Smart Ticketing train trial heads west

Stock overlay and images available here.

Ipswich/Rosewood and Springfield train line customers are now able to use credit cards and smart devices to take the train as the rollout of the Palaszczuk Government’s $371 million Smart Ticketing project ramps up.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the next phase of game changing technology rollout begins today (August 22).

“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,” Mr 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.”

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said she was excited to see Ipswich commuters offered a new way to pay for their train trips.

“From what I’ve heard, the trial on the Ferny Grove line has been a big success and well received by commuters, so I can’t wait to see it come to the Ipswich/Rosewood line later this month,” Ms Howard said.

“From today, full fare paying customers travelling between Rosewood and Central, and Springfield and Central to tap on at the start and off at the end of their journey using Smart Ticketing equipment with Visa, Mastercard or American Express contactless debit or credit cards, or smart devices such as phones and watches.”

Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said the program also recognises Queensland’s First Nations’ history.

“The Smart Ticketing readers and gates are colourfully wrapped in the iconic First Nation’s Connecting Thread artwork, and include larger, brighter and clearer screens, sounds and messages – making it easier to stay on top of your taps,” Mr McCallum said.

“This is not only a great recognition of our First Nations culture, but an effective way of making the infrastructure more accessible for everyone.”

Member for Springfield Charis Mullen said the Smart Ticketing rollout was off to a flying start on other lines, and will be a success on the Springfield line.

"There's already been more than 70,000 trips made using the new payment options in the Ferny Grove trial, and more than 1.3 million trips on Gold Coast light rail,” Ms Mullen said.

"I’ve got no doubt it will be a similar case on the Ipswich/Rosewood and Springfield lines, and then on other lines as the trial continues this year."

Member for Mount Ommaney Jess Pugh said the progressive testing and trial periods made sure customers had the best experience possible when transitioning to the new system.

“Queensland’s iconic go card has been used to pay for transport for about 16 years so the new system will be a big shake up to how people plan, catch and pay for services, not just here in Brisbane but right across the state,” Ms Pugh said.

“We’re focused on giving Queenslanders a new product that is fit for purpose and easy to use, so it’s important we take this time to progressively trial the system.

 “With each tap, we are moving Queensland into the future.”

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden welcomed the announcement.

“Whether you’re starting your trip at Rosewood or Walloon, you will be some of the first people to test out the Smart Ticketing system in Ipswich,” Mr Madden said.

“It’s an exciting project and an exciting time to live in Ipswich.”

Member for Cooper Jonty Bush said the Smart Ticketing gates and validators are an impressive site at Milton station.

“We’ve already installed 561 Smart Ticketing validators across 136 SEQ train stations including Milton,” Ms Bush said.

“More than 230 Smart Ticketing gates wrapped in the project's iconic First Nations artwork will continue to be progressively installed across QR's 19 gated stations ahead of an expansion of the trial to other rail lines in the coming months.”

Customers can only pay for their journey and if they are travelling with family or friends everyone will need to use their own contactless debit or credit card or smart device to tap on and tap off.

Customers travelling beyond the trial stations, on a concession fare or transferring to a bus or ferry will need to continue using their go card or purchase a paper ticket to pay for their travel during the trial.

For more information on Smart Ticketing, visit www.translink.com.au/smartticketing.

To plan your travel, download the MyTranslink app, visit translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Courtney Thompson - 0433 585 570