QLD Smart Ticketing - Open Payment

[Gazza]

No

[verbatim9]

No

They did hint of that accepting credit and debit cards by the end of the year, enhancing the trial

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> MasterCard, AMEX, smartwatches and smartphones can pay for Gold Coast Light Rail from Monday, but not VISA $

... Travellers on the Gold Coast Light Rail will be able to touch on and off using smartphones, MasterCard or AMEX and smartwatches from Monday, when the first stage in a $371 million upgrade to the go card network goes live.

But commuters interchanging from tram to train or bus will still have to pay their fare using either paper tickets or go cards, and Visa hasn't yet signed on to the new system, which is expected to be rolled out fully across Queensland by the end of 2022. ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1337052113969557508

[verbatim9]

It's good that it's progressing and that Amex has also signed up.

[verbatim9]

The Translink site is usually updated the next business day, which is likely today since the article was released last night.

[ozbob]

Using paywalled media to release information is not satisfactory.

[ozbob]

LOL

Government Statement issued at 8am this morning..

====

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/91132

Smart ticketing touches on for the first time on Gold Coast

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Gold Coast commuters will become the first in Queensland to be able to pay for trips using their smartphones, debit or credit cards and smart watches.

As part of the Palaszczuk Government's $371 million statewide smart ticketing project, recently-installed devices installed at Gold Coast tram stations will from Monday, December 14 trial MasterCard, AMEX and smart technology payment methods in addition to the existing go card and paper ticket system.

It marks a huge milestone for the trial, which is expected to rollout across Queensland over the next three years and brings ticketing in the sunshine state into line with other systems in Singapore, New York, Chicago and London.

"The Palaszczuk Government is building light rail to Burleigh, three new train stations on the Gold Coast and now Australia's sixth largest city will lead the way on new ways to pay," Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.

"Because of Queensland's strong health response to COVID-19, Queensland is good to go. And with thousands of interstate travellers expected to flock to the Gold Coast over the summer holidays, they'll now be able to travel on our iconic trams without having to use a go card.

"It's a huge coup for the city's $12 billion tourism and hospitality industry alongside our other tourism initiatives and our record $4 billion spend on Gold Coast roads and transport that'll support jobs as part of Queensland's economic recovery.

"As part of the ongoing trial, commuters will simply have to touch their MasterCard, AMEX or smart device to the ticketing machine before hopping on board a tram, and tapping off when they depart.

"TransLink staff will be on the ground throughout the trial to help commuters with the system and take on board any feedback.

"As we continue to develop the smart ticketing system, we hope to introduce more ways for commuters to be able to pay for their trip.

Commuters will be able to pay with their devices at any of the Gold Coast's 19 light rail stations:

Helensvale
Parkwood
Parkwood East
Gold Coast University Hospital
Griffith University
Queen Street
Nerang Street
Southport
Southport South
Broadwater Parklands
Main Beach
Surfers Paradise North
Cypress Avenue
Cavill Avenue
Surfers Paradise
Northcliffe
Florida Gardens
Broadbeach North
Broadbeach South

"Public transport bore the brunt of the global virus with patronage down 80 per cent at one stage, but we've kept services running and continued to invest in better public transport as commuters return to buses, trams, ferries and trains. Patronage is now back to just over 66 per cent of pre-COVID levels.

"We've frozen fares for 2021, and we'll keep building major public transport projects like Cross River Rail, light rail and upgrades to the Sunshine Coast line, so we can create jobs now and will support growing communities for decades to come.

Elements of the system were previously trialled on North Stradbroke Island, Innisfail, Bowen, Maryborough and Hervey Bay buses.

"Today's milestone means that in just three years commuters in Queensland will have one ticket system from Cairns to Coolangatta."

TransLink's Matt Longland said TransLink, G:link and technology partner Cubic were working together to deliver a better experience for our customers.

"We're getting a world-class system that has the same DNA as in London, Chicago and Vancouver and is configured to accept all major card types and chips," Mr Longland said.

"So far, Mastercard and American Express have signed on early to support Smart Ticketing which is great and we are hopeful that other major card networks will follow in the future."

