RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Quote from: achiruel on October 12, 2022, 18:40:39 PM

Quote from: verbatim9 on October 12, 2022, 14:08:22 PMTranslink mentioned it's likely to be the last train line to go online. I forgot the reasoning behind it.

I wonder if it's something to do with CRR works. Does anyone know if any of the stations still to be rebuilt have the new card readers yet? I haven't been to any in a while.

I think they do. You can still check the stations here https://translink.com.au/about-translink/projects-and-initiatives/smart-ticketing/queensland-rail. Some of the stations are out of date though. Ipswich and Nambour aren't included on the map for instance.

Media release Minister for Transport and Main Roads

New regions tap into Smart Ticketing
13th October 2022

The Palaszczuk Government is continuing its rollout of the $371 million Smart Ticketing system, now extending to the Sunshine Coast, Caboolture and Redcliffe Peninsula.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said adult customers on the Caboolture, Redcliffe Peninsula and Sunshine Coast (through to Gympie North) lines will be able to use their credit card, debit card, smartphone or smartwatch to pay for their journey from today (Wednesday, October 12).

"Once fully rolled out the Palaszczuk Government's $371 million Smart Ticketing system will cover the largest geographical area of any ticketing system in the world, and be able to adapt to future growth and technology," Mr Bailey said.

"The system will allow commuters to tap onto buses, trains, trams and Translink supported ferries using contactless debit and credit cards, smartphones and smart watches.

"Rolling this system our on our train network has happened with great pace, which will continue until the entire South East Queensland train network is online."

Deputy Premier and Member for Murrumba Steven Miles welcomed the announcement for his community, which would make it easier for customers to catch public transport by introducing more ways to pay.

"The introduction of Smart Ticketing on these three lines continues the roll out of a ticketing system that will put Queensland on par with major world cities such as London, Singapore and New York," Mr Miles said.

"We've now rolled out Smart Ticketing on half of the South East Queensland train lines, including the Ferny Grove, Ipswich and Springfield lines.

"So far, the feedback from customers who have tried it out has been extremely positive and we're excited to now offer this to the many communities who use our northern train lines."

Mr Bailey said Smart Ticketing would continue to be rolled out across the South East Queensland (SEQ) train network this year before trials on buses and ferries take place next year.

"This is a big job that involves replacing more than 18,500 devices across SEQ and 18 regional urban bus services to enable Smart Ticketing, but the end result will be a world-class system that is consistent from Coolangatta to Cairns," he said.

"For the first time, customers will be able to use the same payment method on Queensland public transport whether they are sight-seeing in South East Queensland or exploring one of the many picturesque regions across our great state.

"Leveraging new technology to provide a better experience for our customers is one of our key priorities."

Mr Bailey said customers travelling on a child or concession fare should continue to use their go card for now, as should customers on these lines who are travelling beyond Central station. 

Quotes attributed to Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton:

"This is great news for Sunshine Coast commuters, who will now be able to tap on and off with their mobile phone or credit card for the first time.

"I look forward to giving it a try on my next train trip."

Quotes attributed to Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt:

"I'm proud to be a part of a government that invests in better services for commuters right around the state.

"This is not just an investment for the South East, but one that will benefit the whole state when completely rolled out."

Quotes attributed to Member for Pine River Nikki Boyd:

"If you're catching the train at Strathpine or Bray Park, or anywhere on the Caboolture or Redcliffe Peninsula lines, you now have more control over how you pay.

"I'm pleased to see my community now included in the trial, which will bring new life into our long standing public transport system." 

Quotes attributed to Member for Redcliffe Yvette D'Ath:

"The iconic pink Smart Ticketing readers are adorned with First Nations artwork, which really refreshes the look and feel of our train stations.

"The readers will be turned on and ready to go from today (Wednesday) so have your phones, smartwatches or credit cards ready."

Quotes attributed to Member for Sandgate Stirling Hinchliffe:

"Smart Ticketing is an evolution in the way passengers travel across South East Queensland. 

"This terrific step forward enhances passenger convenience by making public transport travel even easier."

Quotes attributed to Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan:

"More options to pay make it easier for regular commuters, and tourists alike.

"Whether you are a seasoned pro, or trying out the train for the first time, this system will be easy to use from the get go."

Head online to the Translink website, download the MyTranslink app or call 13 12 30 for more information.

ENDS

Blah blah blah.

How about letting us know when the rollout will be completed? How far behind schedule is it now? Currently it's largely useless to anyone who needs to transfer between train or bus and train or tram, and even between quite a few railway lines still. Much ado about nothing IMO.

