THE ACT Greens have announced a plan to enhance weekend public transport, putting the community first by integrating taxis into the bus network. ‘BNT’ will begin with bus and taxi trials in Weston Creek and Tuggeranong.

“Canberra is a thriving modern city, and people have busy lives – all seven days of the week. The ACT Greens’ plan to integrate buses and taxis on weekends will help Canberrans get around town when they need to,” said ACT Greens candidate for Brindabella, Michael Mazengarb.

“You shouldn’t need a car to get around, but right now, weekend and some off-peak bus services in Tuggeranong and other places are infrequent, and it’s difficult for Canberrans to get where they need to go unless they use a car.”

ACT Greens candidate for Murrumbidgee Caroline Le Couteur added:

“We all know that the week does not start on Monday and end on Friday. Many Canberrans work, have family commitments, and social engagements all seven days of the week.

“Our trial will replace low frequency weekend suburban bus routes with an on-demand taxi service that will take Canberrans to main centres where they can access convenient, regular public transport.”

Taxis will drop passengers off, or pick passengers up, at main centres for the cost of a bus fare. Passengers will be able to take a taxi from the bus stop nearest to their home to the main centre to connect with a rapid bus, or from the main centre back home.

The ACT Greens have committed $500,000 to trial a new model integrating buses and taxis to improve bus services at off-peak times, starting in Weston Creek and Tuggeranong on weekends. This announcement follows the ACT Greens’ commitment to invest $57 million into the bus network, allowing Canberrans to access frequent, convenient public transport on weekends as well as weekdays.