Canberrans are embracing public transport with new data showing the best patronage numbers for the first week of school since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"With school returning last week and most people back at work face to face this year we are now starting to see the strongest return to public transport since the pandemic began," said Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel.
Early figures show that buses and light rail recorded more than 234,500 passenger journeys between 30 January and 3 February. This represents a patronage return of 77 per cent compared to journeys taken in the same weekdays in 2020 and 87 per cent of journeys taken in the same week in 2019.
This is nearly 75,000 more journeys for the same first week of the school year in 2022 where we recorded 159,602 passenger journeys on our public transport network, an increase of approximately 47 per cent.
Passenger boardings increased by 42 per cent with more than 323,209 boardings on bus and light rail services compared to the 228,259 passenger boardings that were recorded in 2022.
"Canberrans are regaining confidence and returning to public transport in 2023. Thank you and welcome back," said Minister Steel.
"We are now actively encouraging people to return to public transport and to keep growing patronage in the years ahead. This is essential for cutting Canberra's emissions and keeping our growing city moving.
"The current timetable prioritises frequent and reliable services so that it is a great alternative to driving, helping to reduce congestion on our roads during major construction works this year.
"I want to thank our community coming back onto public transport, adjusting to the new 'disruption timetable' and to those who are already making changes to their routines to help reduce pressure on our roads.
"Last year we shared some initial observations with the community about traffic conditions and habits since London Circuit closed. Now with the new school year underway, we're keenly monitoring conditions and are looking for ways to improve the commutes of Canberrans."
Traffic observations in the last week include:
- key corridors experiencing an increase in vehicles include Constitution Avenue, Parkes Way and Commonwealth Avenue;
- the new traffic lights at the intersection of Coranderrk Street and Parkes Way are operating well and whilst eastbound traffic is busy, it is moving steadily from the Acton Tunnel through to Anzac Parade;
- commuters parking in carparks along Constitution Avenue are experiencing delays in afternoon peak times however we have observed increased numbers exiting the carparks before or after this period which is helping.
"No one enjoys longer travel times however we do remind Canberrans that if you drive your car at peak times, please drive carefully," said Minister Steel.
"This includes leaving a safe distance between you and the car in front and ensuring you drive to conditions."
Find out how to rethink your routine and plan your travel journey, visit: www.transport.act.gov.au
