AN investment of up to $860 million by the ACT Government would be needed to build a light rail from Gungahlin to Civic.

Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Simon Corbell today released an update on the ACT Labor Government’s City to Gungahlin transit corridor project, including independent cost estimates for bus rapid transit (BRT) and light rail transit (LRT) options.

Mr Corbell said these initial estimates would become more specific as further detailed design work was undertaken and considered by government. A detailed business case is also being prepared for ACT government by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, based on the concept design prepared by URS Australia.

“These cost estimates by URS Australia Pty Ltd, show that Bus Rapid Transit is estimated to cost between $300m-$360 million while Light Rail Transit would require an investment of between $700m-$860 million. These are initial estimates and require further detailed investigation,” Mr Corbell said.

“Such an important project requires leadership and capital investment by government, and this project, while potentially reducing congestion and delays during peaks times, would also see economic and social benefits in from improved public amenity, accessibility, and possible redevelopment opportunities along the transport corridor.

“This project is consistent with the ACT Labor Government’s vision to make Canberra a sustainable city, and to reduce congestion while also reducing carbon emissions.”

He said peak hour delays between Civic and Gungahlin could be halved and public transport times would be 30 per cent faster than general traffic, if we had a rapid transit corridor now.

“Initial transport modelling suggests that if it was in place now, the BRT proposal would cut delays in peak travel times between Civic and Gungahlin from 16 minutes, as they currently stand, to approximately eight minutes, while the light rail option would see the delay reduced to less than six minutes,” he said.

“The City to Gungahlin project is part of a suite of public transport projects under the Transport for Canberra program which aim to reduce congestion, encourage more people to use public transport options, and make travel times less of an inconvenience.”

Mr Corbell said with community input, the Government will continue to work through the design and planning to decide whether a BRT or LRT option is economically feasible for the Gungahlin to City Transport Corridor.

To view the report,visit www.timetotalk.act.gov.au or Canberra Connect Shopfronts and ACT Public Libraries. Feedback to transportplanning@act.gov.au

Submissions close on May 25.