There’s a new voice in Canberra’s public transport discussions, with pro-light rail lobbyist Damien Haas setting up a new community-based advocacy group for public transport in the ACT.
The Public Transport Association of Canberra, or PTCBR, intends to act as the ACT’s peak body for public transport consultation. It also plans to further the integration of light rail, bus services and active transport in the territory.
RiotACT understands that PTCBR has evolved from the ACT for Light Rail lobby group, which Haas has chaired since 2004.
According to a statement posted by Haas on the ACT for Light Rail Facebook page, PTCBR will focus on broader public transport issues in addition to light rail, with a view to having a “real, tangible impact” on Canberra’s liveability.
“Following on from [ACT for Light Rail’s] success in helping to secure a light rail future in Canberra, a question was raised amongst a few of us on the ACT Light Rail committee about where we should go from here,” he said.
“The consensus reached was that we should continue our advocacy, not just for light rail, but also for overall better public transport in Canberra and our immediate region. To that end, a brand new community based public transport advocacy group has been created with members drawn from ACT Light Rail, and a few new faces.”
He said the group will host regular public forums where organisations, businesses and government departments involved in public transport will be invited to speak.
PTCBR is registered with the ACT Government’s Office of Regulatory Services and will invite applications for membership in the new year.