The Belconnen Community Council (BCC) welcomes the ACT Government’s decision to return Rapid bus routes R2 and R3 to their pre-construction routes through to Fraser and Spence from July. The Government will also lift service frequency on key routes and continue R5 and R6 services through to Belconnen Town Centre.
BCC Chair Lachlan Butler said the announcement reflects sustained advocacy from Belconnen residents.
“This marks a positive step for our community,” Mr Butler said. “The return of the R2 and R3 follows strong, consistent advocacy from the BCC and local residents, who made clear these services are essential for West Belconnen.”
Mr Butler also welcomed the decision to retain R5 and R6 connections to Belconnen Town Centre.
“Keeping the R5 and R6 running to Belconnen provides greater choice and frequency along one of Canberra’s busiest public transport corridors. This corridor shapes how people move across the city. Growing districts like Belconnen need more frequent services and route options.”
However, Mr Butler said attention must now shift to delivering long-promised infrastructure to support a more reliable network.
“The upcoming ACT Budget must include funding to progress the Belconnen Bus Transitway if the Government intends to meet its October 2028 commitment. This project underpins better punctuality and reliability. When buses avoid congestion on corridors such as Haydon Drive, those time savings can flow back into more services across the network.”
Mr Butler said the BCC will continue constructive engagement as further network changes take shape.
“We look forward to working with Transport Canberra as consultation begins on new rapid routes from Ginninderry and the Molonglo Valley.
“Belconnen remains Canberra’s largest district, and continued investment in high-quality public transport will be key to supporting its growth.