MYWAY users are reminded the tag-off transition period will finish on December 31.

Since the smartcard ticketing system was introduced in March, passengers have not been charged the default fee for failing to tag off. So far, an average 72,000 trips were recorded on weekdays with about 2 per cent of people detected not tagged off.

“By tagging off, passengers ensure they pay the cheapest available fare and also provide valuable data to help ACTION plan future bus networks,” Chief Minister and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Katy Gallagher said.

“The transition period was extended to the end of the year after originally being scheduled to finish on June 30, 2011. This has allowed extra time for people to become familiar with the tagging on and tagging off process.”

Reminders will be displayed on board buses, online, in Canberra Connect Shopfronts, MyWay Centres and recharge agents.

Messages are also being circulated through schools as the majority of people not tagging off appear to be students.

“The new MyWay ticketing system, with its autoload ‘set and forget’ features, is making bus travel easier and cheaper for the majority of Canberrans,” he said.

“I thank the vast majority of people for embracing the system by getting into the habit of tagging on and off the bus when travelling which is providing invaluable planning data.”

More information at www.transport.act.gov.au or call 13 17 10.