ACT Government release new rapid bus routes and bus expansion for 2017

The ACT Government today released details of new rapid bus routes and expansion to the ACTION Bus fleet, accompanied by funding details to support the expansion. These improvements to the bus network are aimed at increasing public transport patronage and have been planned to follow growth along public transport corridors. In time, several of these routes are likely to be replaced by light rail. The start of light rail service in late 2018 will free up over one million bus kilometres that can be allocated across the ACTION Bus network. It is the equivalent of buying a new fleet of buses and extra drivers.

The new routes include expansions of existing bus routes to enhance the 'rapid' aspect, and completely new routes. Importantly, funding is attached to the plans - $55 million for the services and $51 million for 80 new buses and a new depot to house them. This is a government announcement, not an election policy, with funding to be allocated in the pre-election budget update.

Buses and light rail will always coexist in an integrated transport plan, and we need to make sure we get maximum utility and value from our bus fleet. The big picture plan is that we need more people using public transport.  Light rail, more buses, better frequency, better routes. It's a very compelling plan, and achievable.

The only way to convince Canberrans to use public transport over the private car, is to offer reliable, frequent and attractive public transport. Bus fleet renewal, expanding the reach and frequency of bus services, integrating bus services with light rail and planning for future expansion provide that alternative. This will also lead to reduced travel times and reduced road congestion.

Seven new lines are added to the current Blue and Red Rapid services, with new services supporting Woden, Weston Creek and Canberra Airport every six minutes during peak times and every 15 minutes at other times. The network expansion starts with Belconnen to Gungahlin and Woden to the City rapid services commencing in 2017.

The announcement of new rapid services in 2017 follows on from last weeks announcement of extensions of the Blue Rapid bus from Lanyon to Kippax, and the introduction of a new ACTION Timetable on 27 August. In 2017 a new Green Rapid from Woden to the City via Manuka and Barton, and the Black Rapid from Belconnen to Gungahlin will commence. 

These new services will be phased in through to 2020.

• Woden to City via Weston Creek (2018)
• Belconnen to Watson via Dickson (2018)
• Tuggeranong to City via Erindale (2019)
• Lanyon to Airport via Barton (2020)
• Belconnen to Airport via City (2020)

It may appear as if these are simply extensions to existing routes, that is not correct.

• The Green Rapid is a new route from Woden to the City via Manuka and Barton
• The Grey Rapid is a new line that goes from Belconnen to Watson via Dickson
• The Purple Rapid is a new line that goes from Tuggeranong to Civic via Erindale, Woden and Barton
• The Pink Rapid is a new line that goes from Lanyon to the airport via Tuggeranong, Woden, Barton and Russell
• The Yellow Rapid is a new line that goes from Belconnen to the airport via Civic and Russell

Also important things to note about the new Rapid Network:

• All rapid services will run at least every 15 minutes everyday with increased frequency during peak periods
• The Blue Rapid now extends to Kippax and Lanyon
• The Black Rapid from Belconnen to Gungahlin will have increased frequency 
• These routes have most likely been planned thoroughly using data available to the government (MyWay, traffic)
• These routes have been depend on the fact that light rail will be implemented, which will free up more than 1.2 million kilometres of bus travel

Transport Minister Meegan Fitzharris said "When people know that there's always going to public transport where they need it ... that really drives patronage," "That's exactly what these rapid bus services already do and what future rapid bus services will do."

Minister Fitzharris also said that the debate about Canberra being a car-centric city was over and more rapid bus routes were planned for Molonglo and Gungahlin as the population grew.

The new bus route plans differ markedly from the release earlier in 2016 of the Canberra Liberals bus plans, in that they are funded, are based on research and future population patterns, and integrate light rail services with future transport planning.

ACT Government media release
Canberra Times article 'ACT Govt announces seven new rapid bus routes in network overhaul' here
ABC News Online 'Labor reveal nine line Rapid Bus network for Canberra' here

WIN TV Canberra covered the announcement on the 29 August 6PM TV News

ABC TV Canberra covered the announcement on its 29 August 7PM TV News

For more frequent updates on Capital Metro and light rail related news, please visit our Facebook page 'Light Rail for Canberra'.  

2016-2017 Appropriation Bill committee report excerpts on Light Rail and Action buses

The following are Light rail and ACTION Bus related excerpts from the report of the ACT Assembly Select Committee on Estimates 2016-17, looking at the APPROPRIATION BILL 2016-2017. The full report can be downloaded from here where all associated material including submissions, questions on notice and transcripts can be found.

The recommendations of the committee are also included below.


On page 219

"LIGHT RAIL MASTER PLAN

8.17 The Committee inquired about the Light Rail Master Plan including the information contained in the plan and when the information would be available. The Committee was advised that:

[T]he planning part for the Light Rail Master Plan does not involve costs for construction. That is a separate item within the business case that Capital Metro or Transport Canberra will be doing. The Master Plan is proceeding well.

