A new report claims that the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government substantially overestimated the benefits of Canberra’s light rail project. The report, released by the Grattan Institute, claims that a rapid bus network would deliver the same benefits as light rail for a much lower cost.
The document uses the ACT Government’s own modelling, which estimated that for every dollar spent on bus rapid transit, $1.98 in benefits would be delivered. The preliminary submission estimated light rail would bring $1.02 in benefits per dollar spent.
However, Capital Metro Minister Simon Corbell said the cost-benefit ratio was only one factor at play in the Government’s decision. “The Government has to take account of economic, but also urban design and other considerations in deciding the best transport outcome for our city.”
A second independent review concluded the Government’s approach was sound.
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