Free travel across the Canberra public transport system began on Friday as the ACT government starts its transition to a new ticketing system.
The free travel will remain until an unspecified date in November, when the new MyWay+ system comes online. Both buses and light rail travel across the Canberra public network are free, with no tap-on, tap-off required.
The change also means that the NXTBUS real-time web-based information service has been suspended, together with its SMS text message functionality.
Bus and light rail services will operate on their usual schedules.
Over 200 Canberrans have been selected to provide feedback on the next system's functionality.
Canberrans who have a MyWay card have been asked to hold onto their cards. They will not lose any existing credit on the card but the card number will be required for the transfer and refund process when the transition happens.
The new system will allow passengers to finally be able to pay fares with their credit and debit cards, as well as with their smartphones and watches.
The credit and debit card payments - to be processed by Westpac - will not attract a customer surcharge. Processing fees will be factored into the fare price.
Future dedicated travel cards will be available at a larger network of retailers and the ACT will be the first jurisdiction in Australia to have transport cards made wholly from recycled plastic.
More information about how the transition will occur will be announced in the coming weeks.
More updates and further information on MyWay+ and the transition period can be found at transport.act.gov.au.
