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The Federation Line
Canberra's Heritage Tourist Tramway
Canberra as planned by Griffin in 1912, with proposed street car (tram) routes shown.
Published in Engineering News on 4 July 1912, reproduced from 'Canberra Following Griffin' by Paul Reid, published by the National Archives of Australia.
The Route
A transport link to connect the key tourist facilities of the National Museum of Australia, ScreenSound Australia (the National Screen and Sound Archive) and the Australian War Memorial through the heart of Canberra.
Recalling and celebrating the impact of trams on the social, economic and cultural shape of many Australian cities.
Who will use the tram line?
Trams will serve the more than two million visitors who travel to Canberra each year. The line will provide regular trips at least every 15 minutes and an all day travel pass for about $11.
Accessing the trams will be easy for tourists, with tickets packaged as part of holiday deals and on sale through accommodation venues, attractions and other tourist outlets.
A restaurant tram will add colour and culture to the city and be a highlight for visitors and locals.
Other travellers on the Federation Line may be drawn from Canberra residents, city workforce, shoppers and ANU students and staff, attracted by a $2 short-trip fare.
Where will the trams run?
The six kilometre route for the tramway connects the National Museum of Australia, ScreenSound Australia (the National Screen and Sound Archive) and the Australian War Memorial through Civic.
The tramway will run alongside roads wherever possible, rather than sharing road space with other vehicles. It will use streets where there are low levels of traffic. The tramway will operate in cooperation with other public and private transport operators, including bus connections to other centres and attractions across Canberra.
What will the trams look and sound like?
The authentic trams will be restored by museums across Australia to reflect their original colours. The fleet of trams will be changed for summer and winter.
The tram infrastructure will enhance the colour and movement of the streetscape. Well designed and well maintained, the trams will be quiet and blend into the landscape. Tram rails can be laid in the grass and overhead wires suspended from existing light poles and built structures.
The Federation Line is subject to all necessary environmental assessments, including construction and operational impacts such as noise and emissions.
When will the tram line be operational?
The tramway will take approximately two years to build, once finance for the project has been secured and the relevant government approvals obtained.
The line could be operational by early 2006.
Who will pay for and own the tram line?
The estimated cost of building the line is $15 million. It is envisaged this will be primarily met by one-time grant funding from the Federal and ACT Governments. Some commercial investment in the tramway is anticipated and indications of interest have already been received.
It is planned that the ongoing operation of the tramway will be leased by tender to the most appropriate, experienced Australian or international operator.
The tramway's planning study and business plan demonstrate that no ongoing government subsidy will be required. Once operational the Federation Line will run at a profit and reflect the experience of comparable heritage tramways in other cities.
How does the Federation Line fit in with other light rail proposals?
The Federation Line will be built to the same standard tramway specifications that will apply to a modern light rail line. In a similar fashion to integration between the Federation Line and Action buses, the tram line will interact positively with possible future light rail services.
For further information contact:
Federation Line Inc
PO Box E340
Kingston ACT 2604
Or visit our website: www.fedline.canberra.net.au
The Federation Line
Canberra's Heritage Tourist Tramway
Development Proposal
The Federation Line has been the subject of community, business and government discussion for some time and has featured in government strategy documents such as 'Our City'.
The business plan for the Federation Line has been prepared by KPMG Consulting, including a detailed review of the project's capital costs and its projected income and operating costs.
The financial projections, based on expected capital costs, revenues and expenses, show the Federation Line's ability to succesfully meet recurrent operating costs from direct revenue.
A cost-benefit analysis of the Federation Line carried out by MacroPlan Australia, shows an economic net present value for the project of almost $22 million. At a discount rate of 7%, the ratio of benefits to costs is 1.7:1. In other words, the benefits of the project to the community are 70% higher than its costs.
Detailed planning processes are under way. Community consultation and preparation of a detailed plan will be completed late in 2003.
A timeless experience
Connecting tourist icons - the National Museum of Australia, ScreenSound Australia (the National Screen and Sound Archive) and the Australian War Memorial.
Recalling and celebrating the impact of trams on the social, economic and cultural shape of many Australian cities.
Linking East and West Civic
Connecting the city and University communities
Enriching the 'heart' that is Canberra's city centre
Experience the changing seasons, lake views and the city of Canberra from a relaxing tram ride.
Many cities in Australia and overseas have embraced heritage tourist tramways as a convenient, economical way to move people, while creating a lively, interactive tourist experience.
As the National Capital, Canberra is uniquely placed to celebrate a diverse range of Australian experiences. In the spirit of Federation, the Federation Line will operate authentic historic trams from many cities, representing all Australian states.
This heritage tram service will be more than an exciting, colourful addition to our city. It will bring many social and economic benefits.
- A new tourist experience that will increase the attraction of this region as a tourist destination.
- The revitalisation of community spaces to bring lively activity to areas such as West Civic and Ainslie Avenue.
- The tramway will strengthen Civic's role as a vibrant, dynamic city centre.
- Businesses along the line, including restaurants, hotels and retailers will benefit from increased traffic flow.
- Reduced demands on car parking in areas such as the National Museum and the inner city.
- Encouraging and facilitating tourists to use public transport.
- Reduced vehicle emissions - electric trams have no local emissions and have a high level of energy efficiency.
- When fully operational the Federation Line is expected to employ more than twenty full-time people, with many more jobs to be created during construction.
Be part of the journey
Achieving Walter Burley Griffin's vision for trams in the National Capital |
