Pedestrian and passenger upgrades realised at bus interchange after Greens push

2019-08-05

Following Greens’ calls earlier this year, Canberrans can enjoy a safer and more convenient experience at the recently expanded Alinga Street bus interchange.

In late May, the Greens called on the Government to implement urgent upgrades to the expanded bus interchange on Alinga Street—including weather protection, a restriction on cars and a new pedestrian crossing.

Following the recent expansion of the Civic bus interchange into Alinga Street (outside the GPO), the Greens’ calls specifically included:

  • Shelter from wind and rain in bus stop waiting areas
  • Best practice pedestrian safety measures (including a new pedestrian at West Row)
  • A restriction on cars at 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
  • 40km/hr speed limits in the area between London Circuit and Barry Drive
  • Clearer signage to help people find their way around what is now a very large interchange.

The Government has now acted to realise a number of these important changes.

“This is a great win for Canberra passengers,” Greens Transport spokesperson Caroline Le Couteur said today.

“The expanded bus interchange had seen consumers standing out in the cold in near freezing temperatures, without shelter from the wind or rain. Canberrans should expect to have basic transport infrastructure in place at major transport hubs. This is now a safer experience for Canberrans, too, than had been the case.

“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. It’s great that what’s available at Alinga Street has been significantly improved.

The Greens today reaffirmed their earlier calls for 40km/hr speed limits in the area between London Circuit and Barry Drive.