Facebook pages for the the Premier and Mark Bailey are saying that smart ticketing is rolling out to the Doomben and Shorncliffe Lines from Monday, with it rolling out to all lines by the end of the year.

They're also marking the two millionth Smart Ticketing tap milestone this week.

^ thanks.

https://www.facebook.com/MarkBaileyMP/posts/pfbid0tCUESMyptZdzkvdjfTwj4ii3suANcPXcu99MPntotTuGxGAysVx7cutsvW6L6ndbl?comment_id=455185639866368

QuoteSmart Ticketing is currently available on Gold Coast light rail, the Ferny Grove line, North Coast line, Sunshine Coast line, Redcliffe Peninsula and the Ipswich Rosewood line.
It will roll out on the Doomben and Shorncliffe lines from Monday 14 November.
Don't worry - you can still use your trusty go card. It's not going anywhere. As this is a trial, we just recommend full fare paying customers to use it as we continue to test the system.

^

ABC News --> Queensland Smart Ticketing expanded to Doomben, Shorncliffe train lines

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/96549

Smart ticketing rollout continues as milestone two million trips achieved

11th November 2022

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Smart Ticketing is continuing to take charge on the rail network, as the rollout spreads to the Doomben and Shorncliffe train lines.

Adult full fare customers on these lines will be able to use their credit card, debit card, smartphone or smartwatch to pay for their journey from Monday, November 14.

The announcement comes as the system clocks up two million smart ticketing trips since its rollout on the Gold Coast Light Rail network.

Member for Sandgate Stirling Hinchliffe said Smart Ticketing would make catching the train even easier.

"The Palaszczuk Government is continuing to invest in better public transport services, and the $371 million Smart Ticketing rollout is an important part of that," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"The days of scrambling for change when you accidently leave your Go Card at home are over.

"In a big win for convenience, passengers on the Shorncliffe and Doomben lines can now tap on and tap off with a debit card, smartphone or smart watch."

Member for Nudgee, Leanne Linard MP encouraged Shorncliffe line commuters to give the new tech a try.

"We've already seen customers getting onboard with the new technology as it rolls out on other lines across South-East Queensland," Ms. Linard said.

"It's great that our part of Brisbane will now join the successful trial. This technology is modernising how we approach public transport payments, which I know will be a welcome change.

"The remaining train lines will come online before the end of the year, before we turn our attention to buses and ferries."

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said train and tram passengers had welcomed the system in droves, with more than two million trips now taken using smart payments.

"Two million trips are an outstanding endorsement from our customers," Minister Bailey said.

"The Smart Ticketing investment has always been a hit on Gold Coast trams, with over 1.7 million trips taken using contactless payment on trams since the launch in December 2020.

"More than 360,000 trips have been taken on heavy rail since the launch a few months ago, and that number continues to grow as we connect more destinations with the Smart Ticketing system.

"Smart Ticketing is currently available on the Ferny Grove, Springfield, Ipswich/Rosewood, Caboolture, Redcliffe Peninsula and Sunshine Coast (through to Gympie North) rail lines with continued rollout on remaining lines planned for this year.

"I look forward to seeing these numbers rise as the rollout continues, and customers transition to this new way to pay."

Remaining lines include Gold Coast, Beenleigh, Airport and Cleveland.

Minister Bailey said train users who preferred to pay for their journey with their go card would be able to continue doing so.

"Customers travelling on a child or concession fare should continue to use their go card for now, as should customers on these lines who are travelling beyond Roma Street station or using a connecting bus service," he said.

Plans for activation of the system on buses and ferries are well underway and will be rolled out in 2023.

Head online to the Translink website, download the MyTranslink app or call 13 12 30 for more information.

ENDS

Facts from Translink figures:

. More than two million trips using contactless payments on the Translink network.
. Trams are averaging about 5,000 trips per day.
. SEQ's rail network is now exceeding about 6,000 trips per day as more lines join the Smart Ticketing roll out.

Facebook ...

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1590898318024273922

Brisbanetimes --> Smart-ticketed trains from Monday but wheels barely turn on eastern busway plan

https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1595879427698700288

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/96666

Media Release
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Smart Ticketing rolls on
25th November 2022

Cleveland train users will be the next to benefit as the rollout of the Smart Ticketing system continues.

Customers travelling from between Central station and Cleveland station will have access to the system from Wednesday, November 30.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said $371 million project continued to gather pace, with Cleveland line customers now having more ways to pay.

