Perth commuters are set to experience a significant transformation in how they pay for public transport, with the Western Australian government announcing plans to phase out the traditional SmartRider system in favour of modern contactless payment methods.
New Payment System Coming to Transperth
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has revealed that Western Australia will implement a new payment system allowing passengers to simply tap on and off using their credit cards, debit cards, or smartphones. This major upgrade to Perth's public transport network represents the most substantial change to the payment system since the introduction of SmartRiders nearly two decades ago.
The current SmartRider system was launched in 2007 and has served approximately 1.3 million registered users across the network. While the existing technology will remain operational during the transition period, the new contactless payment option will provide greater convenience for both regular commuters and occasional users of the system.
Implementation Timeline and Technical Details
The rollout of the new payment technology is scheduled to commence later this year, with the system expected to be fully operational by 2025. The implementation will involve upgrading validators across all Transperth services, including buses, trains, and ferries throughout the metropolitan area.
Ms Saffioti confirmed that the new system will automatically calculate the best fare for passengers, ensuring that daily and weekly fare caps will still apply to protect regular users from overpaying. The technology will recognize when a passenger has reached their daily or weekly cap, providing the same benefits currently available to SmartRider users.
While the new payment methods will be introduced, the Transport Minister emphasized that SmartRiders will not be immediately discontinued. Both systems will operate simultaneously during the transition period to ensure no passenger is left behind. This approach acknowledges that some regular commuters may prefer to maintain their existing SmartRider accounts, particularly those who utilize auto-top-up features or require concession fares.
Benefits for Commuters and Visitors
The introduction of contactless payments addresses a common frustration for tourists and infrequent public transport users who previously needed to purchase a SmartRider card for occasional use. Visitors to Perth will now enjoy the same convenience as residents of cities like London and Sydney, where similar systems have proven highly successful.
For daily commuters, the elimination of the need to top up a SmartRider card represents a significant convenience improvement. The system will also reduce queues at ticket vending machines and retail outlets that currently sell SmartRider top-ups, streamlining the boarding process across the network.
The new technology will also provide more detailed journey history and spending tracking through bank statements or smartphone apps, giving passengers better visibility of their travel patterns and expenses. This transparency could help budget-conscious commuters better manage their transportation costs.
Ms Saffioti highlighted that the fare structure would remain consistent with the current system, ensuring that passengers paying with contactless methods receive the same pricing benefits as SmartRider users. The government remains committed to maintaining an affordable public transport system while embracing technological advancements that improve the customer experience.
This announcement forms part of the Western Australian government's broader strategy to modernize public transport and increase patronage following the pandemic-related downturn in usage. By reducing barriers to public transport use, the government aims to make the network more accessible to all residents and visitors to Perth.
