From December 8, Perth commuters will be able to use credit cards, phones, and smart watches to pay for public transport fares on buses, trains, and ferries. The new payment options follow a successful four-week trial and will operate alongside existing SmartRider cards.
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the initiative provides more flexibility and choice, especially for tourists who may not want to purchase a SmartRider. However, the new payment methods do not offer the discounted fares of up to 20 per cent available with SmartRider cards.
The rollout is more than a year behind schedule and over $10 million over budget, with an original cost of $58 million and a planned mid-2024 launch. The Public Transport Authority attributed delays to technical and resource challenges, as well as supply chain disruptions from COVID-19 and global pressures.
Opposition transport spokesperson Steve Martin criticized the delays and noted that the new system costs more for users. The state government hopes the initiative will boost public transport usage, which reached nearly 149 million boardings last financial year, the highest in 11 years.
WA Greens leader Brad Pettitt suggested the government consider free transit zones outside the CBD to further increase uptake, noting that fares contribute less than 20 per cent of the total cost of running the public transport system.
