Released 23/02/2016
Capital Metro Director-General Emma Thomas will head the new Transport Canberra agency, Minister for Transport and Municipal Services Meegan Fitzharris announced today.
From 1 July 2016, the new agency will oversee the next phase of Canberra’s public transport journey, bringing together the Capital Metro Agency, ACTION and the Territory and Municipal Services public transport group.
“Transport Canberra will be responsible for integrating buses with the new light rail, ensuring a single ticketing system, a central contact for information and coordinated timetabling,” Minister for Transport and Municipal Services Meegan Fitzharris said.
“Transport Canberra will focus on making the customer service experience even better with more transport choices as our population hits almost 500,000 people by 2035.
“To plan for Canberra’s growth, reduce congestion and enhance our liveability, we need to improve our public transport system. I’m so pleased that Emma Thomas will take charge of implementing the ACT Government’s plan for a convenient, efficient, affordable and reliable public transport system.
“Ms Thomas is currently the Director-General of the Capital Metro Agency and will bring her extensive experience in both the commercial and public sectors across most forms of transport to this new role from 1 July.
“Prior to moving to Canberra, Ms Thomas was the State Rail Commissioner for South Australia and Deputy Chief Executive of Public Transport. Her previous experience also includes Vice President roles at Boeing, senior roles in Transport and Main Roads, Queensland and she started her career as an engineer serving in the Royal Australian Air Force.
“I congratulate Ms Thomas and I look forward to working with her to bring the government’s public transport vision to life in Canberra.
“This is an exciting time for public transport in Canberra, and Transport Canberra will deliver one ticket, one fare, one network across our city,” Minister Fitzharris said.
Ms Thomas said, “I am excited by this unique opportunity to bring together both agencies and to improve the customer experience. To do this, we must recognise the customer is at the heart of everything we do. I am thrilled to lead the new agency and look forward to working with the team to create smart transport choices for the people of Canberra."
Ms Thomas will continue as the Director-General of the Capital Metro Agency until 1 July 2016.
The community will soon have an opportunity to have their say on ways to improve Canberra’s public transport network ahead of the introduction of Transport Canberra on 1 July.
A comprehensive survey will take place in April 2016 to seek feedback from current public transport users and non-users to identify how to best improve Canberra’s public transport system so it becomes more convenient, efficient, affordable and reliable.
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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