Shane Rattenbury MLA MINISTER FOR TERRITORY AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES MINISTER FOR CORRECTIONS MINISTER FOR HOUSING MINISTER FOR ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AFFAIRS MINISTER FOR AGEING MEMBER FOR MOLONGLO

MEDIA

RELEASE

Early Christmas present...Nightrider present... is now free Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury, today announced that the ACT Government’s Nightrider bus service will be free this year. “To build on the success of the ACTION Nightrider bus service,, and in recognition of the important role it plays for late night transport and safety, I have decided to trial the service for free this year,” Mr Rattenbury said. n important part of the Government’s transport services as a convenient “The Nightrider bus is an option for people to get home on public transport late at night. It’s also an important safety initiative providing alternative transport to people who have been drinking. “The Nightrider bus starts in time to pick up late night movie-goers movie and runs through the night to pick up the late night partiers. It’s convenient, safe, and this year it’s free. “This is the first time Nightrider has been free, so we hope to attract new riders to the service and expect higher levels of patronage. To manage any increase in demand ACTION will have a limited amount of standby services to cater for a higher volume of riders, but still encourage riders to arrive early to guarantee a seat. “When When Canberrans have a night out in Civic this festive season I hope many of them will try leaving their cars at home and will give giv the free Nightrider bus a go. “With the money you save on transport, you can buy yourself a kebab. Just make sure you finish it before boarding the bus,” Mr Rattenbury concluded. This year’s Nightrider service will operate on 6-7 December, 13-14 14 December, 20-21 20 December and a New Year’s Eve service on 31 December 2013. Eight Nightrider routes will take passengers home every 90 minutes between 12.30 am and 4.15 am with extra servicess operating operat on New Year’s Eve. The Nightrider buses will depart from Platform 7 at the City Bus Station and service suburbs in Belconnen, Gungahlin, inner north, inner south, Woden and Tuggeranong dropping passengers at the bus stop nearest to their home. Each bus will have CCTV facilities and ACTION supervisors will be within the City Bus Station to assist with marshalling. More information on the Nightrider, including a downloadable timetable, is available at www.action.act.gov.au.

ACT Legislative Assembly Phone (02) 6205 0005 Fax (02) 6205 0007

Email: [email protected]

@ShaneRattenbury

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Statement Ends Date: Media Contact:

November 2013 Helen Oakey

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