Transperth launches contactless tap ‘n’ go payments, but plans for a digital SmartRider have stalled

There’s still no time frame for a digital version of the SmartRider card, as Transperth rolls out a new ‘tap ‘n’ go’ system for public transport fares via credit cards, phones and smart watches.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti marked the occasion in Ellenbrook on Monday, but said a digital SmartRider for concession fares was not an immediate priority because regular commuters were used to using the physical card.

“Regular users love their SmartRiders, use their SmartRiders,” she said.

“This was making sure those occasional users who don’t have access to it, who don’t have a regular SmartRider, and also others, like tourists, can quickly have access to be able to use our our network.”

She said discussions were underway about a digital version of the SmartRider, but that the technology to enable the move was difficult to find.

“No one’s cracked that code yet across the world,” Ms Saffioti said.

A minute later, she conceded that Japan has.

“Around Australia, no one’s cracked that code,” she said.

“Japan also has train lines that run 360km/hr. So look, there’s always more to be done, and we continually work to improve our public transport system, but I think everyone around the State will acknowledge that we have transformed the public transport system.”

From today, the new contactless payment system is available for all buses, trains and ferries across Perth, Bunbury, Busselton, Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Albany.

It will be extended to Geraldton, Karratha and Port Hedland by the end of the year.

The Government predicts around 10 per cent of passengers will move to using the contactless method, and 90 per cent will continue tapping their Smartrider card.

Fares for contactless card users will be the same as a cash fare, which is more expensive than a Smartrider, but the transaction fees will be absorbed by the State Government.