QLD Smart Ticketing - Open Payment

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1139702291286515712

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

[ozbob]

ABC --> Train and bus ticketing via phones and plastic to be tested in regional Queensland

Key points:
Queensland is set to move beyond Go Cards for transport ticketing, via a system already in use overseas
The system is being used in London and is currently being trialled on the New York subway
It will be the first time Queensland has the same public transport ticketing system statewide

Paying for trains and buses with mobile phones and credit cards in a system being used in London and trialled in New York is set to be rolled out in regional Queensland later this year.

It will take Queensland one step beyond the Go Card system, although fans of the current tap-and-go system will be able to stick with it if they choose.

The new system allows train, bus and ferry rides to be paid for with the swipe of a credit or debit card, smartphone wallet or smartwatch, and has been implemented by transport giant Cubic in London, Vancouver, Chicago and Sydney.

Three weeks ago, Cubic president Matt Cole launched a pilot in New York, the largest mass transit system in the United States, where the $US573 million ($837 million) system has been dubbed OMNY (One Metro New York).

"There's common DNA in these systems and so New York is the launch of many of our new range of products, many of which will go into the Queensland Go Card upgrade, which we are also working on with TransLink," Mr Cole said.

The project in Queensland comes with a $371 million price tag, but unlike systems interstate and overseas, it will take in regional cities including Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and the Gold Coast.

"You should expect to see something of a pilot in the regional areas maybe toward the end of the year and something in south-east Queensland around this time next year," Mr Cole said.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said it required the adjustment of 13,000 pieces of equipment but would be the first time Queensland had the same ticketing system across the state's public transport network.

"We will trial it on different modes and in different areas first so that we test it and we make sure any glitches get ironed out and then it will be progressively rolled out until we are looking at a launch date for the whole state in 2021-22," Mr Bailey said.

A Go Card lets you travel on all TransLink bus, train, ferry and tram services across the greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast regions.

"Our intention is to keep the Go Card and paper tickets and make it a voluntary thing," Mr Bailey said.

"But what we find in cities around the world who have done this, is people quickly see the advantages of it and a lot of people move on.

"But if the Go Card suits you or paper tickets suits you that's OK. We have no plans to take them out."

Ticketless travel in Queensland:

2003 — Cubic wins contract to implement Go Card

2006 — Pilot of Go Card on Hornibrook Bus Lines

2008 — Go Card launches across South East Queensland

2015 — Cubic signs an extension to operate Go Card until September 2019

2018 — Cubic wins $371m contract to supply next generation contactless payment system

2019 — pilot of new system scheduled to begin in regional areas

2021-22 — planned launch for state-wide network

[verbatim9]

^^I wonder if the QLD Government will sign up with American Express like in NSW? Most Amex cards are attached to generous frequent flyer schemes. Earning points this way can be a game changer for
many Amex users.

[verbatim9]

I wonder if Labor can co-operate with the banks on this one. The current State Labor Government has demonstrated in the past they are not interested working with private enterprise and letting it thrive. (Unless it's a union mate or a staffer of the Premier) I guess this will be a Liberal iniative in Qld?

https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6563.msg225226.msg#225226

[verbatim9]

I wonder if Labor can co-operate with the banks on this one. The current State Labor Government has demonstrated in the past they are not interested working with private enterprise and letting it thrive. (Unless it's a union mate or a staffer of the Premier) I guess this will be a Liberal iniative in Qld?

https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6563.msg225226.msg#225226

Does anyone think that Cubic will also be in Partnership with CommBank for the Qld Next Generation Smart Ticketing rollout? Offering the same features and functionalities? Westpac were the provider of EFT and Credit Card transactions through the GO Card top up machines, but maybe this contract could be coming to an end? @Ozbob?

[verbatim9]

There was a new proposed static reader on show at the Translink booth at the Ekka. They were taking a survey about the design to see if it's suitable

They asked about the height of the reader
They mentioned the default responses on screen being a big tick for accepted A big cross  for card not accepted or insufficient funds or explanation mark for tap again or seek further information.
They mentioned if the tilt of the screen was suitable
The also mentioned where the most suitable spot would be to touch on or off (On screen or on top of the reader?)

[verbatim9]

^^They didn't have the ticket gates concept nor the bus or ferry concept. I did mention for ticket gates it's easier to place the scanner flat and horizontal on top of the gate. The accessible gate should have two places where to scan two thirds up the side of the gate and also on top. They need to ensure people scanning with phones and watches don't need to bend over at any scanner so height of the scanners are imperative and important. The height of this static scanner was a bit taller than what they have now but the screen is a bit low for people with watches and phones,  which can be awkward for many people.

