A new and bigger bus network is to be introduced across the ACT in April next year, offering passengers free travel for its first month.
Minister for Transport, Meegan Fitzharris said the network would be introduced in time for the start of schools’ term two.
“This date gives the community, especially school students and their families, certainty around when the new bus network will begin,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“The new network will begin on Saturday 27 April, with school services starting when term two begins on Monday 29 April. Timetables will be released in early March.”
She said the timetable for all dedicated school bus services would ensure all these services arrived in time for the beginning of the school day, consistent with the longstanding policy.
“Transport Canberra will provide a month of free travel for every journey on the new network when a passenger uses a MyWay card,” Ms Fitzharris said.
She said the start date would enable schools to prepare for the new network during term one rather than in the busy end of year period.
The current bus network would continue in term one next year.
“We have already released the updated network, following extensive consultation, to give the community a chance to become familiar with the new bus routes,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“By starting the new network before the start of term two we can give passengers, especially parents and school students, certainty to plan their journeys for both the beginning of the 2019 school year and for term two onwards.”
She said the starting date would also assist with the introduction of light rail.
“Given the complexity of this kind of major infrastructure project and the need for third party accreditations that are beyond the Government’s and the Canberra Metro consortium’s control, we have decided to start the new bus network in term two to minimise disruption to commuters as much as possible,” the Minister said.
“We expect light rail to be operational in early 2019, but the exact date is yet to be confirmed.”
