CBR Airport Bus Public Transport to Russell and the City begins 20 March 17

[Himeno]

What's the price for an Uber?

I have to admit I've usually used taxi's as I tend to take OMG o'clock flights and I don't want to be standing around at 4:30am hoping one will be down my way, although now Uber is doing pre-bookings I'll probably consider them for next time.

Taxi's to/from CBR have cost me between $45 and $62 over the years (since 2005). It's been over $55 for my airport trips the last 3 years.

I had 3 Uber trips last year. All were $44-$46.

 

[OzEire]

For me it's 20 minutes by car, or at least 1.5 hours by bus. Yeap I think I'll be continuing to go by car.

This is my thinking too. Fairly indicative of Canberra public transport- the hub system ensures everyone gets an equal but equally slow trip. This in turn means people don't use PT which means less PT is offered (due to low demand) and we have a negative feedback loop.

 

[moa999]

To be honest pretty similar in most cities - works for some not for all. Vast majority of routes are CBD-centric with few circle routes

At least some routes like the Red Rapid connect to the new 11 bus mid-way in its route.

 

[RoMambai]

I think a car and bus combo might be a goer for quick weekends away. Park at Russell on Friday arvo (parking inspectors should have knocked off by then), quick ride to the airport and do the return on Sunday evening. Sure beats handing Terrence Snow $60 for the privilege. And Russell is manned 24-7 meaning the cars ought to be at least semi secure.

 

[Jurahn]

New bus route 11A - Canberra Airport to City Bus Station vv

Just wondering whether anyone has used this new bus service since it commenced in March. I'll be flying into Canberra later this year and am considering picking up my rental car from the Canberra City location (which is near the City Bus Station) as it will save me about $80 on the car rental costs (gotta love those Premium Location surcharges). Main concern is how much room there is on the 11A bus for luggage as I'll have a suitcase and medium backpack with me - I assume the buses are just regular services and won't have a dedicated luggage area (such as those on the SYD T-bus)?

I know there's an Airport Express bus service, but it doesn't run anywhere near as often as the 11A and I'm wondering whether that service will fold eventually anyway, given the introduction of the ACTION bus.

 

[Himeno]

Re: New bus route 11A - Canberra Airport to City Bus Station vv

There was a press conference at the airport (at the bus stop outside) the day it started. During the conference, one of the airport operations people answering questions mentioned that the company operating the airport express bus had been interested in pulling out before ACTION got in.

They are just normal buses. If you're lucky and you get a newer bus, there will be wheelchair areas near the front with fold up seats where you can put the luggage.

 

[Happy Dude]

Re: New bus route 11A - Canberra Airport to City Bus Station vv

Just cab/Uber it. You'll still be ahead for a return trip by the sounds of it.

 

[OzEire]

Re: New bus route 11A - Canberra Airport to City Bus Station vv

Many of the Canberra regular bus services have some room for luggage (backpack or shopping bags not suitcases). I had understood that the traffic was very low so should be no issue of space. Go for it!

 

[Jurahn]

Re: New bus route 11A - Canberra Airport to City Bus Station vv

Thanks for the replies everyone. I think I'll give the bus service a go - it's not a huge suitcase, and I'm coming in on an early afternoon flight, so hopefully the passenger load on the bus at that time of day won't be too bad!

 

[trooper]

Re: New bus route 11A - Canberra Airport to City Bus Station vv

I used the 11A recently from the airport to the city.... (then a taxi from there...which cut the cost in half. really just an experiment but it worked really well) WITH two bags. No problem at all with space to stow the bags. At off peak times I think that would always be the case.... (no pun intended)...

 

[NZflygirl]

Re: New bus route 11A - Canberra Airport to City Bus Station vv

I think taxi was ~$25 to the city and uber $17. Even a sign directing you to uber in the airport. I have rented a car though to get to some other places also.

 

[serfty]

Was thinking of using today but since I'm staying south of the lake and would need two busses and can rent from Thrifty for under $45 I decided not to.

 

[Jurahn]

Re: New bus route 11A - Canberra Airport to City Bus Station vv

I used the 11A recently from the airport to the city.... (then a taxi from there...which cut the cost in half. really just an experiment but it worked really well) WITH two bags. No problem at all with space to stow the bags. At off peak times I think that would always be the case.... (no pun intended)...

That's good to hear, sounds like it will definitely be a viable option.

 

[RoMambai]

Re: New bus route 11A - Canberra Airport to City Bus Station vv

I caught the bus several times in the last month, including parking at Russell on a friday evening and returning on a Sunday (worked a treat), and each time it has just been me and the driver for company. I could have brought as much luggage as I wanted and I'm sure it would have been ok. On each occassion too the bus was waiting at the bay when I stepped off the plane which made it quicker than waiting in the line for a cab. As an inner city slicker, it's perfect for me.