Thoughts from anyone else who have attended the stand or have been to Sydney or New York in the last 6 months and experienced the new generation scanners on buses and ststions there?

[kram0]

Hopefully they don't try to reinvent the wheel as we should only be making minor adjustments to the system we implement. Systems in London (oyster) and Sydney (opal) have already done the heavy lifting/testing.

[verbatim9]

These are the New Generation Cubic readers in New York most likely to be rolled out in Queensland?



https://youtu.be/KpfDuDYUmRg

[verbatim9]

These are the New Generation Cubic readers in New York most likely to be rolled out in Queensland?

https://youtu.be/KpfDuDYUmRg

Fare gates

[verbatim9]

Sydney has these next generation static readers at stations. Very well designed, can scan four people at one time. Easily accessible for people touching on and off with phones and watches.  You could also add a laser beam to count people that go through to tally up non ticket holders. This can then be used to target stations with SNO's in relation to compliance issues.

[Golliwog]

Sydney has these next generation static readers at stations. Very well designed, can scan four people at one time. Easily accessible for people touching on and off with phones and watches.  You could also add a laser beam to count people that go through to tally up non ticket holders. This can then be used to target stations with SNO's in relation to compliance issues.

If the new readers can also read a paper ticket (barcode / magnetic strip / whatever) then you could also further rollout gated stations without needing to worry about the cost of having them staffed to allow people through when required as they currently do.

[SurfRail]

In Vancouver they don't have manned gatelines, they just have an exit ticket machine with the gates always shut.  In time you won't even need one, just open payment.

[ozbob]

Interview on ABC Radio Brisbane 21st August 2019  Host Steve Austin with Matt Longland DDG TransLink

General discussion on how TransLink and PT, including the new fare system throughout Queensland.

Here > https://backontrack.org/docs/abcbris/abcbris_ml21aug19.mp3 MP3 18.5 MB

NGRs 62 of 75 presently operating. 

72 in country.  3 still being built. 

Matt thinks Target400 is ' ambitious ' and double what they might expect, however he has left the door open for patronage gains greater than 300 million ...

( Matt thinks NGRs are in revenue service on all lines ...    not yet Matt ...)

Interview on @abcbrisbane 21 Aug 2019 Host Steve Austin @SteveAustinABC with Matt Longland DDG TransLink @TransLinkSEQ

General discussion on TransLink and PT, including the new fare system throughout Queensland.

Here > https://t.co/le3NAQL2Oi MP3 18.5 MB#qldpol pic.twitter.com/Cug2TtsFMK

— RAIL_BoT_Forum (@railbotforum) August 21, 2019

[verbatim9]

Interview on ABC Radio Brisbane 21st August 2019  Host Steve Austin with Matt Longland DDG TransLink

General discussion on how TransLink and PT, including the new fare system throughout Queensland.

Here > https://backontrack.org/docs/abcbris/abcbris_ml21aug19.mp3 MP3 18.5 MB

NGRs 62 of 75 presently operating. 

72 in country.  3 still being built. 

Matt thinks Target400 is ' ambitious ' and double what they might expect, however he has left the door open for patronage gains greater than 300 million ...

( Matt thinks NGRs are in revenue service on all lines ...    not yet Matt ...)

Interview on @abcbrisbane 21 Aug 2019 Host Steve Austin @SteveAustinABC with Matt Longland DDG TransLink @TransLinkSEQ

General discussion on TransLink and PT, including the new fare system throughout Queensland.

Here > https://t.co/le3NAQL2Oi MP3 18.5 MB#qldpol pic.twitter.com/Cug2TtsFMK

— RAIL_BoT_Forum (@railbotforum) August 21, 2019

Matt was very vague in relation to the fast rail project, but hinted at the need. He also didn't elaborate if American express was going to be accepted as a form of payment. Only visa and master card was mentioned.  His answer to touching on with a credit card at the Airport station came across as if the system was already in place there. Overall nothing new and very scripted answers in general. Matt must have it down pat

[verbatim9]

North Stradbroke Island and other regional areas chosen for the Next Generation Ticketing project trial.

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1166998171332907008

[verbatim9]

Qld prepares to trial smartphone payments for public transport

Itnews.com.au----->https://www.itnews.com.au/news/qld-prepares-to-trial-smartphone-payments-for-public-transport-530611

Qld prepares to trial smartphone payments for public transport

JUSTIN HENDRY SEPTEMBER 05, 2019


Passes enabling legislation for next-gen ticketing system.

The Queensland government is set to begin trialling its next generation public transport ticketing system after passing laws to allow commuters to use credit and debit cards and smartphones as tickets.

