The ACT Government has signed a contract with technology company NEC Australia to design MyWay+, a public transport smart ticketing system.

Transport minister Chris Steel said MyWay+ would make catching public transport in Canberra easier.

The Canberra Liberals, however, say that the ‘new’ system is similar to one announced and budgeted for seven years ago.

What does the new system do?

Payment is simpler: passengers can tap on and off public transport using debit and credit cards, their phone, or their smart watch, as well as the traditional travel card or paper ticket.

The system will provide information in real time, Mr Steel said. Passengers will be able to plan their journey, track the arrival of their next service, and pay for their travel, all from a web portal or mobile app.

The new mobile application will be available to download from Google Play and the Apple Store.

“This is about making it as easy and convenient as possible to use public transport, by providing more payment options for customers and better real time information,” Mr Steel said.

NEC will deliver the system from its Canberra-based facilities over the next 12 months. It will then be implemented immediately. A local ACT team will operate and maintain the system.

“Now we have a contract in place, we will work closely with NEC Australia to finalise transition details for the rollout,” Mr Steel said.

More than 1,000 new validators will be installed onboard Transport Canberra buses and on light rail platforms, and around 25 ticket vending machines across the public transport network.

The government will keep the community informed.

“The switch to a new public transport ticketing system has many components, so we will work closely with the community and stakeholder groups to ensure a seamless transition,” Mr Steel said.

“There is expected to be a staged transition period. I encourage people to sign-up to Transport Canberra’s weekly e-news and social media for regular updates, including about what they need to do, as we transition to a new, exciting era of public transport.”

Canberra Liberals: Government has “stuffed around” for seven years

Mark Parton MLA, Shadow Minister for Transport, observed that the ‘new’ system was strikingly like one mooted seven years ago.

“Do not cut up your MyWay card just yet, because you will be waiting for this new system longer than you’ll be waiting for a weekend bus in Canberra,” he said.

“Chris Steel’s announcement this week was very similar to an announcement made by his predecessor seven years ago.

“On July 4th 2016, Meegan Fitzharris announced that work had started on a new integrated transport ticketing system.

“She pointed to the millions of dollars provided in the budget of 2016/17 to progress the introduction of the system.

“Now in Feb of 2023, Steel has announced that after stuffing around for seven years, the government has finally signed a contract with a provider.

“Why on earth this government didn’t just enter into an agreement with NSW Government to piggyback on the Opal system is beyond me. This could have been done years ago.”

For more information, visit transport.act.gov.au.