"Delivering better public transport services for Queenslanders isn't just about having more trains or buses, it's also about making it easier for people to hop on and off without barriers," Minister Bailey said.

"This trial allows adult customers to use their credit card, debit card, smartphone or smartwatch to pay for their train journey – meaning you don't need to think before hoping on a train, you can just tap and go."

Member for Capalaba Don Brown said the system would put Queensland on par with major cities like London, Singapore and New York.

"This is an exiting time for Queensland's public transport network, as the Palaszczuk Labor Government delivers major transport infrastructure like Cross River Rail," Mr Brown said.

"Record levels of investment in our region means that commuters can get home safer and sooner, spending more time with family and friends.

"I look forward to getting onboard with this new system, and I encourage commuters to give it a go."

Member for Lytton Joan Pease encouraged commuters to give it a go.

"There is no doubt this trial is proving to be very popular with public transport users," Ms Pease said.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the rollout extend onto our local buses, which is set to take place next year.

"This will be a big job – replacing about 1300 fixed devices and 12,000 onboard readers to bring 18 different payment systems across the regional bus network together under one Smart Ticketing umbrella.

"Whether you're visiting family and friends in Cairns, Bowen, Rockhampton or Bundaberg, there will be one seamless way to pay."

Member for Bulimba Di Farmer praised the success of the trial, which had already clocked up more than two million trips.

"It's hard to miss the bright pink card readers that have become a fixture on train platforms through our area, and now we'll get to put them to good use," Ms Farmer said.

"Commuters and tourists alike are finding it easy to use, and we've seen incredible numbers tap on and off using the system since it began.

"We'll continue to develop the system to bring concession card holders onboard, but encourage those who travel on a discounted rate to continue using the go card for the time being."

Member for Greenslopes Joe Kelly said the expansion added new destinations to the Smart Ticketing map.

"This is another important step toward rolling out the system across the South East Queensland heavy rail network, following on from trials already underway," Mr Kelly said.

"We'll now see the South Brisbane and South Bank transport hubs come alive with Smart Ticketing, which is an important connecting area to our hospital and health precinct as well as South Bank businesses.

"It's an exciting time for the area, and for those living through our eastern, bayside suburbs."

Smart Ticketing is already operational on the Ferny Grove, Ipswich/Rosewood, Springfield Central, Sunshine Coast/Caboolture, Redcliffe Peninsula, Doomben and Shorncliffe train lines.

It will next be launched on the Airport, Beenleigh, and Gold Coast lines, enabling customers to interconnect from the Gold Coast Light Rail through to Brisbane CBD and the airport, with buses and ferries set to follow next year.

Train users who prefer to pay with their go card will be able to continue doing so. Customers travelling on a child or concession fare should continue to use their go card for now, as should customers travelling to or from destinations not yet using the trial, or anyone using a connecting bus or ferry service.

Head online to the Translink website, download the MyTranslink app or call 13 12 30 for more information.

ENDS

Translink Facebook--->https://fb.watch/hp5bZJ2-6X/

Smart ticketing will be activated on the the Gold Coast line in a few days. Happy days!

A significant milestone, as this will be the first time a traveller can use smart ticketing while transferring modes.

The gear is however the same on the QR and G:Link systems - the real test will come when there are buses and ferries enabled.

(It will be interesting to see what happens when somebody transfers at Caboolture to a Kilcoy bus, or Beerwah or Nambour to a Maleny bus.  Notionally it should just be separate sets of transactions because they are differently ticketed.)

891 is not operating to Beerwah atm.  Currently terminating at Landsborough, but 'if' CAMCOS (Direct SCL) ever gets off the ground, it's possible it'll be extended back to Beerwah in that time frame.

So only the airport line to go then?

Quote from: kram0 on December 14, 2022, 20:58:45 PMSo only the airport line to go then?

Yep. That's the real challenge since it requires a special fare rule.

Quote from: RowBro on December 15, 2022, 09:49:25 AM

Quote from: kram0 on December 14, 2022, 20:58:45 PMSo only the airport line to go then?

Yep. That's the real challenge since it requires a special fare rule.

According to the Translink FB post, Airport line is happening in the New Year.

Got on at a Beenleigh line station this morning. Staff were on hand to inform people that smart ticketing was activated today, with some printed brochures for more info.

Quote from: pangwen on December 16, 2022, 06:57:05 AMGot on at a Beenleigh line station this morning. Staff were on hand to inform people that smart ticketing was activated today, with some printed brochures for more info.

