Canberrans will have better access to the growing Mitchell industrial and services hub with services commencing on the new Sandford Street light rail stop.
"The new Sandford Street stop will serve the future suburb of Kenny, providing a connection to frequent and convenient public transport as soon as residents start moving in," said Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel.
"Mitchell is also a growing services hub for people in Gungahlin and Canberra's inner north, so in addition to the stop at Well Station Drive, this stop will also bring significant benefits for local businesses.
"It's been fantastic to see local Mitchell businesses employed in building key components of the new station, including a local steel frame fabricator OzMetalwork. It's a stop for Mitchell built by Mitchell.
"Mitchell businesses have really warmed to light rail over time and I look forward to hearing from the traders about how being better connected to the City and Gungahlin benefits their businesses in the months and years ahead.
"While we're still encouraging people to only use public transport for essential reasons, this is something to really look forward to."
Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja said the new stop would make Mitchell businesses more accessible to commuters.
"This is a vital piece of infrastructure that the local traders have been calling for over a long period of time and it is fantastic to see this stop in Mitchell operational. This will provide a crucial connection into the growing business hub in Mitchell," Senator Zed Seselja said.
"This is just one piece of the Commonwealth Government's massive $1.8 billion dollar infrastructure spend in Canberra over recent years, boosting jobs and supporting our local economy," Senator Seselja said.
The new light rail stop is located on the corner of Flemington Road and Sandford Street. It is just a 15-minute journey to the city and less than 10 minutes to Gungahlin. It will have services departing every 5 to 6 minutes during peak times.
Journey times on the overall route between Gungahlin and Civic will remain the same as prior to the stop's commissioning, as timetables were adjusted at the start of 2021 in anticipation of it coming online.
"Infrastructure investment has been central to keeping Canberra's economy strong and growing through a difficult 18 months, and this project has supported more than 200 jobs through the design, construction and testing phase," said Minister Steel.
"Stage 1 of light rail has been incredibly successful with more people choosing to use public transport because of the frequent, comfortable and reliable services. The new Sandford Street stop and connectivity with Mitchell is yet another reason for people to jump on board.
"At the same time as this new stop comes online, we are getting work underway to extend the benefits of light rail to Canberra's southside with early works commencing in the city very soon.
"These initial early works will involve utilities relocation and other preparatory works which pave the way for major construction on raising London Circuit in 2022.
"Investment in light rail is key to making Canberra a more connected, sustainable and vibrant city."
President of the Mitchell Traders Association Sukhjeet Singh said he was very pleased to see the completion of the Sanford Street Stop in Mitchell.
"Local businesses are excited to see how the new stop will improve and promote access to our thriving business community," Mr Singh said.
"It's a difficult time for everyone in our community, but having this new service ready to go will help boost business in Mitchell once we're ready to open back up."
Delivery of the $12 million Sandford Street light rail stop has been co-funded by the Commonwealth and ACT Governments.
To plan you next public transport journey visit, www.transport.act.gov.au
