The ACT Greens transport spokesperson, Amanda Bresnan, has welcomed the commencement of the new REDEX bus service, calling it a positive initiative to modernise ACT transport.

“This great new service is part of the Greens push for greater bus frequency as part of the Labor-Greens Parliamentary Agreement,” Ms Bresnan said today.

“Providing a fast, regular and reliable alternative to cars is a cornerstone of Greens transport policy.”

“We pushed hard to get the REDEX service up, and if successful, will look to get more projects of this kind established on a permanent basis.”

“The Opposition’s criticism of the trial, before it even commenced, shows the Liberals true colours on public transport, and it sends a very destructive message to potential commuters.”

“It seems that Alistair Coe would like to see services in Canberra fail for his own political gain.”

“If the REDEX trial is a success, we would like to see the Government expand the REDEX service to include another route in the 2010-11 Budget, either from Belconnen or Tuggeranong.”

“The Greens look forward to continuing to engage positively with the Government over the expansion of both REDEX and the sustainable transport plan into the future.

“This great new service is part of the Greens push for more and faster running buses as part of the Labor-Greens Parliamentary Agreement,” Ms Bresnan said.

The ACT Greens have called for the Chief Minister and Queanbeyan Mayor to agree on the need for bus/taxi priority signals along Canberra Avenue.

“Over 60 percent of Queanbeyan City workers commute to the ACT, and the fact that the vast majority use a private motor vehicle has real impact on parking, congestion and emissions.” ACT Greens Parliamentary Convenor, Meredith Hunter MLA said today.

“There’s an opportunity for a fresh start with a new Mayor over the border and the Chief Minister taking back the Transport portfolio.”

“We’re hoping for some concrete results to come out of this meeting and the Greens would look to support investment in sustainable transit between the two cities.” Ms Hunter said.

Greens Transport Spokesperson, Amanda Bresnan MLA has identified priority signals as the logical first step to improving transit between the two cities.

“Priority signals for public transport would greatly speed up trips for buses making it a more attractive option for commuters.” Ms Bresnan said.

“We understand that priority signals at 6 intersections along Canberra Avenue could be established for around $600,000. This is a very manageable figure.”

“When we met with Deane’s Transit Group, we were shocked to hear that they regularly have had to re-time the Queanbeyan to Canberra trip in peak hour to account for worsening traffic.”

“Measures like bus priority signals and transit lanes are a viable option that can be introduced quickly to deliver immediate benefits while we work to deliver long-term alternatives like light rail and more extensive bus networks.” Ms Bresnan said.

ACT Greens Transport spokesperson, Amanda Bresnan MLA, has described the 11% increase in bus fares as an unfortunate reality, but wants to see the increase translate into better services.

“Bus fares going up over time is an unfortunate reality that we accept, but we are committed to seeing that this translates into much improved services.” Ms Bresnan said today.

“A successful rapid bus trial, for example, will offer a way to really re-shape and modernise Canberra’s transport system, and we saw that in yesterday’s budget.”

“We are also keen to see a new Smartcard ticketing system, that will speed up services in the short term and, more importantly, give us the data we need for more responsive and efficient planning.”

In addition to the 11% rise in bus fares, the budget includes a 20% rise in parking fees.

“The overall decision to catch the bus to work is still an attractive one, taking into account parking, fuel and car maintenance costs.”

“We believe that the price will still be competitive and that what will increase patronage is a modern, integrated transit system in the Territory,” Ms Bresnan said.

ACT Greens Transport spokesperson, Amanda Bresnan MLA, has described the REDEX trial as a big step in the right direction for public transport in Canberra.

“It’s good to see the improvements to public transport we took to the election bearing fruit so soon,” Ms Bresnan said today.

“We’re also pleased to see a major item of The Greens/ALP Agreement progressing in this first budget.”

“Rapid transit routes are the first step towards the modern, sustainable transport system that Canberra has needed for too long.”

“The two qualities that bring people onto public transport are frequency and speed and the Greens are determined to make improvements in both areas.”

“We congratulate the Chief Minister for taking this on, and we will continue to work with the Government towards a sustainable transport plan.” Ms Bresnan said.

ACT Greens MLA Amanda Bresnan will present a forum on the transport problems that Canberra faces getting people to and from the airport, at the Legislative Assembly next Wednesday.

“Getting people to and from the Canberra Airport ought to be pretty simple. But it’s one clear example of public transport not working in Canberra ” Ms Bresnan said today.

“We can take the first steps towards becoming a healthy and sustainable city by coming up with simple and efficient transport options for this situation.”

“Everyone has an interest in solving the problem. We just need to get the players sitting around the table to work it out. That’s why I have invited the Canberra Airport and the Taxi Industry Association, in particular, to the symposium next Wednesday” Ms Bresnan said.

Agreed Speakers:

Peter Moore – International Association of Public Transport (Australia/New Zealand)

Stephen Byron – Canberra Airport

John McKeough – Canberra Taxi Industry Association

Klaus Pinkas – Transport Workers’ Union

Details:

‘Moving towards better transport for Canberra’  is a solution-focussed symposium on Canberra’s future transport needs, looking at getting people from Canberra Airport to the City and Parliament House.

Reception Room – ACT Legislative Assembly, Civic Square

12:15 – 1:45pm Wednesday 4 March

There will also be time for questions and comments from the floor.

For more information contact the office of Amanda Bresnan MLA on 6205 0130 or email roland.manderson@parliament.act.gov.au

The ACT Greens and Queanbeyan-Monaro Greens today called for better cross-border coordination to deliver improved public transport services for Canberra and Queanbeyan City.

Greens lead candidate for Queanbeyan City Council, Katrina Willis, said neither Queanbeyan nor Canberra could deliver integrated and sustainable transport services until both cities worked more closely together on planning, infrastructure and service delivery.

“Around 65 per cent of Queanbeyan City workers commute to the ACT while 40 per cent of ACT workers commute to Queanbeyan City. Yet each city’s public transport services operate as if the other city doesn’t exist,” Ms Willis said.

“Transit lanes for buses and cars carrying more than one person during peak travel time along main roads connecting the two cities would go a long way towards making public transport an efficient and reliable option for people and reduce traffic congestion.”

ACT Greens candidate for Ginninderra, Meredith Hunter, said closer transport cooperation was critical given the projected population growth for both cities.

“Even though we are in a different state and territory, we live side-by-side and should be working together to give people the option of leaving the car at home as well as helping to address climate change,” Ms Hunter said.

“Transit lanes are a viable option that can be introduced quickly to deliver immediate benefits while we work to deliver long-term alternatives like light rail and more extensive bus networks.

“The Greens will make improved transport cooperation a priority for the ACT Legislative Assembly and Queanbeyan City Council.” Mrs Hunter Said