The Palaszczuk 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 from today (Wednesday, October 12).
"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.
"Rolling this system our 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 would 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 roll out of a ticketing system that will put Queensland on par with major world cities such as London, Singapore and New York," Mr 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."
Mr 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 sight-seeing 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."
Mr Bailey said customers travelling on a child or concession fare should continue to use their go card for now, as should customers on these lines who are travelling beyond Central station.
Quotes attributed to Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton:
"This is great news for Sunshine Coast commuters, who will now be able to tap on and off with their mobile phone or credit card for the first time.
"I look forward to giving it a try on my next train trip."
Quotes attributed to Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt:
"I'm proud to be a part of a government that invests in better services for commuters right around the state.
"This is not just an investment for the South East, but one that will benefit the whole state when completely rolled out."
Quotes attributed to Member for Pine River Nikki Boyd:
"If you're catching the train at Strathpine or Bray Park, or anywhere on the Caboolture or Redcliffe Peninsula lines, you now have more control over how you pay.
"I'm pleased to see my community now included in the trial, which will bring new life into our long standing public transport system."
Quotes attributed to Member for Redcliffe Yvette D'Ath:
"The iconic pink Smart Ticketing readers are adorned with First Nations artwork, which really refreshes the look and feel of our train stations.
"The readers will be turned on and ready to go from today (Wednesday) so have your phones, smartwatches or credit cards ready."
Quotes attributed to Member for Sandgate Stirling Hinchliffe:
"Smart Ticketing is an evolution in the way passengers travel across South East Queensland.
"This terrific step forward enhances passenger convenience by making public transport travel even easier."
Quotes attributed to Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan:
"More options to pay make it easier for regular commuters, and tourists alike.
"Whether you are a seasoned pro, or trying out the train for the first time, this system will be easy to use from the get go."
Head online to the Translink website
