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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
Lucy Bladen

Labor promises free public transport, but just for one day of the week

Public transport would be free on Fridays with ACT Labor promising a 12-month trial if re-elected in next month's election.

Both buses and light rail would be free and the trial would start once the government's new MyWay+ ticketing system is implemented. It would only be available to people who use the new ticketing system.

Public transport is already set to be free from September 20 for a period of at least six weeks as the government implements the new system.

Labor has claimed its plan for free transport on Fridays would save a family of two adults and two children about $1000 a year if they catch bus or light rail every Friday of the year.

"We know that cost can be a barrier to using public transport. As we continue to grow and improve our public transport network, we want to incentivise Canberrans to use public transport and save on their travel costs," the party said in a statement.

The free public transport would start from about 5.30am on Fridays for buses and last until 11pm. Free light rail would be from 6am to 1am.

Light rail and buses would be free on Fridays if ACT Labor is re-elected next month. Picture by Gary Ramage

Labor's promise follows a call from the Property Council, which last month called for cheaper parking fees and free public transport on Mondays and Fridays in a bid to attract workers back to the office.

The industry group made the proposal in an election platform it wants parties vying for seats in the Legislative Assembly to adopt.

Property Council ACT executive director Ashlee Berry welcomed the announcement from ACT Labor.

"We asked for free or subsidised transport and parking on Mondays and Fridays to bring vibrancy back to the CBD and business hubs and this is a fantastic first step," she said.

"The move reflects the Property Council's vision for a more vibrant city. Free transport Fridays are part of the bigger picture we pushed for - to make Canberra's CBD and business hubs thriving once again."

Labor said the free public transport would entice people into town centres on Fridays and this would be a boost to business.

"Not only will the trial benefit Canberrans using public transport, it will also be a boost to local businesses by encouraging people into town centres on Fridays," Labor said.

The Canberra Liberals have previously promised free public transport for all students, including university and vocational, as well as seniors and concession card holders as part of a wider cost-of-living package if they are elected.

The ACT Greens have also promised free public transport for pension and concession card holders. It would also be free for people under 18 and school students would be able to use their student cards to tap on and off.

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