8.18 Further to this the Minister noted:

The studies that we are doing for the Light Rail Master Plan will include the feasibility in a technical sense and the issues that we might have in that sense, as we have heard— crossing the lake or going into ridges along a route to the airport, for example. The further work that will be done will be done by CMA [Capital Metro Agency] or Transport Canberra in the future.

8.19 The Committee was advised that decisions about routes for the light rail network are government decisions and that these discussions will be ongoing. The Minister noted that there has been strong representation from the community with ‘many hundreds of people taking the opportunity to express their views.’

8.20 On the matter of whether Kings and Commonwealth Avenue bridges are suitable to carry the weight of the tram, the Committee was advised that investigations are ongoing. The

Directorate is ‘working closely with the NCA [National Capital Authority] on corridor alignments and on matters related to infrastructure that they control.’

COMMITTEE COMMENT

8.21 The Committee understands that studies and investigations must be carried out to properly understand the feasibility and cost of routes set out in the Light Rail Master Plan. Given the prominence of the issue and the considerable interest in the community, the Committee encourages the Government to provide a greater level of clarity about the likely timeframe for further stages of the Light Rail.

Recommendation 102

8.22 The Committee recommends that the Minister for Planning and Land Development inform the ACT Legislative Assembly before the last sitting day in August 2016 of the estimated timeline for progressing the Light Rail Master Plan.

On page 287

TRANSPORT CANBERRA

11.15 Output 1.1 includes oversight of the construction of light rail, the Government subsidy paid to ACTION buses, and the strategic oversight of the public transport network, public transport asset management and the Active Travel Office.

MATTERS CONSIDERED

11.17 The Committee considered the following matters on 27 June 2016 with the Minister for Capital Metro:

• commencement of track laying for light rail and construction of stops;
• order of light rail vehicles;
• CMA component of TCCS Output 1.1;
• staffing in CMA and TCCS;
• penalties for non-performance in operations of light rail;
• contract management skills in TCCS;
• light rail contracts; 
• components of service payments and calculation of capital contribution;
• availability payments;
• communication with stakeholders;
• local business involvement in construction;
• integrated ticketing;
• potential cost of cancelling light rail contract in October 2016;
• costing of extension of light rail to Russell, over Kings Avenue Bridge and over Commonwealth Avenue Bridge;
• comparative impact of light rail upon ACT Budget; and 
• enhancements from light rail, including lighting, Alinga Street terminus and activating
• space between Sydney and Melbourne Buildings.

KEY ISSUES

INTEGRATION OF CAPITAL METRO AGENCY INTO TCCS

11.18 The Committee inquired as to why the Minister who would be responsible for light rail for the coming the year was not the Minister answering questions on the subject at the public hearing. The Minister for Territory and Municipal Services noted:

That is a good question, and one that was discussed. I am happy to take some of those questions, of course, but Mr Corbell is currently the Minister for Capital Metro. These changes do not come into effect until 1 July; therefore he will be appearing this afternoon as the current Minister for Capital Metro.

COMMITTEE COMMENT

11.19 The Committee notes that at the time of hearings the Minister for Capital Metro was still responsible for that portfolio for a few more days. Given that the hearings are focussed on the Budget estimates for the coming year, the Committee believes that it would have been more appropriate for the Minister who would be administering the relevant Budget to answer questions about it.

11.20 The Committee notes that the cost of ACTION to the ratepayer is clear in the Budget Papers. The integration of CMA and TAMS makes the cost of light rail less easy to discern and the Committee believes that it could be made clearer.

Recommendation 132

11.21 The Committee recommends that the Minister who is responsible for the allocation in the Budget be the Minister to appear before the Estimates Committee to answer questions on that allocation.

Recommendation 133

11.22 The Committee recommends that light rail receives its own budget output within the Transport Canberra Output.

AVAILABILITY PAYMENTS

11.23 The Committee inquired about the availability payments and their components of operational and maintenance, finance and capital. The Committee asked about the interest payments for each year and was informed by the Minister that interest rate information is considered ‘sensitive to the consortium because it could reveal the nature of their commercial arrangements with their financiers and others’.

COMMITTEE COMMENT

11.24 The Committee notes the Minister’s comments about commercial confidentiality but believes that it is important that the ACT Legislative Assembly is aware of the components of payments it is being asked to appropriate money for.

Recommendation 134

11.25 The Committee recommends that the ACT Government completes a detailed business case and staging analysis before committing to further stages of light rail.

11.26 The Committee did not hear evidence on the removal of trees from Northbourne Avenue but is aware that it remains an issue of community concern.

