Imagine saving around $1,000 a year on your family’s bus and light rail rides in Canberra just by hopping on every Friday. You step onto Transport Canberra services without paying a dime, tapping on and off like usual to help track usage, but your wallet stays full. The ACT Government’s Fare Free Fridays initiative makes this possible, turning weekly commutes or outings into real cost-of-living relief amid rising fares elsewhere. Launched as a 12-month trial from late 2024, it wrapped up its initial phase on December 12, 2025, with glowing feedback on boosted ridership.
Now, you can look forward to an exciting extension: free rides every Friday and Saturday evening from 6 pm through summer until February 28, 2026, perfect for weekend fun or late shifts. No applications needed—you’re eligible simply by living in or visiting the ACT. This smart move encourages you to ditch the car, cut emissions, and pocket serious savings, especially if you’re a family of four using public transport weekly. Stick around as we break it down so you can start planning your free Friday adventures today.
$1,000 Australia ACT Fare Free Fridays
You get unlimited free rides on all Transport Canberra buses and light rail every Friday, no strings attached. The program started as a trial to ease your travel costs and get more people like you onto public transport instead of driving. Even after regular fares rose in January 2025—peak adult trips hit $3.32—you keep Fridays gratis. Tapping on and off helps the government collect data to improve services, but you pay nothing.​
This isn’t some limited perk; it covers your daily commute, school runs, or shopping trips across the entire ACT network. Families love it because those weekly savings add up fast, matching what you’d spend on fuel or parking otherwise. Recent updates show the full-day trial ended, but evenings now keep the momentum going for nightlife and events.
$1,000 Australia ACT Fare Free Fridays
| Aspect | Details |
| What It Is | Free bus and light rail travel every Friday (full day, trial ended Dec 12, 2025); now extended to Fri/Sat evenings 6pm+ until Feb 28, 2026 ​ |
| Savings | ~$1,000/year for family of 2 adults + 2 kids using weekly ​ |
| Eligibility | Everyone in ACT—no card or app needed, just tap on/off ​ |
| How to Use | Tap on with MyWay+ card, bank card, or app; no charge applied ​ |
| Official Website | https://www.transport.act.gov.au/ |
Australia ACT Fare Free Fridays Latest Updates
The original Fare Free Fridays trial concluded on December 12, 2025, after a year of success with higher passenger numbers on Fridays. You’re now in the new phase: free travel every Friday and Saturday from 6 pm until the end of February 2026, supporting summer vibes and the night-time economy. This shift came right after, announced to evaluate student concessions while keeping evenings open to all.​
No big changes to how you access it—the ACT Government focuses on seamless rides amid MyWay+ upgrades. Fares for other days include daily caps like $9.89 weekdays for adults, but Fridays (and now weekend evenings) stay at zero. Watch official sites for post-summer news; evaluations could mean more free days ahead.​
​Australia ACT Fare Free Fridays Who Qualifies?
Good news: you qualify automatically if you’re in the ACT using buses or light rail on eligible days. No forms, no income checks, no special cards required for Fare Free Fridays—it’s open to everyone, locals and visitors alike. Kids under 5 already ride free anytime, and seniors over 70 too, but this layers on top for all.​
Concession holders get even sweeter deals on other days, like off-peak freebies, but Fridays level the field for you regardless of status. Students might see targeted perks soon from trial savings, so if you’re a parent, keep an eye out. Just carry ID if you’re in a concession category normally, though Fridays waive all that hassle.​
ACT Fare Free Fridays Step-by-Step How You Apply
You don’t apply at all—simply show up and ride. Grab your MyWay+ card from retail outlets or use a bank debit/credit card to tap on at bus stops or light rail platforms. Download the MyWay+ app for account management if you want auto top-ups (with 5% discounts on paid days).
On Friday (or new evening slots), tap on as usual—no fare deducts. Same for tapping off to avoid default charges later. If a $1 pending hold pops on your bank statement, it vanishes after verification. Register old MyWay cards online to transfer balances during transitions. That’s it—you’re saving from day one.​
​Australia ACT Fare Free Fridays Your Savings Breakdown
Picture this: you and your family take four round trips weekly on Fridays. Regular adult peak fares run $3.32 each way, so two adults dodge about $26.56 weekly, kids too if applicable. Over 52 weeks, that’s your $1,000 back in your pocket for groceries, bills, or fun.​
Daily caps help too—weekdays top at $9.89—but Fridays erase that worry. Concessions save half, like $1.66 peak, amplifying family wins. Ditch petrol costs (say $50/week) and you double down on relief amid inflation. Track your rides in the app to see exact gains.
​Australia ACT Fare Tips to Maximize Free Rides
Plan Friday errands around bus routes—you’ll avoid traffic and park less. Combine with 90-minute free transfers for multi-stop days, stretching value further. Weekends now? Hit evening markets or events from 6 pm without budgeting transport.​
Set up MyWay+ auto top-up for paid days’ discounts, and always tap off to dodge future defaults. Families, tag-team school runs Fridays to stack savings. Share routes with friends to spread the word—more riders mean better future services.​
Why Australia ACT Fare Boosts Your Wallet and City
You cut personal costs while helping Canberra go greener—fewer cars mean less congestion for your drives. The trial proved it: Friday usage spiked, pushing officials to extend evenings. It ties into broader pushes like student freebies or capped weekly fares from other parties.​
Local businesses thrive too; you spend saved cash at cafes or shops instead of pumps. With light rail growing, you’re positioned for even bigger networks ahead.
Common Benefits for You
- Slash weekly travel bills by 20% or more if Fridays are routine.​
- Eco-friendly choice: buses emit less per person than solo cars.
- Flexible for shift workers or parents juggling pickups.
- No-fuss evenings now open up social life without Ubers.
This setup fits busy lives, from your 9-to-5 to family outings.
You now hold the key to effortless savings with ACT’s Fare Free Fridays evolution—grab it by tapping on next Friday evening. Whether commuting solo or family-style, these perks put real money back in your hands while greening your routine. Stay tuned to Transport Canberra for expansions; your next free ride awaits. Start planning and watch that $1,000 goal hit fast.
FAQ’s
Do you need a special card for Fare Free Fridays?
No, tap with any MyWay+ method or bank card—you ride free automatically on eligible days.​
When exactly are rides free now?
Full Fridays during the trial (ended Dec 12, 2025); now Fri/Sat evenings from 6 pm to Feb 28, 2026.​
What if you forget to tap off?
No charge on free days, but habit helps data collection; defaults waived during transitions.
