RACQ on-board with smart ticketing for public transport

Within four months more than 60,000 trips had been taken on the Coast’s tram network by commuters using their American Express, Mastercard, smartphone and smart watches to pay their adult fare.

RACQ’s Head of Public Policy Rebecca Michael said the smart ticketing technology would be a game-changer for Queensland.

“Commuters on the Gold Coast have experienced first-hand how much easier catching public transport can be when using this world-class, tap-and-go technology,” Dr Michael said.

“We’ve seen people’s confidence in catching buses, trains and trams drop since COVID-19, so now more than ever we need to be making public transport seamless and accessible to get people back on board.

“Not only will this help reduce traffic congestion and ease pressure on our roads, but an increase in patronage will help support the case for better, more reliable public transport infrastructure in Queensland.

“It’ll also be helpful for our interstate and overseas visitors, who often get caught without a go card or pre-paid ticket handy.”

Dr Michael said the way consumers paid for goods and services had changed significantly.

“The current system is outdated, and this new tap-and-go style of public transport payment will bring Queensland in line with Sydney and other cities around the world,” she said.

“We look forward to seeing Translink roll out this contactless payment system across south east Queensland and the 18 regional centres it services by the end of next year.

“Hopefully when the system is fully operational, it’ll enable new fare structures and payment bundles to be introduced to improve value for travellers as well.”

More information on smart ticketing could be found here.