We’ve been waiting with bated breath for the long-awaited launch of contactless payments across Perth’s public transport system – and the wait is finally over, with new payment options set to go live from Monday, December 8.
That means that within just a few short weeks, you’ll be able to tag on and off public transport in Perth using your physical debit or credit card, as well as with your phone, smart watch or other device with a digital wallet.
If using the new payment options, you’ll still only be charged at the current Transperth cash rate – which means you won’t pay any more than $5.20 for a single journey anywhere on the network.
However, this will be even cheaper from January 1, when the one-zone fare cap will be introduced – with a maximum cash fare of $3.50 applied for a single journey.
Contactless payments will also be expanded across regional services before the end of the year, with Bunbury, Busselton, Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Albany passengers included from the December 8 launch, and Geraldton, Karratha and Port Hedland to follow.
It’s also been confirmed that there won’t be any surcharges added to these new contactless payment options, with any levies or costs to be absorbed by the State Government.
Importantly, you’ll need to tag on and off each journey using the same card – otherwise you may be charged a default fare. Fares will also be calculated at the end of each day, so you’ll just be charged a single amount for all your journeys.
You can still use your SmartRider to access discounts, concession fares, SmartParker and bike shelters. If using contactless payments for parking at stations, you’ll need to use the Pay-By-Plate machines.
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With the original system implemented over 18 years ago, the SmartRider Upgrade Project has included the replacement of over 4,000 SmartRider validators, upgrades to Pay-By-Plate parking machines and the replacement of all Add Value Machines with “SmartRider Hubs”.
“The start of new payment options represents one of the biggest and most important changes we’ve ever delivered on public transport in Western Australia,” said Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.
“From 8 December, people will have significantly more choice and flexibility in how they choose to pay for public transport, which will support more usage across our suburbs and regions.”
“This will give people another option, as most people will have their card or phone at their fingertips, making it so much easier to jump on a bus, train or ferry when you need to.”
“We will continue to reform the payment options available on our system, including looking at the phasing out of cash.”