Despite the implementation of a new ticketing system and the deployment of specialized enforcement personnel almost two years ago, Canberra's public transport network has yet to issue a single penalty for fare evasion. This has raised questions about the effectiveness of current policies, especially as the government prioritizes passenger education over punitive measures, leading to substantial estimated revenue losses.
The ACT government has explicitly stated that no fines have been levied against individuals traveling without valid tickets since the MyWay+ system commenced operation. This approach is underpinned by a strategy to inform the public about their responsibilities, aiming for voluntary adherence rather than immediate enforcement through fines. A government spokesperson emphasized that the initial phase of their fare compliance initiative is centered on increasing 'customer awareness, engagement, and voluntary compliance.'
The decision to hold back on penalties comes despite the establishment of a 'dedicated team of transport enforcement officers' last year. These officers are equipped with technology to verify ticket payments on both trams and buses. However, the system's operational design, particularly on trams, presents challenges. For instance, inspectors often need to verify tickets quickly between stations to prevent non-paying passengers from disembarking before they can be caught. This process can be further complicated by passengers fumbling with their mobile devices, consuming valuable time.
Adding to the complexity, the ACT government has not conducted any assessment to quantify the financial impact of fare evasion on public funds. A spokesperson confirmed that they are 'unable to provide data on the number of fare evaders detected since the introduction of the new laws or quantify any associated revenue impacts.' This lack of data makes it difficult to fully understand the economic implications of the current policy.
Prior to the MyWay+ system's launch in 2024, an assessment conducted during the previous ticketing regime indicated a weekday fare evasion rate of 4.3 percent, with this figure rising to one in eight passengers during late evening hours. These statistics suggest an annual revenue shortfall of approximately $700,000 to $1 million for the public purse. The MyWay+ system itself, a $64 million investment, faced immediate performance issues upon its November 27, 2024, debut. Initially, new ticket machines on buses displayed 'temporarily out of order' messages, and although this specific problem was resolved, other issues persisted.
The rollout of the MyWay+ system has been met with significant criticism. A scathing report from an all-party committee of MLAs to the ACT Legislative Assembly in October last year highlighted numerous failures. The report described the launch as 'poorly executed,' 'too large and complex,' and indicative of 'poor project management' and 'questionable judgment.' Transport Minister Chris Steel eventually offered an apology, following that of Chief Minister Andrew Barr, admitting that a delayed launch 'might have provided opportunities to address some of the issues.'
The ongoing commitment to an 'education and awareness' strategy, despite these challenges and the lack of financial accountability, continues to leave Canberra's public transport system vulnerable to significant revenue losses and public dissatisfaction. The government's hesitation to enforce penalties, coupled with the initial botched implementation of MyWay+, underscores a broader failure to ensure efficient and fair operation of its transit services, raising questions about when, or if, a firm stance on fare evasion will ever be adopted.