Member for Monaro John Barilaro, bus driver Wayne Carson and Queanbeyan mayor Tim Overall.
TRAVELLING across the border will be cheaper for public transport users as Deane’s Transit Group trials a new low fare Queanbeyan to Canberra route.
Commuters will be able to access off-peak services for the next three months with a drop in ticket prices from $7.20 to $6.
Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner said the trial followed a Memorandum of Understanding between the states and the appointment of the first Cross-Border Commissioner. ‘‘This trial is a positive outcome of the NSW and ACT governments working together to ensure there is affordable and accessible public transport throughout the region,’’ Mr Stoner said. ‘‘The NSW government is determined to resolve the issues facing cross-borders communities, including those relating to transport.’’
Local Member John Barilaro said commuters only used to be able to travel across to Canberra on Deane’s services but never within the ACT. He said commuters now had the option to pay a cash fare on selected Deane’s services for journeys within the ACT.
‘‘During the trial we’ll be looking to see if the cheaper fares and increased flexibility are popular with passengers and lead to increased use of the services,’’ he said. ‘‘The success of the trial will help develop cross-border public transport policies in the future.’’
The trial will run until Friday, August 31.