Transport Canberra’s highest priority is the safety of our customers and our workforce.
Increased cleaning is being carried out each day across the network. Hard surfaces across bus interchanges and light rail stops are cleaned daily and buses and light rail vehicles twice daily – this includes all internal surfaces such as MyWay readers, poles, stop buttons and seats.
To help keep everyone safe when travelling on public transport please consider the following.
Travel at quieter times
Use of public transport in off peak periods where possible is encouraged to help avoid crowding. This helps with physical distancing onboard vehicles and at stops and stations. It’s also cheaper.
Check our online capacity tool for guidance on the quietest times to travel on our busiest services – Rapids 2-10 and light rail, during the week.
The updated network introduced earlier this year provides more services off peak to help you spread out. You can use the journey planner to plan your trip before you leave.
No cash on buses
Cash is not being accepted on buses. Please use MyWay or pre-purchase tickets from ticket vending machines located at all light rail stops and most bus interchanges.
MyWay is the cheapest way to travel
- Purchase or top up your card
- Register your card (protects your balance if lost or stolen and helps provide you with your travel history if needed)
- Tap on and off using the MyWay card reader on board buses and at light rail stops
- Off-peak travel is even cheaper
Find out more about MyWay.
Use of rear doors
To keep our drivers stay safe please enter and exit the bus via the rear doors at all stops unless you require the front doors for low floor access – just signal the driver if you need to use the front doors.
Drivers will only not open the rear doors if there are safety concerns at particular locations, or access is required for a pram, wheelchair, or less abled person.
Spread out on board and at stops and stations
Help us with physical distancing on and around the network.
- Where possible please maintain a 1.5 metre distance from others at stops and stations.
- Spread out on board and leave at least one seat between you and other passengers when you can.
Practise good hygiene
Practise good hygiene when travelling on public transport and please DO NOT use public transport if you are feeling unwell. This means:
- washing your hands regularly for 20 to 30 seconds
- avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or coughing into your elbow
- hand sanitiser is a convenient choice and can help you avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others
- hand sanitiser does not replace washing your hands after using the bathroom.
For more on protecting yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19, see protecting yourself.
Temporary closure of bus front seat
The front seat of the bus remains temporarily closed, providing more space between our drivers and customers.
Light rail vehicle doors opening automatically
As a temporary measure, light rail vehicle doors are automatically opening at all stops to remove the need for passengers to press the ‘open door’ button.
Combine public transport use and exercise
Walking, running or riding to work or school can help reduce pressure on our public transport and road networks. Consider this as part of your daily commute – part way or all the way if you can! Find out more about active travel to work.
Use the COVIDSafe App
The COVIDSafe App uses mobile phone technology to automate some aspects of the contact tracing that state and territory health officials are already doing manually. To download the app, please visit the Australian Department of Health’s website.
School travel
If your child is using public transport to get to and from school, please make sure they are aware of the changes in place to help keep them safe. If driving your child to school you might consider using part way points to reduce congestion and increase safety around schools. Read more about taking public transport to school.
For more details on how the ACT Government is responding to COVID-19 please visit the ACT Government's COVID-19 website.
