Pedestrian and passenger upgrades needed at expanded bus interchange

2019-05-30

As the cold snap continues, the Greens have today called for urgent upgrades to the expanded bus interchange on Alinga Street—including weather-proofing measures, a new pedestrian crossing and 40km/hr speed limits in the area between London Circuit and Barry Drive.

Onwards from the recent bus network changes, the ACT Government recently expanded the Civic bus interchange into Alinga Street (outside the GPO).

Unlike the existing bus interchange, this area is now increasingly congested and leaves commuters without adequate shelter.

“For passengers and pedestrians, this now means standing out in the cold in near freezing temperatures, without shelter from the wind or rain,” Greens Transport spokesperson Caroline Le Couteur said today.

“If we’re committed to ensuring that more people take up active and public transport, then the Government needs to take further steps to ensure that all public transport passengers enjoy a comfortable experience. What’s available at Alinga Street is a wholly different experience to what’s now available at the nearby light rail stop.”

Given that the Government is now relying on this area to cope with the influx of recent passengers, this area could include:

  • Shelter from wind and rain in bus stop waiting areas
  • Best practice pedestrian safety measures (including a new pedestrian crossing along West Row)
  • Ban cars from Alinga Street between Moore Street and Northbourne Avenue
  • Best practice accessibility measures for seniors and those with a disability
  • Integrated cycling infrastructure and more space for bicycles, including sheltered parking racks
  • Clearer signage to help people find their way around what is now a very large interchange.