Kingston Railway Station. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
As Canberra’s COVID-19 outbreak continues, most Riotact readers think the Government has done the right thing in extending our lockdown until October 15.
In last week’s poll, we asked: Did the Government make the right call extending the lockdown? 1755 readers voted.
Your alternatives were to vote No, it’s hurting business and the community. We need to move on. This received 33 per cent of the total, or 579 votes. You could also vote Yes, it’s the only way to keep us safe while everyone’s getting vaccinated and this was a fairly clear winner on 67 per cent of the total, or 1176 votes.
This week, we’re wondering whether we need a new railway station.
The Public Transport Association of Canberra and Inner South Canberra Community Service both say we need a conversation about upgrading or relocating the existing Kingston station to create a district transport hub, including park and ride.
Public Transport Association chair Ryan Hemsley said the railway station was not sustainable in the longer term, particularly if the current low number of Sydney services remained. He urged the ACT Government to continue its work with NSW for a faster train journey between the two capitals.
“The nicest station on that site won’t increase patronage so long as there are only three services utilising the station each day,” Mr Hemsley said.
He’s envisaging a new station site including a fast mass transit connection linking the station to other parts of Canberra including the Parliamentary area and the City.
Many readers agreed. Peter Curtis wrote: “I think the train is an excellent service. Most of the travel delay occurs in Metro Sydney because there is no dedicated line at Central, so suburban lines take priority”; although Harold Fryar wrote: “Put the money to help build a high speed train Sydney – CANBERRA – Melbourne. Many other countries have them, a great way to travel not everyone wants to travel by plane”.
Preliminary planning for East Lake did include investigations into the future of the Canberra Railway Station and government sources say that alternative locations for the station were discussed, however, the current location is supported by the community.
Our question this week is:
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