WANTED:SMART COMMUTERS

Translink is looking to recruit up to 100 volunteers to become part of a public transport revolution on the Sunshine Coast.

Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, Phil Reeves has today launched the Sunshine Coast leg of Translink’s Smart Card pilot trial.

“We already have an army of mobile volunteers to take part in the trial but would like more.

“There’s room for another 100 to put Translink’s Smart Card technology through its paces for the Sunshine Coast pilot.

“Anyone who’s a regular Sunbus user or commutes daily by Citytrain from the Sunshine Coast to Central, Roma Street or Brunswick Street stations is an ideal candidate.

“This is your chance to be at the cutting edge of commuter technology – your public transport system needs you!”

Mr Reeves has been onboard with Sunbus at Mooloolaba to test its fleet of newly fitted Smart Card equipment.

"No more standing in queues to buy tickets, no more fumbling for change.

“Smart Card is a paperless ticketing system which is similar to an ATM card.

“It’s as easy as swiping your Smart Card as you get on and again at the end of your journey to automatically deduct the fare from the card’s balance.

“Users are able store credits on their card to use on Translink routes.

“Credits can be added over the phone, on the internet or with fare machines at train stations – it’s much the same as topping up a pre-paid mobile phone.

"Feedback received so far from early adopters has been extremely positive, they love the ease and convenience of the system.

“The progressive pilot, which has already been rolled out at Redcliffe, is all about getting the revolution right before it’s delivered across all Translink services in the South East.”

Mr Reeves said Smart Card would be progressively introduced across the network by the end of the year.

Anyone interested in being part of the Sunshine Coast Smart Card pilot can sign up by phoning 13 12 30 or visiting the website at www.translink.com.au/smartcard.

Media Contact: Darren Roberts 3237 1947