Recommendation 135

11.27 The Committee recommends that the ACT Government provide advice to the ACT Legislative Assembly on the removal of trees on Northbourne Avenue by the last sitting day in August 2016.

page 293

ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

11.28 Output 2.1 provides management of the Territory’s road and associated assets, stormwater infrastructure, community paths, bridges, traffic signals, streetlights and car parks. This output also includes the provision of asset information services, capital works and development approvals relating to the acceptance of new infrastructure assets.

MATTERS CONSIDERED

• impact of light rail on roads investment

Page 300

ACTION

11.59 ACTION delivers bus services throughout the city to ensure transport is accessible to all Canberrans. ACTION services are delivered in line with the ACT Government’s vision to provide a convenient, efficient, affordable, reliable and integrated public transport system for the community. Public transport services provided by ACTION include scheduled route bus services, school bus services, community and special needs transport and management of the ACT rural school bus contract.

MATTERS CONSIDERED

11.60 The Committee considered the following matters: 

• patronage targets;
• cost of operation by kilometre;
• subsidy per passenger boarding;
• trial of electric buses;
• fleet strategy;
• rebranding of, and advertising on, ACTION busses;
• city loop bus route;
• services to Weston Creek and Coombs;
• implementation of new timetable; and
• new ticketing system.

11.61 The Minister took a question on notice regarding the budgeted subsidy per ACTION bus passenger boarding in 2016-17. The Committee received an answer providing that each trip is subsided $6.07.

COMMITTEE COMMENT

11.62 While it received no evidence on the matter, the Committee believes that it would be worthwhile trialling services directly linking the town centres in the north and south of Canberra.

Recommendation 143

11.63 The Committee recommends that the ACT Government consider trialling a rapid bus service between Gungahlin and Tuggeranong via Belconnen Town Centre."

For more frequent updates on Capital Metro and light rail related news, please visit our Facebook page 'Light Rail for Canberra'.  

These are the light rail vehicles that will be used in Canberra

CAF is a consortium partner in the Canberra Metro consortium. They are a major manufacturer of light rail vehicles. The Urbos light rail vehicle is a proven design used in many cities around the world.

This light rail vehicle can carry 276 passengers. The average ACTION Bus carries only 80 passengers.

From the manufacturers website here:

"CAF will supply the new LRVs for the Canberra City. CAF is member of the Canberra Metro Consortium entrusted with the design, construction, maintenance and operation of the new light rail line for a term of 20 years. This line will be 12 kilometres long and have 13 stops to link the area of Gungahlin with the centre of the Australian capital.
Vehicles are made of 5 modules based on the Urbos platform. These are 100% low floor bidirectional vehicles providing easy access and moving inside the LRV for all users. The units are designed for the eventual retrofit of an on-board energy storage system which enables catenary-free running between stations.

This project adds to other LRV projects made by CAF for Sydney which are currently providing revenue service on the Inner West Light Rail line."

For more frequent updates on Capital Metro and light rail related news, please visit our Facebook page 'Light Rail for Canberra'.  

Light Rail to Belconnen? Canberra Liberals say 'Yes'

Belconnen to Airport light rail route preferred by MLA Alistair Coe in 2013

Would the Canberra Liberals support a light rail Stage Two that followed the route the Canberra Liberals suggested in 2013? 

People think it is an accident that Canberra's suburbs have wide wide roads with large median strips, not realising that these are deliberate forward looking design strategies, dating from Walter Burley Griffins original design ethos and taken up by the NCDC in the 1960's, to cater for new transport modes as future needs arose. They have arisen, and light rail is being constructed from Gungahlin to Cvic along one of these reserves.

The road infrastructure from Belconnen is very high quality, and not yet at capacity though it will be placed under increasing pressure as West Belconnen, Lawson, and the Belconnen Town Centre itself fill out, and will be much worse in 10-15 years when the northern parts of Molonglo are built, and the Ginninderra Field Site is converted to residential housing.

One of the busiest ACTION Bus routes is the 300 series from Tuggeranong - Civic - Belconnen. It is so busy that a busway was proposed in the early 2000's. Much of the work proposed for that, including a buslane along Belconnen Way/Barry Drive has been completed along with two new bus stations, a dedicated bus turnoff into ANU and increased rapid bus services, now running to Kippax.

There are limits to the capacity that buses can move however, with a bus carrying around 80 people, and light rail vehicles carrying 220 people.

Yesterday the Keeping Canberra Moving report was released and it identified four possible Stage Two routes for light rail. One of these routes was to Belconnen, all the way too Kippax in West Belconnen.

In late 2013, Liberal MLA Alistar Coe, Shadow Transport Minister, suggested that instead of Gungahlin to Civic, that the first stage of Capital Metro should be Belconnen to the Airport, via Civic.

In a Canberra Times article from 2013 MLA Alistair Coe offered the following views:

Opposition transport spokesman Alistair Coe has raised concerns about whether the government adequately considered other alternatives to the Civic/Gungahlin line.

