The ACT Government has decided to hold off on implementing fines for fare evasion on public transport, opting instead to review the enforcement process and focus on educating passengers. The decision comes amid concerns about the effectiveness and fairness of the current ticketing system.
Review of Enforcement Methods
Transport Minister Chris Steel announced that the government would conduct a comprehensive review of how fare evasion is currently handled. This includes examining the role of transport officers and the use of penalty notices. The review aims to ensure that enforcement is consistent, fair, and effective.
"We want to make sure that our approach to fare evasion is proportionate and that we are not penalising people unnecessarily," Mr Steel said. "This review will help us understand the best way to encourage compliance while maintaining the integrity of the public transport system."
Focus on Education
In the meantime, the government will ramp up education campaigns to inform passengers about how to properly tap on and off using MyWay cards. Many instances of apparent fare evasion are due to user error rather than intentional avoidance.
"We know that a significant number of fare evasion incidents are actually mistakes by passengers who may not be familiar with the system," Mr Steel added. "Our priority is to help people use public transport correctly, not to punish them."
Community Reaction
The decision has been welcomed by commuter advocacy groups, who have long argued that fines are too harsh and disproportionately affect low-income passengers. The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) praised the move, calling it a step towards a more equitable transport system.
"Fining people for fare evasion can have severe financial consequences, especially for those already struggling," said ACTCOSS CEO Dr Emma Campbell. "We support the government's focus on education and review of enforcement."
However, some have raised concerns that deferring fines could lead to increased fare evasion and revenue loss. The government maintains that the review will ultimately strengthen the system.
Next Steps
The review is expected to be completed by mid-2025, with recommendations to be implemented thereafter. During this period, transport officers will continue to issue warnings and educational materials rather than fines.
The government also plans to explore technological solutions, such as improved MyWay card readers and better signage, to reduce accidental non-compliance. "Our goal is to make public transport accessible and efficient for everyone," Mr Steel concluded.
