The rollout of MyWay+ has been contentious, to say the least. Even the ACT government confessed they should have waited at least a week before launching the error-ridden system. But in order to find solutions to restore Canberra’s public transport system back to glory, one must first investigate the roots of the problem.Continue readingThe bumpy rollout of MyWay+
From dodgy apps, faulty QR codes, temperamental hardware, and a far from smooth transition, many of us have been left in the trenches when it comes to MyWay+. So, how did Canberra’s public transport get to this point? Who’s involved? And where’s the journey going from here? Fasten your seatbelts — it’s time to go on a ride through the tumultuous history of MyWay+.Continue readingConfused about MyWay+? Here’s what you should know
The ACT Greens’ Spokesperson for Transport, Andrew Braddock MLA, has been vocal about shortcomings of the MyWay+ rollout. Speaking with The Owl’s Ben Devlin and Theresa Joseph on UCFM 87.8, Braddock discussed the system’s disjointed functionality which has manifested in difficulties navigating the MyWay+ app and issues with card readers, and how this relates to problems with data collection and non-compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act.Continue readingACT Greens’ Spokesperson for Transport voices concerns over MyWay+
Retired journalist and public transport user Graham Downie was one of the first user testers of the MyWay+ system when it was first implemented. In this interview, The Owl’s Phoebe Allan and Theresa Joseph speak to Downie about what he found during the testing phase of MyWay+.Continue reading “It’s a bit like having your house tested for its structure after it’s built”: Graham Downie on the MyWay+ roll out
Public transport is front of mind for many cities looking towards the future. In Canberra, future needs and recent developments contrast with a car-centric history. How might Canberra learn from transport changes and urban developments in other cities?Continue readingHow three cities have changed public transport, and what Canberra can learn
TikTok and Instagram are speeding up fashion like never before, fuelling micro-trends, driving fast-fashion sales, and leaving individuality behind.Continue readingFashion in the age of the algorithm
In 2023, 95.6% of Australian wool exports were raw, greasy wool sent to overseas scours to be cleaned. In June earlier this year, the last two operating wool scours in Australia merged to form Australian Wool Processors (AWP). The Owl’s Lily Stokes sat down with Jim Robinson, AWP sales manager and former owner of the now-defunct EP Robinson wool scour in Geelong, to find out what the future looks like for Australia’s wool processing industry.Continue reading“It decimated the industry”: what lies ahead for Australia’s last wool scour?
Period poverty is a pressing issue in Australia, affecting many people who menstruate due to rising costs and limited access to menstrual products. A 2024 survey by Share The Dignity revealed that 64% struggle to afford these essentials, leading to financial strain and missed opportunities. Organisations like Share the Dignity advocate for awareness, education, and improved access to products nationwide.Continue readingPeriods shouldn’t be a privilege: inside Australia’s period poverty crisis
In November of 2024, the Australian Government passed a law which will enforce a mandatory minimum age of 16 on select social media platforms, beginning in December of 2025. This new law is designed to protect the safety, wellbeing, and mental health of children, as the Government believes the risks of social media outweigh the benefits.Continue readingBeyond the ban: what you need to know about Australia’s upcoming social media restrictions
If you had to represent the human race to an alien civilisation, what two things would you tell them about humanity? What advice do you give to others, but rarely follow yourself? Is it possible to have a genuine relationship with an AI bot? Strangers gather in a park every month, pondering the answers to these questions.Continue readingQuit the small talk, it’s time to get deep