Mr Coe said a line that ran from Belconnen to the University of Canberra, Calvary Hospital, the ANU, Civic, Constitution Avenue and the airport would be the busiest part of a light rail network.
"You look at what it does include … the four biggest educational campuses that we have, the city and Belconnen, the airport and Defence,'' he said.

"The opportunity cost of spending $600 million on a light rail project to Gungahlin is $600 million not spent on another light rail project, $600 million not spent on the hospital, or $600 million that's not returned to taxpayers,'' he said.

Sustainable Development Minister Simon Corbell said Mr Coe appeared to want a light rail line in his electorate of Ginninderra, which includes Belconnen.

Alistair Coe has also stated that there are absolutely no circumstances in which the Canberra Liberals would proceed with light rail. The question he needs to answer is this: Would the Canberra Liberals support a light rail Stage Two that followed the route the Canberra Liberals suggested in 2013? 

ACT Light Rail welcome cross party support for light rail in Canberra, and believe that it should extend to all parts of Canberra.

2016 Belconnen route from Transport Canberra 'Keeping Canberra Moving' report

2013 Belconnen route as recommended by MLA Alistair Coe

For more frequent updates on Capital Metro and light rail related news, please visit our Facebook page 'Light Rail for Canberra'.  

Ninety years of Canberra Buses celebrated at RATEC clubhouse

RATEC members and Minster Meegan Fitzharris in front of a vintage bus and new ACTION bus

Today Meegan Fitzharris, Minister for Transport Canberra and City Services, visited the Retired ACT Transport Employees Club house to celebrate 90 years of public transport in Canberra. In her short speech ahead of cake cutting, she remarked on the photo on the wall behind her of a horse and carriage carting children that was Canberras earliest public transport service, and observed how different the older and newer buses parked in front of the club house for the day were. Her warm comments about the efforts of the retired ACTION employees were received with grace and humour. 

Buses will always play a significant part in Canberras transport options. Even though light rail will roll out across Canberra over the coming decades taking over and expanding the mass transit role, buses will continue to circulate through Canberras suburbs taking us safely home. Today was a day for us to remember and thank the retired employees for their work over the past 90 years. 

Yes there was cake

Minister Fitzharris on front of a photo of horse and cart carrying children, Canberras earliest form of public transport

Retired ACTION driver Dick Redman gained his bus licence in this vehicle in 1950

Logo on the side of a 1950's Canberra bus

Minister for Transport Canberra and City Services, Meegan Fitzharris MLA released the following media release on 19 July 2016:

MEEGAN Fitzharris has joined Transport Canberra staff and members of the Retired ACT Transport Employees Club (RATEC) to celebrate 90 years of bus services in the ACT.

“Public transport in the ACT has come a long way in 90 years, and it is great to be able to celebrate this milestone at what is a really exciting time for public transport here in Canberra,” Meegan said.

“We recently launched our brand new transport agency, Transport Canberra, our new bus timetable launched yesterday, and construction on our light rail network has started, which I know will play a huge part in the next 90 years of public transport here in Canberra.

“Public transport has been an integral part of our city from its earlier days and it will continue to play an even more important role into the future with more than 500,000 people expected to call Canberra home in the next 15 years.

“In July 1926, the Federal Capital Commission started the first public operating bus service in Canberra, which was known as the Canberra City Omnibus Service.

“Parliament House opened the following year and a number of Commonwealth Government Departments began to move to Canberra. This led to an increase in people living in the ACT. To support this, the Omnibus Service grew the size and frequency.

“This service continued to grow and, by 1977, the Australian Capital Territory Internal Omnibus Network, known to most of us as ACTION, was formed.

“Looking back, a lot has changed. The city has grown from less than 10,000 people in the early days of the Canberra City Omnibus Service, to over 390,000 people today. Our buses now provide 3,306 weekday services, 1,186 services on Saturdays and 816 on Sundays. Technology has also improved with paper tickets replaced by the more efficient MyWay cards.

“These changes are certainly apparent in the difference between ‘Matilda’, the restored 1949 AEC Regal III Omnibus, and the Scania CB80, the newest of ACTION’s bus fleet, which is fully accessible, low emission and fitted with heating and cooling.

“Of course the next stage of our public transport journey will include light rail, and we will be working hard to ensure our buses integrate seamlessly with light rail when the first stage starts operating in early 2019.

“But what today is really all about is ensuring ACT residents continue to have access to quality public transport. This is one of the ACT Government’s highest priorities, and I’m proud to be able to celebrate this milestone today as we look forward to making our public transport system work even better for the people of Canberra.”


As part of the celebrations for the day, Minister Fitzharris visited the RATEC clubhouse and viewed a range of ACT public transport memorabilia, including old driver shift cards, photographs, timetable books and signage. The Minster donated a new Transport Canberra MyWay card to the collection.

Statement ends.

As well as this website, the facebook group 'Light Rail for Canberra' carries frequent updates on Capital Metro and light rail related news. 

