Queensland’s first trial of the smart ticketing transport system has already resulted in more than 60,000 trips taken.
Gold Coast light rail commuters have taken to using their American Express and Mastercards, smartphones and smart watches to conveniently pay for adult-fare tram travel in one of the fastest uptake rates of any global ticketing trial.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey said the achievement showed commuters had embraced the trial since it was launched on the Gold Coast light rail network in December.
“Reaching more than 60,000 trips so quickly shows we’re on the right track with this technology, and with our investments in light rail and public transport on the Gold Coast,” Mr Bailey said.
“By giving locals and visitors more convenient ways to pay for public transport, it’ll help provide a shot in the arm for the city’s $12 billion tourism and hospitality industry.”
He said that while the Gold Coast was the first trial area in Queensland, plans were on track to roll out the new system across South-East Queensland and 18 regional urban networks by the end of 2022.
“Public transport bore the brunt of the global virus with patronage down 80 per cent at one stage, but with a strong response to COVID-19 so far and now the rollout of vaccines, Queensland is the place to be with commuters coming back online,” Mr Bailey said.
“From Coolangatta to Cairns, soon Queensland will have one seamless system to catch a bus, train, tram or ferry,” the Minister said.
