A free bus service is being introduced linking residents of Ginninderry’s first suburb, Strathnairn to the Kippax bus interchange, Kingsford Smith School and Macgregor Primary School.

The new service (Route 903) will commence from 2 March 2020 and will operate 7 days a week, running every half hour, with an increase to 15-minute frequency during weekday peak periods.

David Maxwell, Managing Director of Riverview Projects (the Development Manager for the Ginninderry Joint Venture) said he was pleased that Ginninderry was delivering on an important commitment.

“We are delighted to be able to partner with Transport Canberra to deliver a first resident bus service for Ginninderry” he said. “This is an important commitment we made in the planning stages of the project and this partnership, the first of its kind for Canberra, will provide our residents with a great public transport connection from the time that they move in”.

Transport Minister Chris Steel MLA launched Strathnairn’s free bus service today.

The service is being delivered in partnership with Transport Canberra, with residents being the first to use two new Hino Poncho buses purchased for this purpose.

Transport Minister Chris Steel officially launched the new service today.

“This new service is a great opportunity for Transport Canberra to trial innovative public transport solutions for developing suburbs. If it proves successful, a similar model could be introduced to other new suburbs as they come online.” Minister Steel said.

“Introducing bus services as residents move into new suburbs helps establish public transport use and travel patterns.”

“This new service for Strathnairn residents ensures they are able to connect to the broader Canberra bus network where they can access regular services, including the Rapid 2, connecting them to Belconnen, the City and Barton.”

The Strathnairn service will remain free until Transport Canberra makes changes to the service, requiring the use of a standard bus on this route. This will be done when there is sufficient population living in the area.

Amanda Sterland is currently building in Stage 2 at Strathnairn and says the availability of public transport from the day she and her family moves in is a big plus.

“The bus service will give us real flexibility. I have a teenage son so having access to public transport from the day we move in will give him flexibility and help us reduce our reliance on the car” she said.

Amanda Sterland is building at Strathnairn and says the new service will give her family flexibility.

Bill Gillespie, General Manager of Brand and Franchise Development for Hino Motor Sales Australia said the Hino buses being used on the route are an ideal solution for a link service.

“The Hino Poncho is a perfect fit for this kind of bus service. It is an innovative shuttle bus with an ultra-low floor design and kerb kneeling function, a wheelchair ramp and a dedicated wheelchair space inside, making it accessible for everyone” he said.

For more information on the service, including timetables and route details, visit transport.act.gov.au or call 13 22 81.