Transpo fans and cheapskates were excited to hear the ACT Government’s recent announcement that public transport fares would be free for approximately 6 weeks from 20 September 2024, as they remove old MyWay equipment from our buses, and install new MyWay+ readers and consoles.
But this transition period also means they’re switching off the NXTBUS real-time passenger information system, and the system which collects important data about public transport usage.
PTCBR has written to the Government to seek some clarification about this.
First, we think it’s really important to keep good data about how many people are catching buses. As we’re seeing in Brisbane right now, free and discounted fares attract new people to public transport, and it’s important to know when, where and how often these people are travelling, to plan new services. We want to be sure the Government is doing its best to keep tabs on this.
Second, with the NXTBUS system going down, passengers won’t be able to look up when their bus is coming, or whether they’ve missed it. We know Canberra has a big problem with early running buses, so we’ve told the Government it’s very important they do everything they can do tell the drivers to run on-time, and wait at stops if necessary.
You can read the letter here, we’ll update this when we get a response.
UPDATE – 2 October 2024
We’ve received the response below from Transport Canberra. We’re not surprised it took a little while, given it’s caretaker period. While the answer isn’t exactly what we were hoping for, it’s good to see they understand where we are coming from.
We’ll keep campaigning for Transport Canberra to be better on early buses. If you’ve missed a bus because it’s early, be sure to let us and Transport Canberra know. The more pressure we can put on, the more likely they’ll do something about it.
Dear Mr Hemsley
I refer to your letter to the Minister for Transport, Chris Steel MLA, about MyWay+ transition period and for the involvement of the Public Transport Association of Canberra’s (PTCBR) members with User Acceptance Testing (UAT). I am responding to you as the ACT Government is currently observing caretaker arrangements due to the ACT Elections.
Thank you for your letter regarding the MyWay+ transition period and for the involvement of the Public Transport Association of Canberra’s (PTCBR) members with User Acceptance Testing (UAT).
Throughout the transition to MyWay+, and associated fare-free period, Transport Canberra will monitor public transport patronage through full loading reports from drivers and field staff observations. Light Rail door count information will also be used to track patronage throughout this period. This information has provided a good benchmark for patronage during previous free travel periods, such as during the National Multicultural Festival.
Transport Canberra has made the decision to not collect comprehensive data during the transition period given the considerable resource demand on a daily basis across a dispersed network.
Regarding early buses, this will be addressed through the 2025 network review which will commence with operations from the new Woden Bus Depot early next year. This will address early running and refine journey times. The new depot will also increase the flexibility and responsiveness of service operations and will provide further opportunities to improve the coverage and frequency of local services across Canberra.
I trust this information is of assistance.
Yours sincerely
Ben McHugh
Deputy Director-General