Thanks.

Anyone going to test train to tram?   

Quote from: ozbob on December 16, 2022, 07:09:46 AM

Quote from: pangwen on December 16, 2022, 06:57:05 AMGot on at a Beenleigh line station this morning. Staff were on hand to inform people that smart ticketing was activated today, with some printed brochures for more info.

Thanks.

Anyone going to test train to tram?   

Probably tomorrow, if no one beats me to it.

Page 87 DTMR 2021-2022 Annual Report

https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/annual-report-2021-2022-transport-and-main-roads/resource/d48dcb51-f328-49df-bb87-eef8573b6347

Fairer fares and zones for regional public transport users

The Regional Refresh Program is rolling out changes to 16 regional urban bus networks across Queensland to deliver fairer, more consistent zones and fares, and improved customer service options for regional public transport users. The program will see standardised fares and zones implemented across regional areas and the transition of all remaining qconnect branded networks to the Translink service model, to prepare for the future rollout of Smart Ticketing payment options across the whole of Queensland.

Under the new fare and zone structures, fares for the majority of adult and concession trips will remain the same or decrease slightly. Customers will also have access to new Translink customer channels, including the Translink website and journey planner, the MyTranslink app, and the Translink contact centre. To prepare for the changes, in early-2022 the project team commenced a significant program of engagement with local bus delivery partners, local government agencies, and elected State representatives. This will ensure the changes meet the needs of local communities ahead of full implementation in 2022–23.

Went to the Gold Coast today, used go card on the way down as I was taking a bus journey, but on the way back was tram/train only, so used a Visa card. Seemed to work okay, although I notice it doesn't tell you the journey cost as you tap off. I also haven't had any charge on my account yet, not even a pending transaction. Not sure if this is normal behaviour, but I would've though there'd be something by now.

Quote from: achiruel on December 31, 2022, 01:11:40 AMWent to the Gold Coast today, used go card on the way down as I was taking a bus journey, but on the way back was tram/train only, so used a Visa card. Seemed to work okay, although I notice it doesn't tell you the journey cost as you tap off. I also haven't had any charge on my account yet, not even a pending transaction. Not sure if this is normal behaviour, but I would've though there'd be something by now.

Thanks for the report. Yes, I used credit card a few times on rail, initially there is usually a $1 holding charge then that is sorted when the fare is debited, a day or so later.

It reconciles everything at the end of the day (and obviously also will not display an available balance).

Yeah, I've got a pending transaction on there now.

I don't expect an account balance but it would be nice for it to tell me how much the trip cost.

Bummer that they are holding back on the new app, as it can take a week before the charge appears on your banking app. The pending charge of a dollar is basically immediate but you don't really know how much you have spent until the charge appears on the banking app.

I have also been using my registered credit card associated with my Go card account, but it's yet to recognise that association. Thus you can't switch between using your Go card and registered credit card to accumulate your 8 trips.

I assume they haven't migrated any of the stored Go card data to the account based system although they have mentioned at previous online meetings that they have finished building the back end system.  It's not really clear if they have migrated the data across as yet.

Queensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2022/1377-2022.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 1377
Asked on 29 November 2022

MR S MINNIKIN ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

Will the Minister advise what the marketing and communications budget is for the TransLink smart
ticketing project?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Chatsworth for the question.

The Palaszczuk Government is modernising transport across the Sunshine State. The new Smart
Ticketing system allows customers to use their contactless debit or credit cards, smart phones
and smart watches to pay for trips in addition to go card and paper tickets.

Importantly, regional Queensland will not be left behind, with current go card operator Cubic
delivering the new system in 18 regional areas, as well as the metropolitan southeast. The new
ticketing system is an exciting chance to expand our ticketing options and to give public transport
customers more flexibility.

Customers will also be able to manage and personalise their transit account options more
effectively through an improved app and website that integrates payment, ticketing and journey
planning options, all underpinned by real-time information.

Smart Ticketing will cover one of the largest geographical areas of any ticketing system in the
world. Eighteen regional urban public transport centres, incorporating both qconnect and selected
school bus services, will be included.

To date, the Smart Ticketing project has spent approximately $2.668 million to support customers
in using the new system. This includes face-to-face support delivered by street teams, on platform
signage and announcements, flyers, social media posts, community engagement, wrapping of a
tram and bus in the Connecting Thread artwork and targeted education and behaviour change to
inform customers about the new technology.

