Century On Move: Canberra’s Public Transport Turns 100

Transport Canberra has officially celebrated 100 years of public transport in Canberra.

The centenary provides an opportunity to reflect on the vital role public transport has played in connecting communities and supporting Canberra’s growth.

Services started in 1926, with the AEX Renown model 413s servicing two routes in a small but growing capital.

By 1949, Canberra was growing quickly and needed the fleet to match. With the purchase of 46 AEC Regal III, the fleet had grown to 55 buses, providing services for residents from Ainslie to Fyshwick.

It wasn’t until 1956, with the delivery of 120 AEC Reliance buses, that passengers could purchases tickets from the driver, although a conductor still rode along.

In the 1970’s, our City grew even more with establishment of new town centres in Woden (1961), Belconnen (1966), and Tuggeranong (1974). A new fleet was needed, and it came as 48 Volvo B58s. Even more capacity was achieved in 1976, as Canberra become the first city in Australia to operated articulated buses following the purchase of 25 MAN SG192s.

Public transport use grew steadily over the next decades as population growth soared, starting discussions on how this rapid growth necessitated high-capacity public transport options.

In 2012 the ACT Government committed to building light rail between the city and Gungahlin. It would form the first section of a north-south transport spine, connecting the large population centres and fundamentally changing how people moved through the city, integrated with the bus network.

Since the introduction of light rail in 2019, 1-in-5 of all trips across Canberra’s entire public transport network are now made on Light Rail, and construction is progressing on Light Rail Stage 2A from the City to Commonwealth Park alongside planning for Light Rail Stage 2B through to Woden.

Canberra’s public transport network has gone through a significant evolution from 1929 to now.

Our fleet has grown to 19 light rail vehicles, powered by 100% renewable energy, and 450 buses, including 106 battery electric buses (with 102 Yutong E12s). Canberra’s public transport fleet continues to evolve with the latest technology, with all buses to be transitioned to electric by 2040 or earlier.

This significant milestone in the city’s history is being celebrated with a special ceremony at the Belconnen Bus Depot attended by public transport workers and stakeholders. As part of the celebration, a restored 1949 bus, affectionately known as ‘Matilda’, will stand alongside the newest of the fleet, providing a reminder of how much public transport has changed over the decades.

Canberrans are encouraged to share their public transport memories on the Transport Canberra Facebook and learn more about centenary celebrations and milestones at www.transport.act.gov.au.

Quotes attributable:

“The ACT Government is proud to celebrate 100 years of public transport in Canberra and the generations of workers who have helped keep our city connected,” Minister Steel said.

“What began with just two buses serving a small but growing city in 1926 has evolved into a modern integrated network with buses and light rail, helping thousands of Canberrans travel safely and reliably every week.

“As we celebrate this centenary, I want to acknowledge the dedication, professionalism and service of generations of transport workers whose contributions have connected our community and kept our city moving.

“A strong public transport system has been the foundation for the sustainable growth of Canberra over the past century and will be in the decades ahead.

“To everyone who has contributed to Canberra’s public transport story over the past 100 years, thank you. Your dedication has helped shape our city and connect our community.”