One thing I've noticed recently (especially since the new timetable started) that TC seem to be really cracking down on fare evading and ramping up the amount of transit enforcement officers. While personally I'm yet to see any fines handed out, there were a lot of transit enforcement officers when I was at Westfield Belconnen on Monday. I overheard a conversation of people saying that they are really starting to hit down on fare evading and threatening fines. Is this just a random "scare" tactic or are they actually (finally) starting to properly enforce and crack down on fares everywhere?
EDIT: Ok, I've found a Canberra Times article (https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/9168195/act-cracks-down-on-fare-evasion-in-public-transport/) about this crackdown, but it's paywalled. Any additional information about this situation would be greatly appreciated.
Try this link
https://www.archivebuttons.com/articles?article=https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/9168195/act-cracks-down-on-fare-evasion-in-public-transport/
Not a lot in the article. More about the 180 services cut, 30 new buses coming soon, 4th bus depot planning & the promised Lanyon, Molonglo, Ginninderry Rapids before October 2028.
As mentioned in the "What PT" thread I got my ticket checked for the first time ever in Canberra on Thursday, and I have seen many anti-fare evasion ads on buses as well as transit enforcement officers at most major interchanges, so yes, it seems like they are doing something about fare evasion finally. I'd assume that fare checks weren't possible on the old MyWay system (please prove me wrong if that's incorrect) and now that MyWay+ is working much more consistently they are now able to accurately check tickets. Still yet to see a fine handed out though, although I did witness somewhat of a warning given to a passenger whose card wasn't working on Thursday.
The LRV guys had something for the old system, got mine checked a couple of times with that, but nothing since the new system.
My old my-way card also was checked quite often on light rail services. I don't think there was any technical reason for routinely not doing it on buses.
I have also noticed the light rail staff are often watching to see that the validator is used.
Whilst the last time I actually saw someone checking tickets on ACTION Buses was during the old Wayfarer days. I don't think I ever saw them issue tickets. Pasengers would directed to scan their ticket through the machine or buy a ticket or occasionally kicked off. That's if they hadn't already snuck out the back doors & legged it.
If I recall, back in the ACTION Authority days, ticket inspectors were also either also trainers or involved in the bus network/timetabling. So there'd be weeks or months of no inspectors.