Ticket prices for the light rail service, due to begin in 2019, have been released. Canberrans travelling on bus or light rail will pay the same fare, in a move designed to encourage people to make use of both forms of transport.
“With the introduction of Light Rail, MyWay and cash light rail fares are set at the same level as bus fares – customers will pay the same fare whether they are catching a bus or taking light rail,” said Executive Director for Transport Canberra Operations, Judith Sturman.
“There is no additional cost for customers who change buses or use both a bus and light rail as part of the same journey, as transfers are free within 90 minutes.
“These arrangements deliver on the Government’s commitment to ensure that Canberrans can use one ticket and pay one fare to use public transport, regardless of whether they are using buses, light rail or both,” Ms Sturman said.
MyWay and cash fares have risen by up to 2.5%, with the concession single cash fare to increase by 4.2%, from $2.40 to $2.50.
“Modest annual changes to our fares reflect the fact that salary, fleet, fuel and other costs of delivering our services increases with inflation over time,” she said.
“I encourage Canberrans to consider using MyWay cards, as discounts apply to cardholders as well as monthly and daily fare caps.”
Ms Sturman said the ACT Government was making numerous investments and improvements to the public transport network.
“We believe public transport fares represent great value for money. The ACT Government is making numerous investments and major improvements to Canberra’s public transport network, including the integrated public transport network, new buses, a new depot at Woden and new ticket vending machines.”
There is still no confirmed start date for the light rail service next year. The ACT’s new bus network will become operational on 27 April, in time for the start of the second school term. Minister for Transport Meegan Fitzharris has confirmed that the bus timetable will be released in “early March” to allow Canberrans to plan their journeys.
The new fares will come into effect on 5 January 2019. Transport Canberra will be running a modified bus timetable over the holiday period, with reduced day services and increased night time services on New Year’s Eve, in partnership with Uber.
For more information, visit transport.act.gov.au
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