New survey results show light rail has enticed many Canberrans to try out public transport for the first time, with more than two-thirds saying they were more likely to use public transport now that light rail is in operation.
Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said Canberrans are clearly embracing light rail because of the greater convenience, reliability and flexibility of the service.
The survey of 1,279 people found that 70 per cent of people said they were more likely to use public transport now that light rail is in operation.
Forty-two per cent of survey respondents are also now using light rail to get to work, compared with 35 per cent in 2020.
"The feedback confirms that the Government's investment in light rail is encouraging more Canberrans to choose public transport including a large group that never previously used the bus system," Minister Steel said.
"Light rail is a key part of our plans to provide quality mass transit as our city grows and grow patronage on public transport.
"It's fantastic to see so many Canberrans getting on board and having such a positive experience, and we want to extend the same benefits to other parts of Canberra."
Total patronage has already re-bounded to approximately 75 per cent of pre-COVID levels, with COVID-safe travel advice still in place to reconsider the need to travel in peak times.
"While COVID-19 put the brakes on public transport patronage right around Australia, it's great to see passenger numbers rebounding strongly," Minister Steel said.
"We are continuing to encourage Canberrans to use public transport in off-peak periods if they can, and the data shows plenty of people are choosing to do so."
Other results from the latest Light Rail Customer Satisfaction Survey included:
96% of participants would be very likely (80%) or likely (16%) to recommend the light rail to their friends or family
95% of participants were very satisfied (63%) or satisfied (32%) with the customer service of light rail staff
97% of participants were very satisfied (76%) or satisfied (21%) with the reliability of light rail
93% of participants were very satisfied (64%) or satisfied (29%) with the safety and security when travelling on light rail
97% of participants were very satisfied (82%) or satisfied (15%) with the ease of using the light rail
98% of participants were very satisfied (81%) or satisfied (17%) with the cleanliness on board the light rail and at the stops
67% of survey participants are walking to the light rail stop to use their services.
