Pending final approvals, the ACT Government says Canberra’s new light rail line will operate its first passenger services on Saturday, April 20.
ACT minister for transport Meegan Fitzharris confirmed the opening date on Tuesday.
“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,” Fitzharris said.
“It is clear to everyone that significant progress ahs been made on the project, and we are now in the final stages of testing.”
The minister noted, however, the timing was still dependent on Canberra Metro meeting all third party rail accreditation requirements from the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator, Utilities Technical Regulator, and the Independent Certifier.
“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.”
Canberra’s new light rail line connects the northern town centre of Gungahlin with Civic, the city’s CBD.
Planning work is well underway for the next stage of light rail in the nation’s capital, stretching south from Civic to Woden.