Pilot testing of contactless payments on public transport in Perth has been expanded to include trains and buses for the first time.
Following the success of early trials on Transperth ferries, more than 150 passengers have been chosen to test their credit or debit card, as well as smart phone digital wallets, smart watches, and other wearable devices, on new card validators installed across the network.
A four-week trial across trains, buses and ferries began on October 27 and is intended to ensure the readiness of the new contactless payments before a planned rollout to all passengers by the end of 2025 as part of the SmartRider Upgrade Project.
From November 3, a phased rollout will begin, allowing passengers to pay for parking with their credit, debit or other wearable device at stations where cash is currently accepted using the Pay-By-Plate option.
The SmartRider cashless public transport ticketing system was first introduced to the Transperth network in 2007.
The upgrade project has included the replacement of more than 4000 SmartRider validators across the bus, train, and ferry network; the replacement of all Add Value Machines with new ‘SmartRider Hubs’; and Pay-By-Plate parking machines upgraded to accept debit and credit cards.
Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said in a statement: “With the success of early testing on the ferry network, we’re now ready to expand pilot testing to both buses and trains for the first time, which is a major milestone for the project.
“The project team will be closely monitoring the pilot across all public transport modes, and we remain on track to have these payment options available to the entire community before the end of the year.
“With new payment options and the introduction of one zone fare from 1 January, we’re embarking on an incredibly exciting chapter for public transport in Western Australia.”