Financial Year Expenditure (Actual) ('000)
2018–19 2
2019–20 178
2020–21 1260
2021–22 457
2022–23 771
Total to Date 2668

Educational advertising is vitally important when implementing a new payment system that
requires customers to use a device that they normally would not use. This is a core part of the
delivery of the project and will be of benefit when customers make the shift to alternative ways of
paying for public transport.

https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1621298060059119617

7 News--->https://youtu.be/FFne2_etCnA



Smart Ticketing on buses to begin

Is there a reason why Platform 1 at Roma street has smart ticketing validators, or is this in anticipation of the future bus rollout?

Brisbane Times---->Smart ticketing rollout extends to Brisbane Airtrain

QuoteVisitors to Brisbane can now tap on to the Airtrain with their bank cards, phones or other linked devices after south-east Queensland's smart ticketing system was extended to the airport.

I have been using the tap n pay feature for a while but over the last week or so it returns invalid card. Is this software issue with the gates? My phone is running Android 12 with the latest update of Google wallet and seems to be working fine elsewhere, but not with the smart ticketing equipment. **I have logged this with Translink for resolution although yet to hear back.

Email Translink 1:51pm 28th February 2023

You can now use Smart Ticketing for all train and tram travel🎉

Smart Ticketing is now available on Airtrain, which means you can tap in to Smart Ticketing for your travel between ANY station on ANY line across Queensland Rail (SEQ), Airtrain or G:link.

Simply tap on and off with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express debit card, credit card, or smart device to pay the same as an adult go card fare.

If you travel on a concession or transfer to a bus or ferry, you'll need to continue to use your go  card or purchase a paper ticket at this time (but don't worry, you'll be able to tap in soon!)

P.S go cards are still accepted on all Smart Ticketing equipment!

Bus | Ferry | Concessions

If you wish to travel on a concession fare, or transfer to a bus or ferry, please continue to use your go card or purchase a paper ticket. Your go card will still be accepted on all Smart Ticketing equipment! You'll be able to tap in soon, so keep an eye on your inbox, Translink's website and Facebook, for the latest news.

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1630443685224787968

https://translink.com.au/about-translink/projects-and-initiatives/smart-ticketing/faqs#bod1653880964889

SEQ Bus Trials

What is the new ticketing equipment on my bus?

We are installing new Smart Ticketing technology across Queensland's bus network. Replacing old go card validators, the new equipment is being progressively installed on Queensland buses, operator by operator, for go card use before new Smart Ticketing payment methods are activated for customers.

What does the new equipment look like?

The new Smart Ticketing equipment on buses features larger, brighter screens with simplified on-screen icons, sounds and messaging and is wrapped in Translink's 'The Connecting Thread' First Nations artwork.

Can I still use my go card on the new equipment on my bus?

Yes, you can still use your existing go card on new Smart Ticketing equipment.

How do I use my go card on the new equipment on my bus?

As you normally would, by tapping on at the start of each trip and tapping off at the end of each trip on your journey. 

We are progressively upgrading more than 13,500 devices across Queensland buses to make way for new ways to pay for customers with Smart Ticketing. 

When will ticketing equipment be upgraded on my bus? 

Smart Ticketing equipment is being progressively installed on the Caboolture Bus Lines fleet for go card use before a trial of new Smart Ticketing payment methods is activated for customers. Smart Ticketing equipment will be progressively installed on Queensland buses, operator by operator over the coming months.

When will Smart Ticketing be available on buses?

Following the successful installation and testing of Smart Ticketing equipment, customer trials of new ways to pay for travel will be progressively activated, operator by operator, in 2023.

When activated, customers will be able to use a contactless Visa, Mastercard or American Express debit or credit cards, including cards in the digital wallet of their smartphone, smart watch or other wearable devices.

Where is the new equipment located on my bus?

Smart Ticketing equipment is located inside the buses near the doors where old go card equipment was located.

Why was Caboolture Bus Lines selected for the first bus trial?

Caboolture Bus Lines was selected as the first operator to trial Smart Ticketing equipment because it ranks highly in how streamlined and condensed customer journeys are compared to other operators. A low percentage of customers transfer from Caboolture Bus Lines to another bus operator which minimises any disruption or confusion for customers during the first bus trial.

Can I use Smart Ticketing to transfer between train and bus?

Smart Ticketing is available for travel between all G:link, Queensland Rail (SEQ) and Airtrain stations. Customers can not use Smart Ticketing to transfer between the train and bus as the new equipment installed on bus is for go card use only. If you are transferring from a train or travel on a concession fare, please continue to use your go card during this time.