Over 11 million trips have been taken by South East Queensland (SEQ) tram and train customers as they embrace the flexibility and convenience of the Smart Ticketing payment options.
Translink’s $371 million world-class Smart Ticketing system allows adult customers to pay for public transport with their credit card, debit card, smartphone, or smart watch.
In a major milestone all 2600 buses in SEQ, Brisbane City Council’s (BCC) 30 ferries, including CityCats, and six Southern Moreton Bay Island (SMBI) ferries have had the Smart Ticketing on-board payment devices installed.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish said the uptake of the program has been outstanding.
“Train and tram users are telling us they are enjoying being able to turn up at their station and tap on with their debit card, credit card, smartphone, or smart watch in the same way they might pay for their coffee,” he said.
“Customers who would like to continue using their go card will be able to do so with Smart Ticketing, but this is about providing customers with more options – making it easier to plan and pay for your journey.
“The installation of Smart Ticketing devices on the iconic Brisbane River and Southern Moreton Bay Island ferries, and all South East Queensland buses is another important step forward.
“For adult Queenslanders and visitors to our beautiful state who travel around our city on the Brisbane River and bus network, Smart Ticketing will mean easier and more convenient ways to plan, catch and pay for your ride once the trial begins,” Mellish said.
Planned customer trials are to commence on the BCC ferries in the first half of 2024.
There are 13 bus operators in SEQ and trials on buses as well as the SMBI ferries are expected to commence operator-by- operator shortly after the BCC ferries trial starts.
Acting Head of Translink Peter Milward further explained how the rollout will function.
“We are committed to ensuring the technology is thoroughly tested in a staged rollout to ensure a successful integration on the public transport network,” he said.
“We know there are many South East Queensland bus and ferry users who are eager to use the new payment methods, but we ask customers for patience and to continue using their go card for now while we thoroughly test this new technology.”
For now, customers should continue using their go card on SEQ buses and ferries installed with the new Smart Ticketing devices. Customers will be informed when trials of the new payment methods begin.
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