which could include tolls or a registration pricing structure that rewards people who drive less.

"Any future considerations will also pay close attention to social equity issues, to ensure those who live farthest and earn least are not disadvantaged by any changes in how we pay for the roads we use."

More paid parking could also be on the way, with the strategy including reviewing parking fees at all government-operated places, and reviewing new locations where paid parking could be introduced.

On-street parking along rapid public transport corridors could also be limited under the strategy.

Short-stay parking would be prioritised and government-run outdoor car parks would be redeveloped over time.

The operational date for the first stage of light rail remains a mystery, but the plan includes a timetable for further stages, including completing a business case and feasibility study for the city-to-Woden route in the next 12 months, with the route itself to start construction by 2021 and be built within five years.

A new stage would be delivered every five years under the plan, with the city-to-Belconnen and city-to-airport legs planned to be finished within 10 to 15 years.

The plan hints at further clashes with the National Capital Authority, with further stages of light rail expected to require Commonwealth approval.

"Almost all of the overall light rail network affects Designated Areas in some form. Commonwealth planning approval will impact the design and cost of these projects," the strategy said.

While the plan doesn't include a finalised new bus network, it recommits the government to a hub and spoke model, with more services in and out of town centre interchanges.

The hubs allow greater flexibility and more choice, the plan said.

While dedicated school buses would continue to run in the new network, the strategy lists the service last in a hierarchy of school transport services, behind walking and cycling, the general public transport network and school trips on the regular network.

MyWay is on the way out, with the government already looking for a new system that would allow people to pay for public transport using their smartphones.

"We intend to adopt a new, simpler fare structure based on a single fare and a daily cap that will apply to all regular bus and light rail services."

Increasing the rate at which Canberrans cycle to work is part of the plan, with actions considered including prioritising walking and cycling at intersections, and installing protected bike lanes in town centres. The plan also includes the possibility of introducing separated walking and cycling lanes in some high-traffic areas.

The ACT government could set aside land for high-speed rail to Sydney under the strategy.

"For high-speed rail, the Eastern Broadacre Planning Study includes an indicative alignment for a future corridor through the Majura Valley and makes provision for an alternative alignment to the Canberra Airport," the report said.

The government is also considering discounts on registration and stamp duty for electric cars and more trials of driverless vehicles, and even a driverless bus, in Canberra.

The strategy is now open for consultation with workshops to take place in the new year.