THE ACT Auditor-General, Dr Maxine Cooper, today presented the Public Transport: The Frequent Network report to the Speaker for tabling in the ACT Legislative Assembly.

“The ACT Government’s policy on public transport is clearly expressed in its long-term overall transport policy; Transport for Canberra: Transport for a Sustainable City 2012-2031 (Transport for Canberra), Maxine said.

“This provides transparency and sets the direction for the delivery of the Frequent Network, which is the backbone of Canberra’s integrated transport system. However, the effective delivery of this network is at risk as needed actions are not being progressed in a timely manner and some are inadequate.

“An important action that has not occurred is embedding the Frequent Network in the Territory Plan and National Capital Plan. The key operational risks are insufficient suitable buses, a lack of depots and the employment arrangements for bus drivers.

“Embedding the Frequent Network corrdiors in planning documents is important in providing certainty as bus routes can be readily changed. Location certainty is needed to guide and foster Government and non-government investment in the right locations to achieve sustainable transport.

“Achievement of modal shift targets is an important part of the ACT Government’s Transport for Canberra. The targets are not being achieved and there is a significant risk that actions may not be sufficient to facilitate their achievement over the planning period to 2031.

The audit found that ACTION does not have data on the operating costs of the Frequent Network, even though data is available for the entire bus network. Once the light rail service (Capital Metro) is integrated into the Frequent Network, the collection and segmentation of data according to modes would facilitate long-term monitoring and evaluation to guide future transport actions.

“Furthermore, the light rail was not factored into the 2010 cost benefit analysis for the Frequent Network, which indicated that for every $1 invested in the Frequent Network $3.59 in benefits could be realised. Now that a light rail is to become part of the Frequent Network an updated analysis would provide more accurate information for decision-makers and the community.”