Free City Loop bus service proving popular in 'Bus Wars'

The free City Loop bus trial is one of the initiatives to improve public transport services for all areas of Canberra. Other initiatives include a direct Weston Creek to Civic bus service, and the most significant infrastructure investment in Canberras history - Capital Metro Light Rail Stage One.

Significant work is being performed on the ACTION timetable and routes using the existing bus fleet, and the 30 new buses being delivered this year. A new timetable and route package is expected to be announced shortly.

A major benefit to bus services and bus users for all of Canberra will be realised when Capital Metro light rail begins service. One million bus kilometres a year will be released from the existing bus rapid route, that can be allocated all across Canberra.

After a week of the free City Loop bus trial operating, Minister Meegan Fitzharris released this media release on July 13 discussing early patronage figures.

Free City Loop popular – attracts over 1,200 boardings in first week Transport Canberra’s new free City Loop service has already built a fan base in its first week of operation, with more than 1,200 boardings in just five days. “I am pleased to announce that in its first week of operation, the free City Loop recorded 1,233 boardings. This is a great result for this brand new service, and shows people want to move around our city in new ways,” Minister Fitzharris said. “Passenger boardings were at their highest during the hours of 12 pm to 2 pm and 5 pm to 6 pm, which demonstrates people are moving around Civic more at lunchtime and in the evenings. “The free City Loop is a convenient ‘turn up and go’ weekday service for commuters and connects with high frequency Red and Blue Rapid services and buses to the Parliamentary Triangle. The service also supports local businesses and helps Canberrans travel around popular areas in the CBD for free, including Braddon, New Acton, the Canberra Centre and ANU. “Patronage is expected to increase further in the following weeks with the return of school and university students from their break.” Minister Fitzharris today welcomed the Canberra Liberals’ support for a City Loop bus service, but said only Labor was committed to keeping the service free. “The Canberra Liberals have today released their own city loop plan. It’s not free, it’s less frequent, it looks like a very long journey, and they project fewer people will actually use it than currently use our free City Loop. “You can’t trust the Canberra Liberals on public transport. They have never had a consistent public transport position, except to tear up a contract for a project that they say we will need in 20 years. “I’m interested in how we encourage more people to use public transport, rather than putting up barriers, which is what the Canberra Liberals plan does. “As people become more familiar with the free City Loop service, I think it will become even more popular, and we’ve already had great feedback on the City Loop from a range of people and stakeholders, including the ANU. With more than 5,000 students living next to one of the City Loop stops, it is likely to be a very popular way to move around the CBD. “The free City Loop service, launched on Monday 4 July 2016, links highly-frequented areas of the CBD such as the City Bus Station, Canberra Centre, Braddon precinct, Northbourne Avenue, the Australian National University and New Acton precinct. “The launch of the free City Loop coincided with the launch of the new Transport Canberra agency, which is responsible for integrating buses with the new light rail, developing a single ticketing system and new coordinated timetabling, active travel upgrades and transport innovation. “The City Loop is one of the ways the ACT Government is making public transport more frequent and easier to use. It’s all part of our plan to keep Canberra moving. “The ACT Government is continuing to build an integrated, city wide transport network with a $17 million investment in the 2016-17 ACT Budget for new transport services, including $10 million for 20 new buses and a trial of electric buses,” said Minister Fitzharris. More information about the free City Loop is available at www.transport.act.gov.au

Transport is one area the ACT Government has made a priority, and it is a policy area the Canberra Liberals have no real expertise or understanding of. Although the free City Loop bus service has only been operating for one week, the Canberra Liberals have hastily released proposal for a less useful bus loop called City Hopper, that competes with an existing private bus operator.

Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury obviously bemused at the catchup policies of the Canberra Liberals, released the following comment on Facebook on 13 July:

A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.... Actually it wasn’t that long ago and it was right here in Canberra. The Greens were the only party championing for better public transport in the face of criticism, and even mocking and condescension from the Canberra Liberals. It’s great to see the debate shift so far that we are now seeing a “bus wars” of one-upmanship as all parties recognise the importance of having a good public transport system across Canberra.

As well as this website, the facebook group 'Light Rail for Canberra' carries frequent updates on Capital Metro and light rail related news. 

Canberra Liberals City Hopper bus loop proposal threatens tourist bus company viability

The Canberra Liberals have looked at the new City Loop service and two weeks later come up with their own version. On the surface, the 'City Hopper' loop proposal is a good try, but it displays a lack of awareness in how people use public transport in mashing together a city loop and a tourist loop. It also ignores that a tourist bus loop service already exists.

Unlike the new City Loop trial, the Canberra Liberals copy also requires people to pay, instead of just getting on and off (City Loop is a free service).

