THE Opposition is slamming the ACT government for “failing” to deliver an updated public transport ticketing system, first promised five years ago.

Shadow transport minister Mark Parton has today (July 5) attacked the government, claiming that they have “broken yet another promise to Canberra residents.”

“The government started talking about this new ticketing system during the 2016 election and set funding aside in the 2017 budget, promising to replace the ‘outdated’ MyWay system,” Mr Parton said.

In the 2016-2017 ACT Budget, $3 million was dedicated to “progress the introduction of a new integrated ticketing system for buses and light rail,” by Transport Minister at the time, Meegan Fitzharris.

She said: “while the MyWay system is well established, it does need an upgrade. Technology is constantly evolving and we need to keep pace with customers’ expectations and use smart technology.  A key priority for the ACT government is for Canberra to be an innovative, digital city and an integrated ticketing system is an important component of that.”

Mr Parton said current Transport Minister, Chris Steel, then promised the procurement process would be finished in the middle of 2020.

However, in January 2021, the government announced the planned upgrades to the public transport ticketing system in Canberra had been delayed to 2023, after negotiations between the government and the preferred contractor fell through.

Despite this delay, the shadow transport minister claims Chris Steel said “with confidence” in October last year, that the government would have procured a system by the end of this financial year.

“He gave me the exact same answer when I asked in March this year. Well, the financial year is over and once again, it is nowhere to be seen,” said Mr Parton.

“This project has been delayed and fallen through so many times that I wonder if the Minister is even serious about delivering this project for Canberrans.”

Mr Parton says Canberrans are crying out for a new public transport ticketing system, now five years on since it was first promised by this government.

“We know the Labor-Greens government can’t manage money, can’t deliver services, and can’t keep promises. This is just another example of the government and Transport Minister letting Canberrans down.”