Transport minister Mark Bailey said a series of regional trials of the upgraded Go Card smart card system would take place from "late 2019" following passage of the state's Personalised Transport Ombudsman Bill.

"Trial sites include Innisfail and Bowen in North Queensland, as well as Minjerribah, otherwise known as North Stradbroke Island, Maryborough and Hervey Bay," he told the state's parliament this week.

"The regional trials will provide TransLink with an opportunity to test and refine elements of the smart ticketing system before it is rolled out across Queensland, including Townsville."

The new ticketing system is being rolled out by the government at the cost of $379 million to give commuters to option to pay with credit and debit cards and smartphones for the first time.

The upgrade will see new readers and faster fare gates installed across the public transport network, which will extend beyond the metropolitan south east to 18 rural areas, as well as an updated app.

Incumbent Go Card operator Cubic Transportation, which also delivers NSW's Opal Card and London's Oyster Card systems, was selected for the rollout in June 2018 after a three-year procurement process.

The bill, though primarily focused on creating a personalised transport ombudsman to resolve complaints, amends existing laws to support additional ticket types on the new system.

It enables the pilot by redefining the definition of ticket, so that it extends to contactless payment methods like debit and credit cards, smartphones and other wearables.

The bill also amends "existing provisions relating to unclaimed credit on passenger accounts to allow the continued use of unclaimed credit under the new smart ticketing solutions".

[tuxcomputers]

An open system only works with a fixed fare.  It can't handle variable fares so needs to be more expensive than the most expensive go card bus fare to work for buses.

Care to tell us ho you came to that conclusion>

[tuxcomputers]

Throwaway, low cost smart cards such as the MIFARE Ultralight should be seriously looked at.

I guess are unaware the MiFare has been cracked for quite some time.

Implementing an insecure card would not be very responsible of Translink would it?

[SurfRail]

An open system only works with a fixed fare.  It can't handle variable fares so needs to be more expensive than the most expensive go card bus fare to work for buses.

Care to tell us ho you came to that conclusion>

Perhaps he'll reply in 6+ years (although in his particular case I doubt it).

[STB]

TransLink has placed a blurb on their Facebook page about smart ticketing.

Getting close to an announcement of the details of the trial?

[verbatim9]

TransLink has placed a blurb on their Facebook page about smart ticketing.

Getting close to an announcement of the details of the trial?

We should organise a trip to Straddle when the trial begins. Train to Cleveland passenger ferry across to the island then trial the new ticketing system on the bus to the Stradbroke hotel for lunch then return back to Cleveland.

[verbatim9]

Go Cards will soon be obsolete, with a trial of new technology starting within weeks - aiming to speed up public transport. For the first time we can show you where the new system is being developed - and which areas will get it first. #7NEWS https://t.co/PnSkO6ZfYC

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1180044604034314241

[achiruel]

Go Cards will soon be obsolete, with a trial of new technology starting within weeks - aiming to speed up public transport. For the first time we can show you where the new system is being developed - and which areas will get it first. #7NEWS https://t.co/PnSkO6ZfYC

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1180044604034314241

Poor reporting by 7 News. Go Card aren't go anywhere, but additional options are being added.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Live trials for state's new smart ticketing begins at Central Station


TransLink's new Express lanes at Central Station.

South-east Queensland commuters' steady shift away from the Go Card will take its next step on Tuesday morning when express-lane trials are introduced at Brisbane's Central Station.

TransLink is trialling new express lanes for a month as it begins to design card readers at train stations for Queensland's new smart-ticketing system by 2022.

Eventually, an estimated 70 per cent of commuters will drop the Go Card altogether.

Instead they will use their mobile phone, a pay-wave enabled card, their smart watch, Fitbits, or possibly even a student card to pay for travel.

But TransLink general manager Martin Bradshaw said it was not curtains for the Go Card just yet.

"There will definitely be a card option in the future," he said.

"Whether or not it is called the Go Card, there are still decisions to be made around that."

Those trials of phones, cards and watches will begin, on various modes of public transport, from late 2020.

Mr Bradshaw said the next step was to research how commuters used Go Cards on the existing card readers.

Those usage patterns would then be incorporated into the new card readers as the 14,000 older ones are progressively replaced.

"We are trialling four gates at Central Station between 7am and 9am as express gates over the next month," Mr Bradshaw said.

"We have put in new readers – faster readers – and we have changed some of the settings on the gates.

"People will notice that the readers will operate faster and that the gates will not close automatically.

"We are trying to encourage commuters to walk straight up – touching on – and then walk straight through."

The idea was to modify settings on the existing card readers and the gates during the week to see which work most efficiently, he said.

