A proven success story in modern public transport
When Stage 1 of Canberra’s Light Rail launched on 20 April 2019, it marked the beginning of a new era for the city’s transport network, and the results have exceeded all expectations. The 12-kilometre route connecting Gungahlin to the City centre now carries over 90,000 passenger boardings each week, significantly surpassing original forecasts and demonstrating strong community demand for reliable, high-frequency rail.
The project’s delivery offers valuable lessons in large-scale infrastructure. A workforce of 5,000 – 70% drawn from Canberra and surrounds, partnered with more than 300 local businesses, proves that major capital works can generate lasting economic benefit for the region. The transformation of Northbourne Avenue, with over 1,200 trees planted along the corridor, shows that transport infrastructure and urban amenity can be delivered hand in hand.
With services running every five minutes during peak periods and every 10-15 minutes at other times, Stage 1 has set the operational benchmark for future stages of the city-wide network. Its success has reinforced key principles: invest in frequency, prioritise accessibility, and build for the community that will use it every day.
The numbers at a glance
During the delivery of Stage 1 of light rail from Gungahlin to the City:
5,000
People worked on the project
26km
Total rail track laid for Stage 1
300+
Local businesses involved in the project
382
Overhead wire poles stood.
70%
Project workforce from Canberra and surrounds.
1,200+
Trees planted along the light rail corridor
Milestones
12 July 2016
First sod turned for light rail. Andrew Barr and Meegan Fitzharris marked the start of stage one of the city-wide light rail network for Canberra. (CityNews)
6 October 2017
First rail laid.
13 December 2017
First Light Rail Vehicle arrives (ACT Government – Canberra’s First Light Rail Vehicle Arrives.)
3 June 2018
LRV testing commenced.
6 July 2018
First tree planted on Northbourne Avenue median.
28 October 2018
Final rail laid.
10 April 2019
Final tree planted on Northbourne Avenue median.
20 April 2019
Services started operating.
The Network
14
Light Rail Vehicles
442
CCTV cameras.
24hr
Operations Control Centre.
13
Stops along the route.
276
Passenger information displays
1,494
Trips per week.
12km
Total distance of route.
166
Help points.
18,000
Kilometres travelled per week.
Light rail stops
All stops have been designed to provide comfortable, safe and attractive places for everyone using the light rail system.
Comfortability
- Large overhead canopies provide shade during the summer months.
- Skylights bring in much-appreciated sunlight on Canberra’s crisp winter days.
- Glazed weather screens provide additional shelter on wet or windy days.
Accessibility
In addition, customers of all abilities are well served at stops with:
- Hearing induction loops.
- Auditory announcements.
- Accessible ramps.
- Level boarding for the light rail vehicle.
- Tactile elements.
Security
The provision of lighting, closed-circuit television cameras, and help points improves security for all users.