Media Release (excerpt): Meegan Fitzharris MLA, 17 April 2019
Canberra’s light rail is due to start taking passengers this Saturday and Transport Canberra is looking forward to welcoming Canberrans aboard this world class addition to our public transport network.
After this weekend’s launch, light rail will run in parallel to the current network for a week before the new public transport network kicks off with a month of free travel for anyone with a MyWay card from Monday 29 April.
“This is the biggest change to public transport since our city was founded. It will make Canberra better connected and we want Canberrans to try it out, so we’re offering a month’s free travel across buses and light rail from Monday 29 April,” Minister for Transport Meegan Fitzharris said.
“Under the new network, light rail will integrate seamlessly with buses – one ticket, one fare, one network. The only difference is unlike buses you’ll need to tap your MyWay card against the readers on the platform before you board and after you get off light rail, rather than tapping on board.”
Across the transport network, changes will be supported by customer service staff at interchanges and along the light rail route. The new vehicles themselves are modern, clean and quiet, which means a comfortable journey for all.
“You can plan your trip across the network with the new journey planner, or if you’re using light rail without a bus transfer, just turn up and go. Light rail will come every few minutes during peak times. At other times of the day you’ll never wait more than 15 minutes for a ride.
“There’s easy access for prams and wheelchairs and after launch day you’ll be able to bring your bike with you on light rail.”
Minister Fitzharris said additional light rail features will be phased in over the coming weeks. This means the finishing touches to landscaping and road surfaces will continue, final permanent balustrades will be installed at intersections and any other minor issues that need work will be fixed by Canberra Metro at no cost to the Territory.
“The passenger experience will keep getting better as drivers get used to taking passengers and journey times and frequency continue to improve,” said Minister Fitzharris.
This page was last updated on 13 August 2022
