Northbourne Avenue study update - BRT ever closer

Just once I'd like to read the report BEFORE the media release with the spin the government wants put on it, is reported as 'news'.

The latest update on the Northbourne Avenue study has been released. I'm yet to see the actual report the media release is based on, and I'd lay money that the Canberra Times hasn't either. 

Artists impression of a light rail vehicle travelling down Northbourne Avenue. Image from the Canberra Times. 

Although this seems positive for Light Rail, recall the parameters the government placed on the Gungahlin to Civic transport study - placing an unreachable passenger per hour figure on the light rail option.

I will be reading the actual report as soon as I can download it.

Some highlights from the latest media release:

Transport plan could halve commute to Civic


April 18, 2012  Lisa Cox

Environment Minister Simon Corbell will also announce initial costs for the construction of both light rail and bus rapid transit along the corridor.

The government's modelling shows that bus rapid transit would cut morning peak hour delays for motorists from 16 minutes to eight minutes. The light rail option would reduce that delay even further to six minutes.

Currently, an average trip along the southbound corridor takes drivers 26 minutes during the morning peak, while for buses it's 28. Rapid transit would travel along the route in under 15 minutes, creating an incentive for motorists to switch to public transport.

''What our analysis shows is that we can significantly reduce congestion, improve people's travel times and provide better transport choices for people with either RBT or light rail on the Gungahlin to city corridor,'' Mr Corbell said.

Mr Corbell will also provide the government's early estimates for what each option will cost.

Canberrans will be asked to have their say on the different proposals during a five to six-week consultation process.

Mr Corbell said planning and construction of either rapid bus transit or light rail would be a five to seven-year process.

''This is the most detailed economic and engineering analysis that's ever been done in the city of rapid bus transit and light rail,'' he said.

UPDATE


No need to read the report Corbell has already decided buses:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-04-18/act-transport-plan-to-halve-city-commute/3957204?section=act

Mr Corbell says the study presents a range of options.

"You can for example develop bus rapid transit and then transition it to light rail over a period of time," he said.

"So you can for example build a bus rapid transit corridor which provides a dedicated right of way, dedicated roadway for the buses separating them from the general traffic. You can build the dedicated bus stations and then convert all of that corridor to light rail at a later point in time when it's economically feasible to do so."

 

Walk it off

One arm of the active transport trifecta is walking. any user of public transport has to accept that some walking will be involved in their trip from A to B. the increasing residential density on Canberra's town centres mean that some people will actually be able to walk to their place of employ. This is a good thing. Walking is a good habit to inculcate in children - sadly many parents 'have to' drive their children to school, and then drive on to work. Some sound planing and trust in childrens independence and responsibility could see many children incorporate walking to school, riding bicycles or using public transport (or all three) instead of being delivered and collected every day by car dependent parents. 

Encouraging people to walk more often is a problem that concerns not just public transport advocates, but public health professionals and researchers. The health and societal benefits are substantial. More walking means better health and a decrease in resource use across the board. It is also a vital way to stay in touch with your community. 

Recently Slate magazine looked at the issue from a US perspective. They call it 'The crisis of pedestrianism'. It is a fascinating article, and is the first of four similar articles over the next few weeks. I urge you to read it and think about walking a little further today than you did yesterday. 

Light rail for Constitution Avenue... one day

A disturbing trend in ACT Government publications related to urban transport is the use of imagery of light rail. Its on the front cover of recent transport studies, it is in the Northbourne Avenue Study material (although the study is designed to exclude light rail as an option). Yet another image to build the meme has been released today as part of the upgrade to Constitution Avenue announcement. 

Artistic impression of Parkes Section 3 looking west along Constitution Avenue: The long term vision aims to provide a vibrant, mixed-use grand boulevard with an integrated transport system, broad tree-lined footpaths, outdoor dining and on-street parking. 

The announcement is mainly to trumpet the fact that the Commonwealth has given 42 million dollars as a centenary gift, to fund the Constitution Avenue upgrade. It is one of Canberra's most important streets - and runs from London Circuit to Russell. It also crosses Anzac Avenue. Linking the main CBD to a major employment center (Russell), and passing a major education institution (CIT). It is heavily trafficked by cars and buses, and is an ideal part of a light rail network as it would carry a large volume of passengers.

Sadly, the biggest commitment the ACT Government actually makes to light rail is using the imagery in its publications. An actual commitment to it would require spending some money on infrastructure not related to buses.