Ticket tech boost in ACT
A new deal should see a high-tech ticket system rolled out on ACT public transport.
The long-awaited overhaul of Canberra's public transport ticketing system is set to take place after the ACT government signed with NEC Australia to deliver the new system, named MyWay+.
The new system will allow passengers to pay through an account-based system using their smartphone, watch, or by simply tapping on a credit or debit card.
The system will replace the existing MyWay cards and include an app and website that will provide real-time updates on public transport routes and services.
The government hopes that making public transport easier to use will encourage more people to use services and help current users navigate the changes.
Transport Minister Chris Steel said that the ticketing system is an important part of the public transport puzzle in Canberra and that having additional payment options will make it much easier and more flexible for people to use the public transport system.
The new system will also provide journey planning tools to plan journeys across multiple different modes of transport, not just public transport, but also other forms like e-scooters, active travel, and driving.
The Canberra Liberals have expressed concerns about the current cost and timeline of Stage 2B and promised to scrap it if they win the next ACT election.
However, Mr Steel said there is “no evidence” to support their claim that it will cost more than $3 billion to connect Woden to the network.
He added that the government's current focus was on completing light rail to Woden by 2030, but it was a “massive project in its own right”.