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Canberra Today 12°/16° | Saturday, March 30, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Barr on the buses in the wake of the Anzac Monday schmozzle

action bus

ON Wednesday a clearly frustrated Chief Minister spoke to the ABC about the possibility of opening Canberra’s bus routes to private sector operators after it was announced that a full bus service would not be able to operate on a normal business day (27 April) due to the nature of the ACT Government Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.

Mr Barr will not rule out allowing private coach providers to compete with ACTION buses.

“Our bus network needs improvement there’s no doubting that and that may well, in fact, be needing additional operators,” he said.

“We have already an operator out of Queanbeyan which does provide some service in the Territory that could be expanded in the future.”

Last night for “CityNews” he was more moderate in tone but it’s clear he wants to see major change.

‘The ACT deserves a coordinated transport network, from walking and cycling right through to buses, taxis and light rail. I’m committed to making sure Canberra has the public transport networks it’s needs.’

‘What we need is reform to the ACTION network. It isn’t good enough for a modern transport provider that we continually have issues offering services on weekends and public holidays.’

‘I want to see options for Canberrans when they are looking to move around the city. Flexibility and adaptability is key – and that includes our bus network.’

‘Alongside the Minister assisting the Chief Minister on Transport Reform Shane Rattenbury, we will work with the ACTION bus company on how we can improve the network- integrating public buses with our current transport options and future transport options such as light rail.’

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Ian Meikle, editor

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