- The Smart Ticketing project rollout has blown out by $60 million under Labor.
- Smart Ticketing and Go-Card system will need to run simultaneously until the end of 2027 due to Labor's mismanagement.
- Smart Ticketing will be available on all South East Queensland (SEQ) Translink public transport by June this year.
The long-overdue Smart Ticketing program has blown out by $60 million due to years of delays and mismanagement under the former Labor Government.
The new ticketing system was set to be complete across the South East Queensland Translink network by March 2022 under Labor, but Brisbane and Gold Coast bus commuters can't toss out their Go-Cards until the rollout is finalised by mid this year.
Smart Ticketing allows passengers to tap on and off public transport using a credit card, debit cards, smart phone, or smart watch.
Even though smart ticketing will be fully installed across the network within months, those who choose not to, or are unable to use a credit card or smart phone will need to keep tapping their Go-Card until a replacement reloadable card is available.
Two systems will need to run simultaneously to allow for users of both Smart Ticketing and Go-Cards, due to Labor's mismanagement of the project rollout.
The original budget of $371 million has blown out to $433.75 million due to delays in the rollout, and for further development, testing and acceptance of the new system.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg says this was a total bungle by the former Labor Government, with the project not officially complete until December 2027.
"In 2018, Labor told Queensland a new ticketing system would be rolled out "soon" and here we are seven years later, and still years away from a final completion date," Mr Mickelberg said.
"Running two systems due to Labor's delays is not efficient but must be done to ensure everyone who wants to use public transport can, no matter how they choose to tap on.
"The Crisafulli Government is encouraging more people onto public transport by making 50c fares permanent and providing more frequent and reliable services.
"It's a shame Labor bungled the rollout of this new ticketing service which we will now work to get back on track."
Smart Ticketing is now available to customers on all South East Queensland trains, Brisbane River and Southern Moreton Island ferries, Gold Coast tram services, and nine bus operators covering the Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Moreton Bay and Redlands areas.
The final three bus operators, Brisbane City Council, Clarks Logan City Bus Service and Kinetic Gold Coast, are on track to have smart ticketing installed by June.
