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Labor reveals nine-line rapid bus network for Canberra

Monday, 29 Aug 2016 04:56:53 | James Fettes

An ACTION bus in Canberra. (ABC News: Greg Nelson)

The ACT Labor Government has revealed its plan to extend Canberra's rapid bus network, nearly five months after the Opposition announced theirs.

The policy adds seven new lines to the existing Blue and Red Rapid services, travelling through areas including Woden, Weston Creek and Canberra Airport.

Those lines would be serviced every six minutes during peak times and every 15 minutes at other times.

"When people know that there's always going to public transport where they need it ... that really drives patronage," Transport Minister Meegan Fitzharris said.

"That's exactly what these rapid bus services already do and what future rapid bus services will do."

The plan has been billed as a Government announcement rather than an election commitment, with funding to be allocated in the pre-election budget update.

Labor's plan follows the Liberals' commitment in March to establish an eight-line Rapid network, which Ms Fitzharris criticised at the time for lacking detail.

"There is a clear timeframe and cost for [this plan]," she said.

New lines to be brought online in stages

Ms Fitzharris said the expansion of the network would be staggered, with lines from Belconnen to Gungahlin and Woden to the City coming online next year.

"That really opens up the inner south suburbs, particularly through Narrabundah and Manuka into the city," she said.

The policy sets aside $55 million for the services themselves and 100 new jobs, with an extra $51 million for 80 new buses and the design of a new northside depot.

"This is a clear, costed plan where people know when they'll get their new Rapid services," Ms Fitzharris said.

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