Qld gov smart ticketing project hits 11 million trips

The Queensland government’s smart ticketing project has hit past the 11 million commuter mark across trains and trams.

The public transport ticketing rollout expanded out to Cleveland in November 2022 following the commencement of the project along the Gold Coast light rail network in December 2020, which allowed users to pay with their credit or debit cards and smart devices.

On Friday the state government said over 11 million trips have now been taken by South East Queensland (SEQ) tram and train customers.

Work on installing Smart Ticketing equipment is now complete across all South East Queensland 2600 buses, 30 Brisbane City Council’s ferries, including CityCats, and six Southern Moreton Bay Island ferries.

The Queensland government said more customer trials are to commence on the BCC ferries in the first half of 2024.

Minister for transport and main roads Bart Mellish said, “The uptake of Smart Ticketing by Queenslanders on our trains and trams has been outstanding and notching 11 million trips is a testament to the convenience of this world-class technology.”

“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 smartwatch in the same way they might pay for their coffee,” Mellish said. 

Mellish added travellers 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.

Acting Head of Translink Peter Milward also said, “We are committed to ensuring the technology is thoroughly tested in a staged rollout to ensure a successful integration on the public transport network. 

“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," Milward said.