The ACT Government has unveiled the first light rail vehicle to the media, after its arrival in the nation’s capital late last year.
The light rail vehicle, built in Spain by CAF, is the first of 14 ordered as part of up the fleet for the first stage of Canberra Metro.
The 33-metre vehicle, which comes from CAF’s Urbos range, will carry up to 207 passengers along the 12-kilometre route being built from the fast-growing northern area of Gungahlin, through Dixon to the city’s centre.
It is understood around ten trams will operate at any one time on the first stage, keeping at least four in reserve for maintenance cycles. More trams will be used during special events.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr relished the opportunity to unveil the first tram to the media, saying every bit of progress made on Canberra Metro was vindication for his Government.
“Let’s be frank, there were many sceptics in the lead-up to procurement of this project,” Barr told the gathering at the vehicle unveiling, referencing the strong opposition to light rail from the ACT Liberals in the lead-up to the territory election in late 2016.
“We are meeting our election commitments to improve public transport in Canberra.
“Many people said I wouldn’t be standing here as chief minister, after the last election as a result of our advocacy for this project.
“It’s a strong sense of satisfaction, but we’ve still got a way to go. There’s a second stage of this project to work through, and there’s a lot more new investment coming for Canberra … light rail is at the centre of that.”
ACT transport minister Meegan Fitzharris said the vehicle’s arrival was “a really exciting moment in our city’s history”.
“I look forward to seeing the vehicle travel along the stage one corridor,” Fitzharris said. “I also thank those involved in the transportation of the LRV who ensured it was conducted in a safe and secure manner.”
Both of the ACT’s elected Greens MPs also attended the unveiling, with party leader Shane Rattenbury saying the vehicle’s arrival was “a real milestone in the development of Canberra’s new sustainable transport network,” and fellow Greens MP Caroline Le Couteur adding: “I can remember back in the 1990s, talking about light rail for Gungahlin, and it’s really great to see it finally happening”.