Halved Fare Cap Starts Today Amid Major Commonwealth Avenue Lane Reductions

Public Transport: Fare Savings and Timetable Adjustments

Commuters using Transport Canberra services will see a significant change starting today, Wednesday, 8 April 2026. To assist with the cost of living, the monthly fare cap for all bus and light rail trips has been halved. This relief measure is scheduled to remain in place until the end of June. Commuters are reminded that Transport Canberra and CMET officers are actively conducting fare compliance checks, so ensure your MyWay+ account is topped up and ready for travel.

Additionally, passengers should be aware of the targeted bus timetable improvements that went into effect yesterday, Tuesday, 7 April. These changes specifically affect services operating south of the lake and those crossing the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, including Rapids 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10, as well as regular routes 56, 57, 58, 59, and 66. The updates aim to better align scheduled times with actual travel conditions following recent construction milestones.

Major Roadworks and Lane Closures

Motorists navigating the city center and major arteries should prepare for several significant disruptions today:

• Commonwealth Avenue: Northbound traffic is currently reduced to a single lane from the Parkes Way on-ramp through to Vernon Circle. These restrictions are part of the ongoing bridge renewal and light rail enabling works and will remain in place until late April. Median lanes are closed, and reduced speed limits are strictly enforced.
• Bunda Street: A full closure remains in effect between Genge Street and Scotts Crossing for precinct upgrade works. Diversions are in place via side streets; this closure is expected to continue until 19 April.
• London Circuit West: This section remains closed to all vehicle traffic to facilitate the continued construction of Light Rail Stage 2A.

Highway and Arterial Updates

Significant projects are also impacting travel on Canberra’s perimeter and suburban connectors:

• Monaro Highway: Ongoing pavement construction continues near the Lanyon Drive intersection. Temporary traffic lights are in place for northbound travelers, and motorists should expect off-peak lane reductions in both directions.
• William Hovell Drive: Main construction for the duplication project between John Gorton Drive and Drake Brockman Drive is now active. Expect heavy machinery and intermittent speed reductions through this corridor.
• Hume: Sawmill Crescent is undergoing road rehabilitation. While most works are scheduled for night hours, temporary lane closures and detours may still affect early morning and late evening commutes.

With the Wonderful World Festival currently taking place in the city until 12 April, additional pedestrian activity and localized congestion are expected near City Hill. Commuters are encouraged to use the journey planner to check their new bus departure times before heading out.