Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr has called on Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison to provide a time frame for when Wagga can expect cashless public transport. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr has once again asked the NSW Government when it intends to provide cashless ticketing for public transport in Wagga.
During last week’s Question Time in the Legislative Assembly, Dr McGirr highlighted the continued voice from the Wagga community in support of cashless public transport.
“I hope that public transport users in Wagga may soon benefit from cashless ticketing, following the success of a trial in the Central West,” he said.
“In parliament last week, I asked Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison for an update on the rollout of this system.
“The minister shared that Transport for NSW is actively working with regional bus operators to explore how cashless ticketing can be introduced in more locations. While there’s no official announcement for Wagga just yet, the progress is promising, and I’m hopeful we’ll hear good news soon.”
In response to Dr McGirr’s question, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison recounted the success of the recent cashless trial in areas such as Tumut and Broken Hill.
“We are all committed to public transport in the regions,” she said.
“This government has rolled out services in areas that have not had buses for years, if ever, including the Tumut service where the trial is looking to be extended,” she said.
“To the question asked by the Member for Wagga Wagga (Dr McGirr), I say that the government is determined to deliver more cashless transport ticketing options to regional communities including Wagga Wagga.
“I am pleased to report that Transport for NSW is already on the case. Discussions have begun with regional bus operators about how they can do this.
“While I am not in a position to make any announcements today because that would not be appropriate, we will have more to say on this topic soon.
“I thank the Member for Wagga Wagga for his advocacy for ensuring that people in the bush get the same opportunities as people in the city. After all, we are the party of the bush.”
The NSW Government began rolling out cashless options to regional areas, beginning with an initial trial in Bathurst and Dubbo, in 2023. Ms Aitchison was made aware of Wagga’s desire to be a part of the trial during that initial trial period but has since stated the reason behind Wagga’s exclusion was a matter of finding the right balance for customers, taxpayers and transport businesses.
“We are definitely prioritising that as part of our bus networks; it will take some time,” she said during her last visit to Wagga.
“We know that some operators are ready to go with their own technology now, but it’s about negotiating the best way forward in a way that we can deliver the best value for both the customers who use the buses and the taxpayers.”
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