G:link Chairman John Witheriff said the new system would make a significant difference to how their customers travel across the network.

"Whether it's local commuters catching the G: to and from work each day or the thousands of visitors we see travelling across our network, this new system will offer more choice and greater convenience to them all," Mr Witheriff said.

"Customers can continue to use their go card or purchase paper tickets as usual, and for those taking advantage of the new ways they can pay with Smart Ticketing, we are encouraging them to prepare early, present one card or device to pay with, and make sure they tap on and off with that same payment method."

For more information visit www.translink.com.au

====

Obviously if travelling on a variety of modes you will be better of sticking to the go card for now.

Also if you receive concessions stick to go card.

[ozbob]

I am not able to find any information on the use of open payment from Monday.

I have emailed TransLink (staff)

====

11th December 2020

Dear ...

Sorry to bother you, but I am trying to find out where there is some specific information concerning the introduction of open payment on the light rail.

I assume the fares would be normal adult go card and no concessions.  Plus no journey caps etc. or is there if paid with the same card/device?

I have checked the TransLink web site and there is no new specific information that I can find.

Is it planned to put something up before Monday?

Thanks.

Robert

Etc.

[ozbob]

^ received a prompt response:

Yes initially it is for adult fares in terms of customers using their Mastercard or AMEX however future functions rolled out as part of the remaining 2 year project delivery will include concessions being able to be linked to customers debit and credit cards, mobile phones and smart watches.

Additional information will go live on our website on Monday morning in line with the start of the customer trial but if you have any questions you can email.

I can confirm that customers will pay the same fare using the new payment options as they do when they use their adult go-card.  This includes off-peak fares and the 8 & 50% frequent user discount.  Concession card holders will be reminded to continue to use their go card.

I understand to get the 8 & 50% discount the same card/device would have to used for the week in question.

Concessions not available but will be as the project advances.  This would require a user to have an account where their concession is established and then registering their bank card/device I would expect.

[STB]

Even though I'm a concession Go Card holder, I think I'll do a special trip next week to try it out.

[verbatim9]

^ received a prompt response:

Yes initially it is for adult fares in terms of customers using their Mastercard or AMEX however future functions rolled out as part of the remaining 2 year project delivery will include concessions being able to be linked to customers debit and credit cards, mobile phones and smart watches.

Additional information will go live on our website on Monday morning in line with the start of the customer trial but if you have any questions you can email.

I can confirm that customers will pay the same fare using the new payment options as they do when they use their adult go-card.  This includes off-peak fares and the 8 & 50% frequent user discount.  Concession card holders will be reminded to continue to use their go card.

^^It shouldn't be a hard process to expand that

I understand to get the 8 & 50% discount the same card/device would have to used for the week in question.

Concessions not available but will be as the project advances.  This would require a user to have an account where their concession is established and then registering their bank card/device I would expect.

Yeah I think it will go that way. They will eventually phase out concession cards and just have concession linked online. Similar to what they do now with the Go card and Uni/Centrelink concessions.

[ozbob]

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

Tap in to the Smart Ticketing trial on G:link

"Translink has been working closely with G:link to conduct the first trial of new Smart Ticketing payment methods in Queensland on Gold Coast Light Rail.

You can now tap on and off using a Mastercard or American Express contactless debit or credit card, smartphone or smart watch to pay for adult fares across the entire G:link network as part of the trial.

Whilst Mastercard and American Express have signed on early to support Smart Ticketing, we are hoping all leading bank schemes will follow suit to offer Smart Ticketing in the future."

"It's important you tap on and off with the same card or device when you are trialling Smart Ticketing across G:link.

If you are continuing your journey onto another mode of transport (such as a bus or train) or wish to travel on a concession fare, you will need to use your go card."

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

[verbatim9]

I wonder if it will honour the existing 10 dollar daily cap that they have place down there?

^^It would make sense if it did.

[achiruel]

I wonder if it will honour the existing 10 dollar daily cap that they have place down there?

^^It would make sense if it did.