The changes will be in place on the new card readers and new gates by the end of 2022, in time for greater Brisbane's underground Cross River Rail project to come online in 2024.

"We know for example that at the moment, the gates shut quite quickly and a lot of customers wait for the gates to shut and then move forward," he said.

"It is through a combination of improved technology and changed customer behaviour we can get a faster, better customer experience."

TransLink plans to have the smart-ticketing replacement for the Go Card in place by the end of 2022 at a cost of $371 million.

The month-long trial is being evaluated by Queensland University of Technology travel experts.

"They are going to provide an independent report showing what does work and what does not work," Mr Bradshaw said.

"Basically what the customers prefer."

The month-long customer behaviour survey on the existing Go Card readers and the results from the QUT report will be incorporated into the newer card readers and the new-generation gates at platforms.

"We will then be looking at how we set those up and how we calibrate those," Mr Bradshaw said

The new faster gates and card readers will next be combined with the new Euro Card, Mastercard, and Visa technologies.

"People will then be able to use their contact-less debit and credit cards, their smart watch, their phone or whatever," he said.

"...Around 70 per cent of adults will shift across to their debit card, credit card or smart watch device.

"The number of people using the traditional Go Card will be quite small."

Debit and credit card trials will begin in mid-2020.

"We will be rolling out the first trial sites for this in the middle of next year," Mr Bradshaw said.

Those trials will not begin on heavy rail, more likely on a less frenetic mode of transport, possibly CityCats or ferries, he said.

"We will then by trialling it 'mode by mode', which will ultimately have it rolled out across heavy rail, light rail, ferry and bus sometime in late 2021, early 2022," Mr Bradshaw said.

"We will also be rolling that same technology out in 18 regional centres as well; Mackay, Cairns and Townsville for example.

"So the 18 regional centres that have urban public transport they will be in line with the same contemporary technology that we have in south-east Queensland."

Existing Go Cards would continue to be usable, Mr Bradshaw said.

[SurfRail]

The TransLink website has been updated:

https://translink.com.au/about-translink/projects-and-initiatives/smartticketing

[ozbob]

The TransLink website has been updated:

https://translink.com.au/about-translink/projects-and-initiatives/smartticketing

Finally ... 

Meanwhile ...   

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1186405640035422208

[Gazza]

f****, they really are going with the pink are they for the rebrand?

First called, they want their livery back.

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2019/10/22/express-gates-put-smart-ticketing-in-the-fast-lane

Media Statements

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Express gates put Smart Ticketing in the fast lane

Queensland's new $371 million Smart Ticketing system is in the fast lane with an express gates trial at Brisbane's Central Station.

The express gates trial at the station will provide valuable insights into how customers use the gates and how they can be more effective in the future with the Palaszczuk Government's plan for a Smart Ticketing system across the state.

Four express gate exits are being trialled at the Edward Street gates and use a variety of visual and technological changes designed to improve customers' exit times during the month-long trial.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said commuters could try the revamped gates at Brisbane's busiest train station between 7am and 9am from October 22 to November 22 by simply using their go card.

"These trials and tests are part of building a world-class ticketing system for Queensland," Mr Bailey said.

"It's a crucial step in creating system that means all Queenslanders will be able to use their smartphone, smartwatch, credit card or debit to easily catch public transport.

"The trial will assist in understanding key customer behaviours at the gates and assist us in determining how we can improve all aspects of customer behaviour at gates.

"It will also be about listening to customers who have wanted faster gates, especially during peak times." 

TransLink staff will be on-hand to help customers use them.

The Palaszczuk Government has partnered with QUT for the trial and local research Spout Logic for the trial to deliver an independent academic research report on the key findings and recommendations for future gate improvements.

Researchers Professor Alexander Paz, Transport and Main Roads Chair and Associate Professor Jonathan Bunker from QUT's School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, said the trial would determine the future of the new, streamlined system for passengers.

"The Express Gates trial is consistent with TMR's goals as a customer-centric organisation. Before deploying major expensive changes to the existing system, TransLink is field-testing the effects on travellers, of alternative ways like this to operate fare gates," Professor Paz said.

"QUT is involved in the project to provide independent academic feedback about the results of the trial.  This will help TransLink in its decision-making about how best to serve its customers with new innovations."

The project will also see the installation of some of the new Smart Ticketing equipment on North Stradbroke Island Buses who will be trialling the driver unit and printer on Minjerribah later this month.

This trial will see local bus drivers working with the new on-board ticketing hardware to prepare for the future of public transport in Queensland.

Minjerribah will be the first of five regions to do so and will be followed by Innisfail, Bowen, Maryborough and Hervey Bay.

