Local business owner distraught at Canberra Liberals bus policy that will destroy his business

Yesterday ACT Light Rail reported on the Canberra Liberals 'City Hopper 'bus loop, and how it threatened the livelihood of an established local business offering essentially the same service to tourists. The Canberra Times printing of the Liberal press release failed to mention the existence of this bus loop service.

After being contacted by ACT Light Rail, the Canberra Times have now spoken to the business owner and sought his view on the City Hopper bus proposal. The CT article 'Red Explorer Bus could go bust with Liberal's proposed 'city hopper' service' reports:

When asked about Mr William's concerns, Mr Coe said he would consult with the Red Explorer and discuss their role regarding the opportunity.
"Unlike the government, we're open to consultation on our policies and initiatives," Mr Coe said.
But Mr Williams said the planned copy-cat route left him shell-shocked and his business extremely vulnerable.
"There is no doubt that my business will have no future if this service goes ahead," he said.
"How can we compete with such a cheap fair?"
Over the past 15 years, Mr Williams has educated countless tourists about Canberra's history while driving the hop-on, hop-off bus, which charges $30 for an adult and $25 for a senior. The Liberals' proposed city service would cost a standard bus fare with a single fare lasting all day on the route.

'None of us will have a job if this goes ahead' Red Explorer Bus operator, John Williams said of the Liberals' proposal. Photo: Graham Tidy Canberra Times

As an experienced local politician Mr Coe should be well aware that it is better to consult then decide, not decide then consult. Mr Coe often criticises the ACT Government for arrogance.

As well as this website, the facebook group 'Light Rail for Canberra' carries frequent updates on Capital Metro and light rail related news.