14 November 2024

Start date announced for new ticketing system on buses, light rail

| Ian Bushnell
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A MyWay bus.

The new public transport ticketing system is starting soon, but you can get ready now. Photos: Ian Bushnell.

Canberrans will start paying for public transport again on 27 November when Transport Canberra’s new ticketing system, MyWay+, goes live on buses and light rail.

Transport Canberra said passengers would again be able to tap on and off, with the new MyWay+ validators on board buses and at all light rail stops becoming operational.

It said the new MyWay+ app and online portal were now available and Canberrans could now buy or order a MyWay+ card from retail outlets.

The new real-time journey planner was also available via the app and Transport Canberra website.

Executive group manager Judith Sturman said launching the app and online portal was a huge step in the transition to MyWay+.

“The MyWay+ app can be downloaded for free from the Apple app store today and will let you plan and pay for your journey across different modes of transport, check accessibility options and receive personalised messages for your favourite bus and light rail services,” she said.

“The MyWay+ app for Android users will be on Google Play in the coming days, subject to Google’s registration process. In the meantime, the community is still able to create a MyWay+ account and attach a contactless payment method such as Mastercard or Visa.”

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Ms Sturman said passengers who didn’t want to register for a MyWay+ account could use their credit card, debit card, Apple or Google Pay on their mobile phone, or MyWay+ travel card, to tap on and off. The MyWay+ travel card is now available from retail outlets (including concession travel cards).

She said the launch of the app and online portal followed several months of system and user testing as well as installation of MyWay+ equipment on buses and at bus and light rail platforms and interchanges.

“We want to give the community time to prepare for the system,” Ms Sturman said.

“By launching the app and online portal now, along with allowing people to get MyWay+ cards, it will mean people will be able to get familiar with the new system.”

Transport Minister Chris Steel with the new MyWay+ travel card.

Transport Minister Chris Steel with the new MyWay+ travel card.

Ms Sturman said MyWay+ would transform the way the community paid and planned for public transport and make it an easier, more attractive choice for Canberrans.

She said it would provide powerful journey planning, live service updates and convenient ticketing choices.

“The account also allows people to order a new MyWay+ travel card, view travel and transaction history and customise their real-time journey notifications in the MyWay+ app,” she said.

“I encourage the community to download the new MyWay+ app and get set up ahead of MyWay+ starting on Wednesday 27 November 2024.”

Transport Canberra is in the final stages of installing hardware across the bus and light rail network. The new ticket vending machines will be progressively installed over the coming weeks.

Drivers and staff at major bus and light rail stops and interchanges will be actively educating the community as the new system goes live, as well as attending community events.

Ms Sturman said there would be a number of system improvements to the MyWay+ account and app over coming months, based on user feedback and through software and system updates designed to enhance the user experience.

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NEC is supplying MyWay+ in a 10-year deal worth $64 million.

MyWay+ will cover multiple travel modes across light rail, bus, cycling, walking, e-scooter and rideshare/taxi options, providing information about each, such as accessible stops/stations and paths.

The aim is to provide a simple, secure and seamless way for Canberra commuters to get around town.

It is also expected to minimise fare evasion and fraud.

MyWay+ is expected to produce high-quality geographical, passenger and real-time data that Transport Canberra will use to manage and measure network performance, patronage and fare revenue.

To learn more visit the Transport Canberra website.

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Ross of Canberra7:13 pm 22 Nov 24

So many advantages in MyWay+ is telling that MyWay was atrocious. Let’s see what the new bureaucrats create.

6.4 million a year for a ticket system that makes about $10 million a year.
Which means income to government is 3.6 million. The cost to taxpayers is 16.4 million.

Actually it’s $25 million a year, not ten million.

As per Labor’s election promise I’m expecting free fares on Fridays

“I encourage the community to download the new MyWay+ app and get set up ahead of MyWay+ starting on Wednesday 27 November 2024.”
Yeah … but perhaps not today, eh, Ms Sturman?

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