2019-08-16
The ACT Greens have today expressed disappointment that the Government will cut weekend bus routes to address unreliable weekend services.
"Cutting weekend routes is unacceptable - everyone deserves a public transport service. It’s particularly concerning that with suburban routes cut, it appears that some people will have no bus service over the weekend," ACT Greens Transport spokesperson Caroline Le Couteur said today.
“It’s clear the people of Canberra want a better weekend bus service as the network 19 weekend bus usage is up by 30% on Saturdays and 40% on Sundays.
"Instead, we heard this morning that the Government will simply cut buses. This isn't a real solution.
"The Government’s plan comes as a surprise to us, given that less than 48 hours ago, the Government committed to a push from the Greens for a month-long action plan to properly investigate a range of ways to make weekend services more reliable.
"It's also dismaying and disrespectful that these changes were not discussed in the Chamber, during this week's debate.
"We can only hope this is temporary - and will be seeking further information from the Government as a priority."
Today Minister Steel flagged that the new timetable would begin on 28 September.
“The other question is what is going to happen between now and 28 September? Will the unscheduled cancelations continue? Right now the Canberra public deserves certainty.”
Statement ends
Media contact Lisa Wills M 0481 035 764 E lisa.wills@act.gov.au