There is no doubt we need a tourist loop bus service, and one exists - it's a privately run tourist bus called The Canberra Explorer that operates seven days a week and visits the attractions the City Hopper proposes to visit. The Canberra Times article doesn't mention that such a service already exists. At least when this website simply publishes a press release, we acknowledge it.

The existing City Explorer bus loop service visits many of Canberra's national attractions and embassies. Stops include the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Civic, Australian War Memorial, National Library of Australia, Questacon, National Portrait Gallery, National Gallery of Australia, High Court of Australia, Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Parliament House and the National Museum of Australia. That's pretty comprehensive.

By copying the ACTION City Loop and combining it with a tourist bus loop service, the actual usefulness of the City Hopper loop is degraded. It isn't terribly convenient for the intended audience of tourists or office workers/students. Both those seperate loops already exist, one a privately operated tourist service, and the other a trial by the Government called City Loop.

Most disturbing is the awful arrogance of destroying a private bus operators business without any discussion of compensation, or even mentioning that it exists at all. Based on the demonstrated history of a lack of awareness of public transport technology, policy and operations, ACT Light Rail can only assume the Canberra Liberals genuinely had no clue that a private operator already offered a service they claim doesn't exist.

Their public transport policy efforts to date do not inspire confidence.

As well as this website, the facebook group 'Light Rail for Canberra' carries frequent updates on Capital Metro and light rail related news. 

MyWay rebranding and a feasibility study for an integrated public transport ticket system

Minister Meegan Fitzharis holding a new Transport Canberra MyWay card

One of the most obvious symbols of the new transport approach at the launch of Transport Canberra, was the rebranding of the MyWay cards, with prominent Transport Canberra logos. This is part of a conscious effort to promote an integrated transport service ahead of the introduction of light rail in 2018. It is likely that the Capital Metro, Canberra Metro and ACTION brands may be subsumed into a new public transport brand ahead of the introduction of light rail in 2018. 

The Chief Minister has previously commented upon the need for a new ticketing system in Canberra, and that we may adopt the NSW system, and perhaps be integrated into it.

It has also been government policy since the Capital Metro project was announced, that there be one ticket across both light rail and buses. 

The MyWay card was adopted in 2011 replacing an ancient paper ticket system and a primitive magnetic stripe card system, that had started to experience frequent systemic failures and a resultant loss in revenue. The MyWay card ticketing system was an off the shelf technology and experienced a trouble free introduction in Canberra (paper tickets are still able to be purchased onboard buses, but using a MyWay card is cheaper). The MyWay technology has also been used to collect data on travelling patterns that has been used to plan network and timetable changes. 

Since the introduction of the MyWay card, contactless ticketing technology has improved dramatically, and it is likely that when light rail commences operation in 2018 that a new form of contactless public transport ticketing will be introduced.

The MyWay card still requires a traveller to swipe or tap on and off, that may not be the case with new technologies. They may detect your MyWay card when you are 'near' a reader on a light rail vehicle or bus.

New contactless card, RFID and other technologies allow devices such as a mobile phone to be used for these tasks. They also allow much greater collection of data that can be used for network improvements. The attraction of a card or even an RFID type contactless ticketing system has advantages for users as well, with online payments, balances available online and the ability to cancel a stolen card making them quite attractive, and a vastly superior alternative to having a pocketful of dollar coins on hand. 

The new ticketing system will be an incremental improvement to the MyWay card and it is a sound decision to investigate alternatives now. Making public transport easier for people to use is how we encourage people to use it routinely.

This press release was issued by Minister Meegan Fitzharris on 4 July 2016:

Planning for integrated public transport ticketing system underway - 4 July 2016

“Work is now underway to develop a ticketing feasibility study, which is due for completion later in 2016. The study will identify options to upgrade or replace the current MyWay system that is used for travel on ACTION buses.

“While the MyWay system is well established, it does need an upgrade. Technology is constantly evolving and we need to keep pace with customers’ expectations and use smart technology.  A key priority for the ACT Government is for Canberra to be an innovative, digital city and an integrated ticketing system is an important component of that.

“Exciting and innovative ticketing solutions are already emerging in the market, such as allowing passengers to pay for travel via contactless credit and debit cards, as well as mobile ticketing solutions that include journey planning over multiple transport modes. The feasibility study will explore these new technologies to identify the best outcome for Canberra’s integrated transport system.”

The start of the work coincides with the launch of the ACT’s new public transport agency Transport Canberra, which will make moving around Canberra easier and more convenient.

Minister Fitzharris said in addition to the completion of a ticketing feasibility study, funding in the Budget will be used to commence the delivery of options recommended in the study. 

“As part of the feasibility study, we will also consider installing new ‘add-value’ machines in major bus stations throughout Canberra, to provide better service to bus users and to plan for the integration with light rail ticketing.

“A great public transport system is vital to ensure Canberrans have a quick and reliable way of getting around our city. Completion of the ticketing feasibility study is another step toward the ACT Government’s commitment to deliver a transport system that has one ticket, one fare and one network,” said Minister Fitzharris.  

