Four MyWay+ demonstration buses have started hitting the roads in Canberra, progressively learning the public transport network while generating community awareness of the upcoming transition to the new ticketing system.
MyWay+, will be ‘learning’ about the bus network using artificial intelligence, and the drivers will also be getting up to speed, in a process that will continue throughout the year.
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In October, the full suite of new equipment will be installed across the Transport Canberra network and fleet, with a full transition set to be implemented by November.
MyWay+ aims to provide more ways to pay for public transport and introduce new digital platforms to plan journeys and access real-time information.
Passengers can tap on and off bus or light rail using debit cards, credit cards or devices such as phones and smart watches.
In anticipation of the big switch, Transport Canberra will be offering free rides on all four MyWay+ buses.
If one of the demo buses arrives at your stop, you get a free bus ride. There’s no need to tap on or tap off, your ride on the demo bus is completely free.
Transport minister Chris Steel says installing new equipment would include 1000 validators, driver consoles and 25 ticket vending machines at light rail stations and major interchanges.
“Throughout this installation phase, no fares will be collected from passengers to allow a seamless switchover to the new service expected for full launch in November,” he says.
“As we prepare for the MyWay+ switchover later in the year, Canberrans should continue using their existing MyWay cards for bus and light rail services.”
Steel also urged passengers to register their existing MyWay card, if they had not already done so, to assist in balance transfers and refunds when the new system comes online.
“The switch to MyWay+ has many components, so we will work closely with the community and a range of stakeholder groups to ensure a seamless transition,” he says.
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