Planning is now underway for light rail from Gungahlin to the City to begin operations at Easter, with a community launch planned for Saturday 20 April 2019.
Minister for Transport Meegan Fitzharris today said that Canberra Metro have advised the ACT Government that it expects light rail to be operational by this date, however timing is still dependent on Canberra Metro meeting all third party rail accreditation requirements from the Office of the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Rail Safety Regulator, Utilities Technical Regulator and the Independent Certifier.
Minister Fitzharris said while informing the community of a start date was important, the priority for the ACT Government and Canberra Metro would be to maintain a safe worksite and deliver a quality light rail system.
“I’m really excited to announce today that we have started planning for the launch of light rail to occur at Easter, with a community launch day to be held on Saturday 20 April.
“It is clear to everyone that significant progress has been made on the project, and we are now in the final stages of testing.
“As with any complex infrastructure project, there are risks that can affect timing such as weather, the testing and commissioning of rail and signalling systems, and third party accreditations.
“For light rail to become operational, it must satisfy a number of additional certification and regulatory processes including various safety sign offs.
“Ultimately our number one priority is the safety and quality of the system, so we will need to be flexible if there are issues that push the start date back, and we are working on those contingencies.
“Canberra Metro have advised they expect to be operational by Easter, and we have started planning for light rail’s first day of operations on 20 April.
“This is a really exciting time for our city, and I look forward to updating the community in coming days about how people can be among the first to ride light rail in Canberra and the events we have planned to launch our city’s biggest ever infrastructure project” said Minister Fitzharris.
