Canberra Liberals Leader Mark Parton MLA introduced a motion calling on the ACT Government to undertake a review of Canberra’s rapid bus network – investigating patronage rates and identifying gaps in the network – and to table the results of this review in the Assembly by 24 September 2026. 

The proposed review would also investigate establishing new rapid bus routes connecting Gungahlin Town Centre with Woden, Fyshwick, Brindabella Business Park and Canberra Airport. 

ACT Labor moved amendments that specified the Government’s commitments it took to the 2024 election, while also highlighting that light rail, Rapid and local bus services are all integral parts of the public transportation network. ACT Labor’s amendments removed the commitment to investigate establishing new bus routes connecting Gungahlin Town Centre.

The Canberra Liberals moved an amendment to ACT Labor’s amendments reinserting the commitments to establish new bus routes connecting the Gungahlin Town Centre. The ACT Greens moved an amendment removing language specifying new bus routes and replacing it with broader language around reviewing public transport connections with the Gungahlin Town Centre. 

Thomas spoke in support of the motion and also moved an amendment to ACT Labor’s amendments, largely reinserting other elements of the original motion Labor had amended out. Thomas’s amendment called on the ACT Government to consider service gaps in the frequency of Rapid routes across the networks and instances of overcrowding on Rapid routes and light rail, and to base new Rapid services on demand or projected demand in line with Treasury population projections. This amendment was agreed to. 

The ACT Greens then moved an additional amendment calling on the Government to consider how it can adequately provide the funds for expanding the bus fleet in line with community expectations in upcoming budgets. This amendment was agreed to unanimously. 

The motion, as amended, was passed with the unanimous support of the Assembly.