Marisa Paterson urges southside women to rethink commute ahead of Woden light rail build

A campaign has been launched to encourage southside women to ditch driving for public transport, riding, walking or scooting on their daily commute to the city.

ACT member for Murrumbidgee Marisa Paterson said while the light rail would eventually benefit people in the south, its development over the next few years would make car travel difficult.

By rethinking travel now, women living in Canberra's south will be able to help relieve pressure and congestion for those who have no option but to drive, Dr Paterson said.

"Women are well positioned to make changes to some of the journeys we undertake, to embrace a range of options that will benefit us," Dr Paterson said.

She said the campaign, "Her Way", would seek feedback from southside women on what barriers would prevent them from picking alternative transport options to the car, ahead of the light rail being extended to Woden.

The next stage involves laying down track from the city's Alinga Street terminus to Commonwealth Park. Once that is complete, work will begin to connect the city to Woden.

Major physical works will begin later in 2021 and are expected to reduce traffic capacity across the Commonwealth Avenue bridge to almost 20 per cent.

Dr Paterson said the disruption would be felt most severely during weekday peak hours when more people were travelling around the region.

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"Research suggests that women have different travel patterns and needs than men and different levels of comfort and safety especially when walking, riding a bike or catching public transport," she said.

Dr Paterson said dropping off children and grocery shopping were often part of women's commute. Part of the campaign will involve getting details on these potential barriers.

"I recognise that the upcoming construction works for light rail will be very disruptive but I'm also positive about the long-term benefits this huge project will bring for our community," Dr Paterson said.

Southside women are encouraged to get involved in the campaign by providing details on their commuting habits and attitudes.

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