Passengers now able to use credit, debit cards to tag on and off WA's public transport

WA public transport passengers are now able to tag on and off with their credit or debit cards, along with digital wallets on their mobile phones and smart watches instead of using a SmartRider.

The milestone marks one of the biggest changes to Western Australia’s public transport system since SmartRider was introduced 18 years ago, giving passengers as well as visitors more choice and flexibility in how they choose to pay.

The move follows successful trials over the past few months with those travelling across Perth, Bunbury, Busselton, Kalgoorlie, Esperance, and 
Albany able to use the new payment options from today.

There will be small differences for passengers using these options, including that fares will not be displayed on a validator or calculated throughout the day. 

Instead, a single daily charge will be calculated and applied at the end of the day.

Passengers must also use the same card or device to tag on and off for each trip and those on concession fares will still have to use a SmartRider or cash to travel at the concession rate.  

“From today, public transport in Western Australia will be even more convenient and flexible, with passengers able to simply tag on and off with their bank card or device," Transport Minster Rita Saffioti said.

“This will also make it easier for visitors and tourists, who might not want to get a SmartRider for the few days they are here, and for people who only use public transport occasionally."

More information is available at transperth.wa.gov.au.