As well as this website, the facebook group 'Light Rail for Canberra' carries frequent updates on Capital Metro and light rail related news. 

Welcome to Transport Canberra - Light Rail, Buses and Active Travel

Transport Canberra branded MyWay card

Today the ACT Government launched the  Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate, a merging of the former TAMS and Capital Metro Agency. The launch was held at the ANU Bus Station by the Chief Minister Andrew Barr, Minister Meegan Fitzharris, and the new Transport Canberra and City Services Director General Emma Thomas. ANU Deputy Vice Chancellor Marnie Hughes-Warrington also spoke.

To introduce the new organisation, and the new Transport Canberra branding, a short tour on the new free City Loop bus service from the ANU Bus Station to the new Transport Canberra information office in Civic followed the official launch.

DG Emma Thomas, ACT Light Rail Chair Damien Haas, Minister Fitzharris, Minister Rattenbury

Transport Canberra is a bold statement of confidence in a new transport future for Canberra. The light rail project is a significant change in direction for Canberra, with light rail as the core of public transport, supported by more frequent integrated bus services, and active travel (walking and cycling).

A press release on the announcement informs us that:

"Transport Canberra’s mandate is to deliver a quality public transport system that is convenient, efficient, affordable and reliable. It will be responsible for integrating buses with the light rail network, ensuring a single ticketing system, a central contact for information and coordinated timetabling. It will reallocate more than a million bus kilometres freed up by the first stage of light rail across the bus network.

Today’s launch of Transport Canberra is the next step in making public transport in the ACT even better, and ensuring our beautiful city remains the most liveable in the world. Transport Canberra will focus on improving public transport will help us manage Canberra’s growth, reduce congestion and protect our liveability."

“We have created a new agency, but we are also backing it up with innovative ideas, policies and practical solutions to revolutionise our public transport and keep Canberra moving.

“By 2032 there will be almost 500,000 people living in Canberra, and if we don’t plan now and make positive changes to our transport system, congestion will cripple the lifestyles we all enjoy – we already know that without light rail, commuters from Gungahlin are looking at an hour-long trip to work in the morning. The time to think about solutions to those congestion problems is now and the answer is an integrated transport system for the people of Canberra.

With the merging of TAMS and Capital Metro, there are now two new websites. the old TAMS website has become Transport Canberra and City Services and contains links to previous TAMS services and functions, as well as links to the new transport functions.

Transport Canberra replaces the Capital Metro website, and contains information on Light Rail, Buses and Active Travel. The Capital Metro facebook page has also been rebranded as Transport Canberra Light Rail.

The new website also replaces the ACTION Buses website. All the timetable and route information formerly at the ACTION Buses website can be found at the Transport Canberra website.

With the prominent TC branding also comes some new logos that we will be seeing more of in future. A prominent L for light rail,  B for ACTION Buses and A for active travel.

One of the signs on the display at the Civic Transport Canberra information office

The free City Loop service and new Civic Transport Canberra Information Office are part of the effort to promote more use of public transport in Canberra. The Civic information office will be manned and be able to provide information on ACTION Bus routes and the light rail project. 

Transport Canberra pockets for MyWay cards that can be fixed to your smartphone

A joint press release from the Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Minister Meegan Fitzharris was released on 4 July 2016:

Transport Canberra brings a new vision for public transport to the ACT

The ACT’s new public transport agency Transport Canberra was officially launched today, making moving around Canberra easier and more convenient, providing more transport choices for Canberrans wherever they live and integrating buses and active travel options seamlessly with the light rail network.

To coincide with the launch, work has started on a new integrated transport ticketing system for buses and light rail across Canberra.

The work, which was allocated $3 million in the 2016-17 ACT Budget, will look at options to upgrade or replace the current MyWay system that is used for travel on ACTION buses and will be rolled out on light rail when it starts operating in late 2018/early 2019.

The Transport Canberra free City Loop service also started today, changing the way people move around the Canberra CBD and making public transport more frequent and easier to use, with a strong focus on customers.

Transport Canberra’s mandate is to deliver a quality public transport system that is convenient, efficient, affordable and reliable. It will be responsible for integrating buses with the light rail network, ensuring a single ticketing system, a central contact for information and coordinated timetabling. It will reallocate more than a million bus kilometres freed up by the first stage of light rail across the bus network.

Today’s launch of Transport Canberra is the next step in making public transport in the ACT even better, and ensuring our beautiful city remains the most liveable in the world. Transport Canberra will focus on improving public transport will help us manage Canberra’s growth, reduce congestion and protect our liveability.

The ACT Government is committed to providing a better experience for its customers and Transport Canberra will focus on making public transport a more attractive option for everyone, a genuine alternative to driving.

