Canberra is better connected with a new public transport network starting today with a month of free travel when using a MyWay card.
The new network offers 10 rapid routes, including light rail, new local routes and more buses servicing schools across the ACT. The timetable was published last month following the release of the new network last year to give commuters plenty of time to prepare for the change.
"The new public transport network is here with more buses, more frequent services, light rail and more customer service assistants helping people get where they need to go," said Minister Fitzharris.
"A new journey planner has been developed to make it even easier for people to plan their trip on public transport.
"We know this will be a big change for many people, but we hope Canberrans will make the most of the month of free travel that starts today to give the network a try."
Additional transport officers, customer service assistants and Transport Canberra representatives will be out this morning at major bus interchanges to help customers with the changes and provide timetable information.
Community consultation undertaken in mid-2018 identified people wanted more direct routes, more frequent and reliable services and increased services during on and off-peak times.
There will be services at least every 15 minutes along rapid transport routes from 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday, continuing into the evening with less frequency. Weekend and public holiday service times will also be extended to 10pm.
Safety across the network has been given a boost with CCTV cameras on every bus and at all major interchanges, school crossing supervisors at 25 school crossings, improvements to infrastructure around schools and additional customer service assistants at interchanges.
"This is a new era for public transport in Canberra. Our city is growing and that's why we are investing in a better public transport network to keep Canberra connected," said Minister Fitzharris.
