The ACT’s public transport system will adopt the smart ticketing system MyWay+ in November, and Canberrans should register their MyWay cards to transfer funds from their customer accounts onto the new system.

“By registering your current MyWay card now, you can transfer your existing balance straight onto the new MyWay+ system and you’ll be ready to go,” transport minister Chris Steel said.

The old MyWay system will be closed in September, aligning with the scheduled shut-off of Optus’ 3G network in September. MyWay+ will be operational across Canberra’s public transport network in November.

Between September and November, travel will be free on all ACT public transport whilst the new MyWay+ hardware is installed on the bus fleet and the system is tested.

Transport Canberra will advise the community when exactly the old MyWay system will switch off, following advice from Optus.

Four MyWay+ demonstration buses are on the road, learning the public transport network. Travel on these, too, will be free between September and November.

More than 200 people will be recruited to user-test the new MyWay+ system for six weeks beginning in September.

They will test the web portal, mobile app, and new equipment on board buses and at light rail stops.

“This next phase of different cohorts testing the functionality of the new system and the app is very exciting,” Mr Steel said. “It means we’re getting our first look at how the journey planning works, the ease of payment methods, and all the different features available for Canberrans to use to travel with the new system.”

Testers will include members of Transport Canberra’s workforce, the Transport Canberra and City Services Accessibility Reference Group, students, public transport advocates, First Nations people, and old people.

Canberrans who do not want to use the new MyWay+ system can still buy physical cards from shops and supermarkets, or use a credit or debit card to tap on and off.