ACTION Network 14 launched - let's hope it attracts more passengers

The TAMS Minister, Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury, has today launched ACTION Network 14. Let us hope that ACTION planners have created a workable timetable and network. Todays plan is mark 2 of Network 14, as planners tore up an earlier version of the plan and started again. It is very important that it succeeds. Bus patronage has been declining, and that decline needs to be reversed. A modal shift to light rail from Gungahlin to Civic is one action in response to declining bus patronage, but both modes of transport need to work together.

ACTION claim that (from ACTIONS website):

Network 14 is the first time that a network has been developed using patronage data from the MyWay system and over 2,300 pieces of feedback from bus passengers, drivers and through a successful community consultation. As a result a number of areas of Canberra will have enhanced services including Molonglo, Gungahlin, Weston Creek, the Parliamentary Triangle, Hume, Brindabella Park and Majura Park. There will also be improved alignment between weekday and weekend services. The new weekend network, which will include improved services in areas such as Gungahlin, Tuggeranong, Weston Creek, West Macgregor and Majura Park, as well as services to the National Arboretum.

How will services be improved?

• More Direct - Services have been streamlined with the objective of achieving fewer, more evenly spaced and direct routes
• More Frequent - Additional services have been added to many routes including; Erindale, Chisholm, Gungahlin, Weston Creek and West Belconnen
• More Services -  Late evening suburban services carrying few passengers have been scheduled to finish earlier to allow more day time services

ACTION Bus webpage with Network 14 routes here.

Map of Network 14 weekday routes here. Small map also shown below.

Changes to the ACTION bus routes in your area of Canberra are here.

Canberra Times report on Network 14 launch is here.

Riot Act user analysis of Network 14 is here

WIN TV News report on the Network 14 announcement.

Weekday routes for Network 14

For more frequent updates on Capital Metro and light rail related news, please visit our Facebook page 'Light Rail for Canberra'.