Last week, the ACT Government announced it had signed a contract with technology company NEC Australia to design MyWay+, a public transport smart ticketing system, and implement it over the next year.

But the Canberra Liberals are concerned that the Optus 3G network system that the current system relies on will be switched off before the new ticket system is rolled out. They believe the ACT Government should make public transport free in that eventuality.

“The new ticketing system for public transport in the ACT is the latest project administered under the Labor-Greens government that has been significantly delayed, which could see fares unable to be collected for a period of time if not implemented before the 3G network shuts down,” Shadow Transport Minister Mark Parton said.

Former transport minister Meegan Fitzharris announced in 2016 that work had begun on the new integrated transport ticketing system.

“The Labor-Greens government started talking about this new ticketing system during the 2016 election, and eight years on, we still have no firm date on when it will be delivered,” Mr Parton said.

“If the new system cannot be rolled out before the Optus 3G network ceases, the Labor-Greens government should make public transport free during that period.

“Whilst I am sure the Chief Minister [Andrew Barr] would try and sell this as a measure to help Canberrans during a cost-of-living crisis, the fact is it is the only way he can cover up the incompetence of his government.

“Canberrans might finally see some benefit from the gross incompetence of the Labor-Greens government through free public transport until the new MyWay system is in place.”

Tara Cheyne, Acting Minister for Transport, said: “The ACT Government is well aware that the Optus 3G network will cease. While it might be news to the Shadow Minister, this is not new.

“This has been incorporated into the project planning for MyWay+. Decisions on pricing and fare structure will be made in the coming months.

“The Canberra Liberals have had 1,236 days to come up with a transport policy for Canberra’s future, and they still don’t have one.

“By contrast, ACT Labor is delivering expanded stages of light rail, more electric buses and a new ticketing system to support our growing city.

“Instead of just criticising our policy platform, and telling us what they’re not going to do, the Canberra Liberals should release their own plan. A serious alternative Government can’t have no plan for public transport.”

Mr Parton said the delay was another example of the Labor-Greens government failing to deliver on its promises, and another delayed project in the transport portfolio.

“We know the tram won’t reach Woden until at least 2033 at best, despite Andrew Barr promising before the last election it would be completed by 2025. Just recently, it was announced the delivery of new busses has been delayed to the never never despite being promised to arrive in 2022.”