Released 01/04/2026 - Joint media release
The ACT Government will introduce cost of living support through a reduction in monthly fare caps on public transport in response to the ongoing impacts of the global fuel shock.
From Wednesday 8th April until 30 June 2026, the maximum monthly cap for the number of paid trips on public transport will be halved. The cap for tertiary students will be reduced even further to align with school students.
All travel on bus and light rail services is free for the rest of the month once the cap is reached. The temporary reduction in the monthly cap delivers targeted relief to travel costs and will expand the free travel benefits to more users of public transport, including new users who are choosing public transport to avoid rising fuel costs.
The monthly cap reassures that the cost of travel will be contained to a monthly maximum, regardless of how often or when they use public transport, which in turn supports monthly household budgeting.
- For MyWay+ adult fare (or non-concession) passengers, the monthly cap will reduce from 40 to 20 paid trips. This means the maximum total cost of public transport fares will be $68.20 a month, and less again if travelling outside peak periods.
- For MyWay+ students fares, the monthly cap will be reduced from 30 to 15 paid trips. For students who catch the bus or light rail to get to and from school, the maximum monthly cost of fares will be equivalent to less than $5 a week.
- For MyWay+ tertiary student fares (full-time university or TAFE), the monthly cap will be reduced from 40 to 15 paid trips. This will provide earlier access to free travel benefits and will bring the maximum cost of public transport for the month down to $25.65.
- Passengers who are eligible for other MyWay+ concession fares will have the monthly cap reduced from 40 to 20 paid trips. Passengers may also be eligible for additional benefits such as all-day free travel or free travel during off-peak periods, with further information available on the Transport Canberra website.
The ACT’s fuel supply remains secure, and the halving of the Commonwealth fuel excise has come into effect today, resulting in fuel prices falling across the nation.
The Government will continue to assess the situation each week, and if conditions worsen because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, further decisions will be announced.
The Council of the Australian Federation (CAF) will meet tomorrow to finalise the allocation of $400m in cost-of-living relief.
The Government expects the impacts of the global fuel shock will be felt well into the future. We are therefore taking a measured and sensible approach – seeking to boost fuel supply, managing demand, continuing efforts to electrify the transport sector, and supporting households, community organisations and businesses right now through lower fuel prices and public transport initiatives.
Attributable to ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr:
“While local fuel supply remains secure, today’s announcement reducing monthly fare caps on public transport is about managing demand sensibly while supporting public transport users.
“Beyond this public transport monthly cap reduction, we are working with the Commonwealth and our other state and territory partners to increase fuel supply and reduce prices.
“With fuel prices higher than usual, Canberrans are choosing to reduce car use where it makes sense for them. Now is the time to look out for each other. Using public or active transport, combining trips, car sharing, or driving more efficiently also helps save money.
“During the school holidays, Canberrans may also find it helpful to use existing flexible work arrangements where roles allow. This short-term flexibility can help families manage care arrangements and ease fuel costs over the holiday period.
“There are also many free, family friendly activities available across Canberra during the holidays.
“Just as importantly, Canberra’s cafés, shops and local businesses are open and thriving and your patronage makes a real difference. We encourage people to keep using local businesses and to spend holiday time enjoying local shops, town and group centres and Civic.”
Attributable to Treasurer and Minister for Transport Chris Steel:
“With rising fuel prices putting more pressure on Canberra households, the ACT Government is taking action to deliver sensible cost of living relief by halving the public transport fare cap.
“This is about delivering real relief for commuters and families while encouraging the kind of behaviour change that will help us through this ongoing global fuel shock. The more you ride public transport, the more you'll save on fuel and public transport.
“Reducing the number of paid journeys under the monthly fare caps means Canberrans who commute to work every day using buses or light rail could save up to $68 a month in fares.
“For students who use public transport every day to get to school, university, TAFE this means they will receive free travel after just 15 trips per month."
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases