Canberra light rail delivered in time for Easter launch
- Date
- April 23, 2019
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- Partnerships
- Engineering and Infrastructure
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Canberra's new light rail system is now taking passengers ushering in a new era of safe and world leading public transport for the local community.
With a construction timeframe of less than three years, delivery of Canberra's biggest ever infrastructure project was marked by a day of celebration and free travel for all passengers along the route.
Our congratulations go to everyone working on the project team as they successfully deliver this important piece of infrastructure for the city.
A cityshaping project
Light rail changes how Canberrans move. It’s a key part of the city’s growing, integrated transport system which is connecting people with employment, social and cultural hubs, reducing congestion and ensuring Canberra continues to be one of Australia’s most livable cities.
The light rail will run every 6 minutes in peak times with 13 stops on the 12 kilometre journey, travelling from the City to Gungahlin along Northbourne Avenue, the Federal Highway, and Flemington Road.
Public private partnership
Canberra’s Light Rail Stage One has been delivered under a Public Private Partnership between the ACT Government and the Canberra Metro consortium which includes CIMIC Group companies Pacific Partnerships (equity funding and project leadership), CPB Contractors (design and construction) and UGL (operations and maintenance).The PPP is for approximately 23 years and includes the construction and operation of Stage One of the light rail network for 20 years. At the end of the contract term, the ACT Government will assume ownership of the light rail network assets.
Launch day celebrations
On Easter Saturday, celebrations marked the launch of light rail services at both the Gungahlin and City terminals, with live entertainment, music, food and kid's activities on offer. Passengers were able to travel for free along Canberra’s first light rail route.
They also had the opportunity to visit the Transport Canberra Information Tent to learn more about light rail and Canberra’s integrated transport network.
The Brumbies help spread the rail safety message
Ahead of the launch, Canberra Metro joined forces with the city’s local rugby team, the Brumbies, to create a light-hearted series of rail safety videos to encourage safe behaviour and good etiquette when hopping on and off light rail vehicles. You can view the safety videos here:
Read more about how safety had been embedded into Canberra Light Rail’s design, construction and operations here.
Canberra Metro
Canberra Metro is a consortium consisting of CIMIC Group companies, Pacific Partnerships, CPB Contractors and UGL, with partners John Holland, Mitsubishi Corporation, Aberdeen Infrastructure Investments and CAF.