ACT's light rail increased land values, population: report

The increase in unimproved value along the line from 2011 to 2018 was almost 15 percentage points higher than the ACT average.

The figures were revealed in the government's 12-month review of the benefits from light rail stage one, released on Thursday. It said the light rail had led to a 20 per cent decrease in traffic along Northbourne Avenue.

The report listed a number of "lessons learnt" from the first stage of light rail after gathering feedback from businesses along line. They included the suggestions that multiple road closures were reduced and land and road closures were limited during peak time.

The government was also told more disruptive work should be completed in quiet periods, like the Christmas holidays. Businesses said they wanted a holistic support program before and during construction, including marketing materials and advice.

The report said the government was "on track" to achieve most of its project benefit goals.

Patronage has generally been above expectations, but the government expects a significant downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Only four per cent of light rail users rode a bike to a light rail stop - either by leaving it at the station or taking it on board. Almost 40 per cent of users drove to the stop, while 57 per cent walked.

The report found, based on census data, population growth in the suburbs along the light rail corridor exceeded what was initially expected in the business case by nearly 2,500 people.

There was an average increase in the unimproved value of blocks growing by 35.2 per cent, which was significantly greater that the territory average of 21.7 per cent for the same period.

READ MORE:

But the report also showed the government missed the mark when it came to reaching its targets on the number of apprenticeships and traineeships created during the delivery of light rail. Just 17 positions were filled, despite the government initially promising 60 places.

The Public Housing Renewal Program has replaced 1288 aged public houses and relocated public housing tenants to newer, higher quality public housing, according to the report.

Transport Minister Chris Steel said the broader economic and social benefits from light rail were already evident.

"This is a long-term infrastructure investment, and more benefits will continue to be realised and measured over the years and decades to come," he said.

"These are benefits that would never have been realised if the Canberra Liberals had succeeded in killing the light rail project in 2016.

"There are lessons to be learnt from every project, and the lessons from stage one will help better support our local businesses for stage two."