Canberra's much-anticipated public transport upgrade has turned into a commuter's nightmare as the new MyWay card system experienced widespread failures during its controversial launch. The digital payment system, designed to modernise the ACT's bus network, left passengers stranded and frustrated across the territory.
System-Wide Failures Hit Morning Commute
The problems began during the crucial morning rush hour, with numerous reports of card readers failing to recognise the new MyWay cards. Commuters attempting to tap on found themselves facing non-functional equipment, creating chaos at bus stops and significant delays to services throughout the city.
"I stood there tapping my card repeatedly while the driver just shrugged and told me to take a seat," shared Braddon resident Sarah Chen. "There were at least ten other people having the same problem on my bus alone. It's incredibly frustrating when you're trying to get to work on time."
Transport Canberra's Response
Transport Canberra officials acknowledged the technical issues but offered little immediate solution for affected commuters. The department confirmed that multiple buses experienced problems with the new card readers, though they stopped short of providing specific numbers or a timeline for resolution.
"We are aware of some issues with the MyWay card system and are working to resolve them as quickly as possible," a spokesperson stated. "We appreciate passengers' patience during this transition period."
Commuters Voice Their Frustrations
The botched launch has sparked outrage among regular public transport users, many of whom rely on the bus system for their daily commute. Social media platforms flooded with complaints and images of malfunctioning equipment, while some passengers reported being late for work due to the extended boarding times.
Key complaints from commuters included:
- Multiple failed attempts to tap on despite having valid cards
- Inconsistent performance across different buses and routes
- Lack of clear communication from drivers and transport authorities
- Concerns about being charged incorrectly or multiple times
What's Next for MyWay?
The troubled rollout raises serious questions about the territory's preparedness for the system upgrade. With many Canberrans already skeptical about public transport reliability, this technical failure threatens to further erode confidence in the network.
Transport authorities face mounting pressure to quickly address the technical glitches and restore commuter trust. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the MyWay system can recover from its disastrous debut and deliver the seamless travel experience it promised.
For now, Canberra commuters are advised to allow extra travel time and consider carrying backup payment options until the system stabilises.
