New regions tap into smart ticketing

The Queensland Government is continuing its rollout of the $371 million Smart Ticketing system, now extending to the Sunshine Coast, Caboolture and Redcliffe Peninsula.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said adult customers on the Caboolture, Redcliffe Peninsula and Sunshine Coast (through to Gympie North) lines will be able to use their credit card, debit card, smartphone or smartwatch to pay for their journey.

“Once fully rolled out, the Palaszczuk government’s $371 million Smart Ticketing system will cover the largest geographical area of any ticketing system in the world, and be able to adapt to future growth and technology,” Bailey said.

“The system will allow commuters to tap onto buses, trains, trams and Translink-supported ferries using contactless debit and credit cards, smartphones and smart watches.

“Rolling this system out on our train network has happened with great pace, which will continue until the entire South East Queensland train network is online.”

Deputy Premier and Member for Murrumba Steven Miles welcomed the announcement for his community, which will make it easier for customers to catch public transport by introducing more ways to pay.

“The introduction of Smart Ticketing on these three lines continues the rollout of a ticketing system that will put Queensland on par with major world cities such as London, Singapore and New York,” Miles said.

“We’ve now rolled out Smart Ticketing on half of the South East Queensland train lines, including the Ferny Grove, Ipswich and Springfield lines.

“So far, the feedback from customers who have tried it out has been extremely positive and we’re excited to now offer this to the many communities who use our northern train lines.”

Bailey said Smart Ticketing would continue to be rolled out across the South East Queensland (SEQ) train network this year before trials on buses and ferries take place next year.

“This is a big job that involves replacing more than 18,500 devices across SEQ and 18 regional urban bus services to enable Smart Ticketing, but the end result will be a world-class system that is consistent from Coolangatta to Cairns,” he said.

“For the first time, customers will be able to use the same payment method on Queensland public transport whether they are sightseeing in South East Queensland or exploring one of the many picturesque regions across our great state.

“Leveraging new technology to provide a better experience for our customers is one of our key priorities.”

Image: Supplied