Now we can all get SmartRider
14/01/07
SmartRider, the new electronic ticketing system, is now available for everyone who uses Transperth trains, buses or ferries.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said that from today SmartRider cards would be available from outlets throughout the metropolitan area, including at major shopping centres, train and bus stations.
“Our passengers will find that SmartRider is more flexible and more convenient than the MultiRider ticket, while offering the same levels of fare discounts,” Ms MacTiernan said.
“The SmartRider system will calculate the lowest applicable fare for the journey and remove that amount from the value stored in the card.
“SmartRider users can reload their cards in person at outlets, by direct debit through their bank, by phone or Internet with Bpay, through machines at major train stations and on every one of Transperth’s 1,050 buses and ferries.”
The Minister said the system had been trialled extensively since 2005 and there were already 350,000 SmartRider tickets in circulation.
“We have issued SmartRiders to school and university students, all Seniors Card holders as well as to a control group of 7,000 public transport users,” she said.
“Now the rest of us will be able to purchase a SmartRider and take advantage of our new and better public transport ticketing system.
“We will have to learn tagging-on and tagging-off, remembering to keep our cards charged up, and registering them for greater security.
“There may be glitches, but Transperth will be working to sort out problems quickly, and to help new users, including employing additional public transport assistants and advertising widely.
“MultiRider tickets will continue to be available until we are sure the system is working well and customers will always be able to purchase cash tickets at train stations and on buses.”
Ms MacTiernan said SmartRider cards would cost $20, or $15 for concessions. In each case the price included $10 worth of fares.
Information about SmartRider and the locations of SmartRider outlets can be found on the Transperth website at http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/smartrider.