Transport Canberra will be working with the community to ensure passengers are getting the best value out of their bus fares and that those entitled to concession or free travel hold the correct concessional entitlement.
“As part of our ongoing education and enforcement program, Transport Officers will be travelling on buses, talking to people and providing information to make sure passengers are aware of their MyWay options and concession entitlements, and getting the best value when they travel,” said Ian McGlinn, Director Public Transport Operations.
“Proof of concession must be carried at all times and shown on request to either the driver or a Transport Officer.
“We also want to remind people that eligible senior and concession card holders now get free bus travel during off peak periods which started Saturday 14 January 2017 as part of a 12 month trial.
“Travel is free on weekdays between 9 am and 4.30 pm, after 6 pm and all day Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays for eligible seniors and concession card holders. To be eligible for the free travel, passengers will be required to use their MyWay card and tap on and off the bus as usual. Passengers will need to ensure that their MyWay cards are in positive balance.”
Transport Officers will also be taking the opportunity to check MyWay cards and cash bus tickets to ensure people are paying the correct bus fare.
“From Monday 30 January 2017, if you have not paid the correct fare, you may be issued a warning notice or fined. Penalties range from $159 for travelling without a current ticket to $207 for providing misleading information of entitlement to bus ticket concession.
“We know that the majority of people do the right thing but we also know that there are people out there that aren’t.
“Loss of revenue as a result of fare evasion means we have less to invest back into your public transport system. When passengers pay the correct fare our patronage data is more accurate, in turn enabling transport planners to plan a more efficient and reliable public transport network.
“Passengers are reminded that significant savings can be made when traveling with a MyWay card. Discounts apply for card holders as well as monthly and daily fare caps. Adults travelling during peak times receive a discount of 36% when using MyWay compared to paying for a single cash fare. Further discounts are also available when passengers choose to top up their MyWay card using autoload or B-Pay,” Mr McGlinn said.
For more information, including MyWay fares and concession entitlements visit www.transport.act.gov.au or call the Transport Canberra Information Line on 13 17 10.
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