Canberra's public transport system has been thrown into disarray as the highly anticipated MyWay card rollout encounters significant technical difficulties, leaving frustrated commuters grappling with delays and system failures.
Minister Steel Stands By Problem-Plagued Launch
ACT Transport Minister Chris Steel has come out defending the controversial implementation of the new ticketing system, despite widespread reports of malfunctioning card readers, website crashes, and lengthy processing delays affecting thousands of daily commuters.
"We're working through the typical challenges that come with any major technological upgrade," Minister Steel stated during a press conference. "While there have been some initial hurdles, we're confident these are temporary issues that will be resolved swiftly."
Commuters Voice Growing Frustrations
Across the territory, bus passengers have reported numerous problems including:
- Card readers failing to recognise valid MyWay cards
- Online top-up services experiencing extended delays
- Mobile app functionality issues preventing digital ticket purchases
- Lengthy queues at service centres as customers seek assistance
One regular commuter from Belconnen expressed their frustration: "I've been trying to top up my card for three days now. The website keeps crashing, and when I finally got through, the payment didn't process properly. Meanwhile, I'm paying cash fares that are significantly more expensive."
Technical Glitches or Systemic Failure?
The opposition has seized upon the problematic rollout, questioning whether adequate testing was conducted before the system's launch. Shadow Transport Minister Mark Parton described the situation as "another expensive IT bungle costing Canberra taxpayers millions."
Transport Canberra officials have acknowledged the technical challenges but maintain that the core infrastructure is sound. "We're seeing normal teething problems for a system of this scale," a spokesperson commented. "Our technical teams are working around the clock to address these issues."
What's Next for Canberra Commuters?
While the government promises rapid improvements, commuters are advised to:
- Allow extra time for journeys during the transition period
- Carry backup payment methods for bus fares
- Monitor official Transport Canberra channels for updates
- Report technical issues through official support channels
The successful implementation of the MyWay system is crucial for Canberra's public transport network, which serves approximately 50,000 daily passenger trips across the territory.