For more information on TransLink's Smart Ticketing project visit TransLink Smart Ticketing Project (external site).

ENDS

=============

" ... TMR's goals as a customer-centric organisation  ... "  could have fooled me ... 

[ozbob]

f****, they really are going with the pink are they for the rebrand?

First called, they want their livery back.

Yo.  Have a look here Gazza ( members only link ) > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=13614.msg224672#msg224672

[Golliwog]

Any idea why the express lanes are only 7am-9am weekdays?

[ozbob]

Any idea why the express lanes are only 7am-9am weekdays?

It is an observed research project. Guess they don't want to tie up their resources.

[tuxcomputers]

We should organise a trip to Straddle when the trial begins. Train to Cleveland passenger ferry across to the island then trial the new ticketing system on the bus to the Stradbroke hotel for lunch then return back to Cleveland.

You are aware that Straddie is paper tickets only?

[verbatim9]

We should organise a trip to Straddle when the trial begins. Train to Cleveland passenger ferry across to the island then trial the new ticketing system on the bus to the Stradbroke hotel for lunch then return back to Cleveland.

You are aware that Straddie is paper tickets only?

They must be testing the QR codes then? No contactless payments?

[SurfRail]

We should organise a trip to Straddle when the trial begins. Train to Cleveland passenger ferry across to the island then trial the new ticketing system on the bus to the Stradbroke hotel for lunch then return back to Cleveland.

You are aware that Straddie is paper tickets only?

It clearly won't be when the trial begins...

[verbatim9]

I used the existing upgraded gates at Central. Nothing special. The gates just stay open when you follow another person through. It is faster though. One just has to make sure you here the beep when you touch your card. Similar to Melbourne and Sydney. Once the new fare gates are installed you can probably see the card register. At the moment it's pretty hard to know if your card has successfully touched on other than hearing the beep.

[ozbob]

I used the existing upgraded gates at Central. Nothing special. The gates just stay open when you follow another person through. It is faster though. One just has to make sure you here the beep when you touch your card. Similar to Melbourne and Sydney. Once the new fare gates are installed you can probably see the card register. At the moment it's pretty hard to know if your card has successfully touched on other than hearing the beep.

Thanks.

[Gazza]

They dont necesarrily need to show the balance, but it should flash green or red like Sydney.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Commuters complain of $10 fee after using Central Station express lanes

Some frustrated commuters have been hit with a $10 maximum charge after their cards were not properly read at new express lane card readers at Brisbane's Central Station.

The four express lanes were launched at the station's Edward Street entrance on Tuesday morning, with gates remaining open to allow commuters to tap on and off faster during peak hours.

The month-long trial is part of TransLink's $371 million program to upgrade ticketing systems for commuters and data are being collected on how commuters use the gates.

TransLink expects commuters will one day be able to use smartphones, smartwatches, credit cards and debit cards to tap on and off, reducing reliance on Go Cards.

But commuters heading through the Central Station trial gates reported not being able to hear when their cards tapped on and off, or the machines not picking up their cards at all.

The result is a $10 maximum charge that commuters then have to call or lodge a claim online to dispute.

Multiple commuters took to TransLink and Queensland Rail's social media accounts to complain about problems using the gates, which operate as express lanes from 7am to 9am on weekdays and have staff on-hand to guide people through.

Some people complained using the gates caused more delays because they had use ticketing machines to double-check their cards had been read correctly.

A TransLink spokesperson said the department had received "great feedback" on the trial, particularly over the speed of the new gates.

"Most customers had no issue, but if any did receive a fixed fare [default fare when they don't touch off] between Tuesday and Wednesday as part of the trial, they can call TransLink on 13 12 30 for a refund," they said.

Users also complained they couldn't read the screen to see if their card had tapped on or off correctly.

The spokesperson said covers hiding the screen had been removed after feedback about customers still wanting to see their card balance.

Transport lobby group RACQ said multiple reports of commuters being hit by the $10 fine.

RACQ spokesperson Lauren Ritchie said there were always "teething problems" when new technology was trialled but it was disappointing commuters were paying the price.

"We urge people who've used the express lane this week to check their account and hope Translink does the right thing, by switching off the system until the bug is fixed and refund all those affected immediately," she said.

Ms Ritchie said commuters might be reluctant to try the new system, which would be a shame when we should be "embracing new technology".

The TransLink spokesperson said the organisation would ensure all trial feedback was incorporated into the design and development of the new gates, which are expected to roll out by 2022.

"TransLink thanks customers for taking the time to provide valuable feedback on the express gates trial," the spokesperson said.

" .. Transport lobby group RACQ  ... "