The new public transport system, MyWay+, will go live in Canberra tomorrow, Wednesday 27 November.
Transport Canberra deputy director-general Ben McHugh said the new system provided journey planning, live service updates and more pay options.
“The go live of MyWay+ represents a significant step forward for attracting more bus and light rail users,” Mr McHugh said.
“MyWay+ will make catching public transport simpler to use by allowing people to use a debit or credit card.
“People also have the option of establishing an account which they can top up, track their transaction history and link payment options.”
The fares will remain the same as MyWay, but the MyWay card can no longer be used.
There are several ways commuters can pay to use the service on buses and the light rail: by tapping on and off with a debit card, Mastercard or Visa, by purchasing a MyWay+ travel card from a range of retail outlets across Canberra, or a paper ticket.
The paper tickets are available from vending machines located at light rail stations. Vending machines will be installed at bus stations in the coming weeks.
The paper tickets can also be purchased online at transport.act.gov.au.
Digital tickets, a QR code, can also be linked to the MyWay+ app.
Commuters can also set up a MyWay+ account and select a preferred payment option and any relevant concession status.
To add credit to a MyWay+ travel card, visit a retail outlet, use a ticket vending machine, or top up online through the MyWay+ account or the MyWay+ app.
Students can purchase MyWay+ cards with a student concession from a retail outlet or a concession can be linked to a MyWay+ account.
To assist in the transition, people aged over 70 can continue to use their existing Seniors Card/MyWay card as a flashcard by showing it to the driver or light rail customer service officer until June 2025 for free travel. Seniors aged 60-69 can also use their existing flashcards until June 2025 for free off-peak travel.
Mr McHugh said more than 20,000 people have set up a MyWay+ account and more than 14,000 have purchased a MyWay+ card.
He said Transport Canberra would take an educational approach to fare compliance as people adjusted to the changes.
Mr McHugh said staff would also be at interchanges and shopping centres for the next few weeks to provide information.
Anyone with issues that arise from the new system can contact 13 17 10.
User feedback has been used to improve the new system.
CD previously reported that free transport was offered between September and November while the new MyWay+ hardware was installed on the bus fleet and the system was tested.
It replaces MyWay, which closed in September to align with the scheduled shut-off of Optus’ 3G network.
CD reported in May that the new smart ticketing system would be in place by the end of the year.
New equipment was installed across the Transport Canberra network and fleet, which included hardware like validators, driver consoles, and ticket vending machines at light rail stations and major interchanges.
The ACT Government signed a contract in February with technology company NEC Australia to design the system. The Canberra Liberals, however, have argued that the government announced a similar system seven years ago.
In August, CD further stated Canberrans could register their MyWay cards to transfer funds from their customer accounts onto the new system.
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