Canberra’s light rail system has revealed distinct commuting patterns among residents of Gungahlin, a growing suburb in the Australian Capital Territory. On a recent outing, local resident Virginia Graylin and her friends decided to explore the light rail for leisure, but their experience underscored a broader trend in daily travel habits.
During peak hours, data show that the majority of trips are made towards the city in the morning and back to Gungahlin in the evening. For example, between 8:00 and 9:00, an average of 1,523 trips are made towards the city, while only 252 head in the opposite direction. The evening peak reflects a similar trend, with 1,169 passengers travelling north compared to 294 heading south.
Camila Segura, a frequent commuter, represents the typical light rail user. She relies on the tram for her daily journeys to work and the library, stating, “It’s my only public transport option.” This reliance highlights a key issue: Gungahlin’s town centre lacks significant employment opportunities, which limits economic activity in the area.
Challenges of Commuting and Employment
The lack of a major public service hub in Gungahlin has led to criticisms that the town centre resembles a “half-cooked product,” according to Henley Samuel, president of the Gungahlin Community Council. He noted that while approximately 10,000 federal public service employees reside in Gungahlin, their workplaces are located elsewhere, resulting in a daily exodus from the town centre.
“The key problem is there’s no public employment hub,” Samuel emphasized. “Without significant job opportunities, the light rail is only utilized during peak commuting hours.” This perspective suggests that the current infrastructure may not fully serve the needs of the community.
The ACT government remains unconcerned about the commuting patterns, pointing out that many cities worldwide exhibit similar trends. A government spokesperson stated, “Civic and Acton still remain Canberra’s major service, employment, entertainment, and educational hub which drives commuting behaviour.”
In response to the challenges faced by Gungahlin, the Legislative Assembly voted in 2023 to encourage Katy Gallagher, the federal Finance Minister, to consider establishing a public service office in the area. Gallagher confirmed on November 1, 2023, that the Commonwealth supports proposals for new operations in Gungahlin, contingent on alignment with the Commonwealth Property Management Framework.
Future Prospects for Gungahlin
The local government has acknowledged the disparity between population and employment figures in Gungahlin. A 2022 prospectus revealed that while the region accounts for 19.6% of Canberra’s population, only 6.3% of employment opportunities are based there. This imbalance raises questions about the sustainability of Gungahlin as a commuter suburb.
The Gungahlin Community Council has been actively surveying residents to gather feedback on transportation and employment issues. The hope is that improved public transport services and new employment opportunities will enhance the economic vitality of the area.
As Gungahlin continues to develop, the light rail system remains a critical component of the suburb’s transport framework. The data-driven approach adopted by Transport Canberra and Canberra Metro aims to adjust service frequencies based on patronage and commuter feedback.
In summary, Gungahlin’s light rail commuting patterns reflect a broader challenge of balancing residential growth with employment opportunities. The area’s future will likely depend on the ability to attract significant employers and enhance local services, ensuring that residents can not only live but thrive in their community.