Minister for Transport and City Services Meegan Fitzharris said:

“The launch of Transport Canberra today is the most exciting change to public transport in Canberra’s history,” Minister Fitzharris said.

“We have created a new agency, but we are also backing it up with innovative ideas, policies and practical solutions to revolutionise our public transport and keep Canberra moving.

“By 2032 there will be almost 500,000 people living in Canberra, and if we don’t plan now and make positive changes to our transport system, congestion will cripple the lifestyles we all enjoy – we already know that without light rail, commuters from Gungahlin are looking at an hour-long trip to work in the morning. The time to think about solutions to those congestion problems is now and the answer is an integrated transport system for the people of Canberra.

“Our comprehensive survey of the ACT community has told us that Canberrans want public transport to be easy to use, to be there when they need it and to get people where they need to go on time.

“Transport Canberra will implement a range of public transport improvements over coming weeks, months and years, including improvements to ACTION to deliver a better bus service, a single ticketing system to ensure seamless travel between different modes, and a commitment to convenient travel in our city for everyone – no matter where you live.”

As well as this website, the facebook group 'Light Rail for Canberra' carries frequent updates on Capital Metro and light rail related news. 

Free City Loop bus service launched in Canberra

Dennis Dart midi-bus with bold Transport Canberra branding for dedicated City Loop services

Transport Canberra today launched the new free City Loop service with seven midi buses operating on a circular route around the Civic area. It will run from 7am – 7pm, Monday to Friday with buses around every ten minutes. It is free and does not require a ticket.

It is similar to the highly successful Centenary Loop service that operated several years ago, although this route is focussed on serving the Civic area,  such as the Canberra Centre, the Braddon precinct, Northbourne Avenue, the Australian National University and New Acton precinct, more than the Canberra tourist attractions.

This free loop service also travels to the City Bus Station where you can transfer to other ACTION bus services taking you where you need to go. It stops at:

• City Bus Station
• Canberra Theatre 
• City Walk
• Braddon South 
• Braddon North 
• Northbourne Ave 
• ANU Bus Station 
• Marcus Clarke St 
• NewActon 
• London Circuit
• City Bus Station 

The free City Loop service is  also known as route 101, more information can be found here.



As well as this website, the facebook group 'Light Rail for Canberra' carries frequent updates on Capital Metro and light rail related news. 

Weston Creek direct bus service and free City Loop bus services announced

Public transport will be a key Assembly election subject and the ACT Government are getting in early by announcing a range of measures to improve bus services for all parts of Canberra. This is in addition to the Capital Metro Stage One light rail (that has already commenced construction) that will when it begins operation in 2019, free up one million bus kilometres that can be used to improve bus services in other parts of Canberra.

Today the Chief Minister Andrew Barr and the Minister for Transport and Municipal Services Meegan Fitzharris announced the following transport improvements for Canberra's bus network:

•  a free City Loop bus service for commuters travelling in Canberra’s CBD;
• $10 million over two years for 20 new buses as part of the ongoing fleet replacement program;
• $3.5 million over four years for improvements to public transport services in Weston Creek and the Molonglo region. 
• A new all-day direct service called the Weston Line providing improved connectivity between Woden, Cooleman Court in Weston and the City.  
• increased bus coverage and frequency in Wright
• Route 83 and Xpresso 783 services will be extended to include Coombs. 
• $1.5 million for the design and construction of a new Park and Ride facility in Wanniassa;
• $300,000 for improvements to the Woden bus interchange to provide a better bus station for the Woden town centre;
• $900,000 for a 12-month trial of up to three electric buses on regular on- and off-peak route services; and
• $775,000 for the design of a new bus depot in Woden to cater for growth in the bus fleet and meet the future needs of bus transport in the ACT.  

These are significant improvements to the public transport network and build upon upgrades in services and fleet modernisation that have been underway for some time. These improvements to a bus service that has been experiencing a  decline in patronage are important.

It is widely expected that when Capital Metro commences services that bus patronage will also rise. This has been the experience in other places where light rail has been introduced (on the Gold Coast bus services saw a 22% rise in patronage after light rail started operations). Our bus fleet must not only be able to cope with an increase in patronage, but offer a compellingly pleasant alternative for people to continue to chose public transport as their primary mode of travel to and from work.

A bus only public transport network, as the Canberra Liberals would prefer, is not the best way for Canberra to progress as we are simply to large and are continuing to grow, but it is important that we make our buses operate as efficiently and attractively as possible. Buses will always be a vital part of an integrated transport network that has light rail as its primary mass transit backbone, more frequent local bus services, a strong active travel (cycling and walking) focus and ample Park and Ride facilities.

free City Loop bus service route

Weston Line and Molonglo services

WIN TV Canberra covered the announcement here

ABC TV Canberra covered the announcement here

The Canberra Times reported on the announcement here and followed up in its next edition with this editorial praising the move.

ABC Online covered the announcement here.

Full media release below.