The technology supporting ACTION’s new $8 million Smartcard ticketing system is being rolled-out on buses ahead of a trial of the system in late August, Chief Minister and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Jon Stanhope, announced today.
Mr Stanhope said the Smartcard would be available later this year and allow Canberrans to travel on buses without cash.
“Canberrans can look forward to a new ticketing system that is fast, easy and flexible,” Mr Stanhope said. “It will offer bus users a reusable and rechargeable card for travel on all ACTION buses, helping to cut queues and travel times across the network.
“The Government is on track to deliver the start-of-the-art ticketing system by the end of this year.”
Mr Stanhope said the Smartcard uses a microchip that is picked up by a reader without taking it out of a wallet or purse.
“The Smartcard can be preloaded with money over the internet, phone or at card facilities across the ACT, eliminating the hassle of carrying coins and purchasing individual tickets on a bus.
“A one-use ticket will continue to be available for casual users and tourists.
“Users will be required to tag-on and tag-off their bus, which will significantly improve our capacity to monitor passenger trends and make adjustments to our services.
“The smartcard system is an important part of the ACT Government’s investment in developing a more efficient and user-friendly bus network.”
Mr Stanhope said the new ticketing system would retain the current flat fares structure. “The automated fare system will ensure passengers pay the lowest available fare each time they use an ACTION bus.”
This page was last updated on 28 April 2010
