Contactless payments trial expanded across public transport

Following the success of early trials, the State Government has today confirmed pilot testing of contactless payments will be expanded to include trains and buses for the first time.

More than 150 passengers have been selected for the trial to test their credit or debit card, as well as smart phone digital wallets, smart watches, and other wearable devices on new card validators installed across the network.

This expanded trial is a major step forward following initial trials earlier this month, which saw 50 eligible participants test contactless payment options on new card validators on Transperth's ferries.

The four-week trial on buses, trains and ferries will commence tomorrow and will ensure the readiness of new contactless payment methods before its planned opening to all passengers before the end of the year.

The government also confirmed that from 3 November, a phased rollout will begin allowing passengers to pay for parking with their credit, debit or other wearable device at stations where cash is currently accepted using the Pay-By-Plate option.

The phased rollout will begin on the Mandurah Line with new payment options expected to be rolled out to around 100 Pay-By-Plate machines across the network before the end of the year.

SmartRider has been considered one of the most effective cashless public transport ticketing systems in the world since its introduction to the Transperth network in 2007.

As part of the SmartRider Upgrade Project, contactless payments will give passengers and visitors another easy and convenient way to travel on the Public Transport Authority's world-class public transport network.

The SmartRider Upgrade Project has included:

• the replacement of more than 4,000 SmartRider validators across the bus, train, and ferry network;
• the replacement of all Add Value Machines with new 'SmartRider Hubs'; and
• Pay-By-Plate parking machines upgraded to accept debit and credit cards.