Brisbane introduces smart ticketing for public transport

Brisbane has launched smart ticketing for its public transport, allowing commuters to tap on and off its buses and metro services using credit cards, debit cards, or smart devices like mobile phones. This service completes the rollout of smart ticketing across south-east Queensland. Passengers can still use their go cards. The Translink general manager, Anjuna Singh, emphasized that using a go card remains an option. She noted that smart ticketing simply offers more choices for commuters. There are no extra fees for using smart ticketing. The fare remains at 50 cents, regardless of the payment method. However, passengers may notice a temporary hold of $0 or 10 cents on their bank statements when tapping to travel, but this will disappear within a few days. Commuters must use the same payment method for both tapping on and off. If someone taps on with a credit card, they must tap off with the same card. Failing to do so will result in a default fare of $2.50 being charged. Digital cards on smartphones are treated as different from physical cards. Users must tap on and off with the same device to ensure the correct fare is applied. If someone accidentally taps off with the wrong card, they can request a refund through the Translink website. For seniors over 65, free off-peak travel will still be available, but only when using a seniors go card. If they opt for smart ticketing, a 50-cent charge will apply. Looking ahead, Translink plans to phase out go cards in favor of a new fare system. They are also considering a virtual token system that can be used with mobile wallets. Cash payments are expected to remain unavailable on public transport, as contactless systems were found to be safer and more efficient during the COVID pandemic.