The $10 cap isn't on go card though, it's on a special "go explore" card.

Given this likely has to be manually activated somehow, I very much doubt it will be available in early-stage trials.

[verbatim9]

From the Q&A

We have been trialling and testing for a number of months. More equipment and functionality will be added over several months as part of a progressive system trial

There is Top Up provision to load a 10 dollar pass onto a Go card from the ticket machines.

It would just make sense to include this in the trial, by having a 10 dollar daily cap while touching on and off with a MasterCard or American Express.

[verbatim9]

Was down the coast today and had the opportunity to test out the new equipment.

[ozbob]

^ thanks for the photographs 

[achiruel]

@verbatim9, did you use a go card or some other payment method?

I've used them a few times but always with go card, because I'm transferring from train and don't want to bother paying the extra fare.

[verbatim9]

@verbatim9, did you use a go card or some other payment method?

I've used them a few times but always with go card, because I'm transferring from train and don't want to bother paying the extra fare.

Just the Go Card as was transferring as well. I do have a MasterCard so I could use that via the Google pay App in the future.

[SurfRail]

I put the Mastercard functionality through its paces on Tuesday.  It only gives you a tick on the screen (naturally it won't show a bank balance).

Still a $1.00 hold sitting on my account as of today, so I assume it gets reconciled at the end of the week or after

• number of days.  One of many reasons I will continue to use a go card as my personal accounting is a lot simpler when I just put a lump sum on the thing periodically.

[ozbob]

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Documents/TableOffice/TabledPapers/2021/5721T58.pdf

Estimates Question Taken on Notice

No. 2

Asked on 11 December 2020

The Transport and Resources Committee asked the Minister for Transport and Main Roads

(HON M BAILEY) —
QUESTION:

Director-General, the payments to Cubic for the cost of running the go card network were
reported on until 2012 but are now not publicly reported. What are the current costs of the
contract with Cubic to run the go card network?

ANSWER:

I thank the Committee for the question.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has contracts with Cubic for the operational
management of the existing go card integrated ticketing system and to deliver a new Smart
Ticketing public transport payment system across Queensland.

The Queensland Government has allocated $371.1 million in capital funding to design, build
and implement the new Smart Ticketing solution that will roll out across the state, not just in
South East Queensland where the current go card system operates. This is in addition to the
existing budget allocation for the operation of the current go card system.

Cubic's operational payments associated with these contracts are commercial-in-confidence, as
are the total operating cost over the term of the contracts. However, the overall operational cost
of revenue collection will remain in line with world's best industry practice of under 10 per cent
of fare revenue.

I am advised that the figure included in the 2011–12 TransLink Transit Authority Annual Report
of $46.06 million included committed costs associated with previous ticketing arrangements for
the period until September 2016, incorporating operational costs and other project costs.

[verbatim9]

As a part of the smart ticketing project Maryborough and Harvey Bay buses can now be tracked in real time.

More here---> What's happening in Hervey Bay

[achiruel]

Look what I found hidden behind the building at the northern end of Gympie North station (toilet block/crew break room?).

[red dragin]

Staff testing perhaps?

[verbatim9]

Look what I found hidden behind the building at the northern end of Gympie North station (toilet block/crew break room?).

Staff testing perhaps?

Has it replaced an old one? Or just extra? Apparently the readers are meant to be at Northgate as well?

[achiruel]

Look what I found hidden behind the building at the northern end of Gympie North station (toilet block/crew break room?).

Staff testing perhaps?

Has it replaced an old one? Or just extra? Apparently the readers are meant to be at Northgate as well?

No, the old ones are still there, and you can't use this one yet (note "Out of Service" on the screen). It's also in a kind of obscure place, save I wouldn't have found it if I didn't walk the length of the platform and around all the buildings to kill time while waiting for the train.

[tazzer9]

I'm not sure if this is part of the next gen ticketing.  But all the ticket barriers at Helensvale are covered in bright yellow print saying that only Go-cards are accepted on QR.

This could be a bad way of saying the Gc explorer pass isn't valid, or they really don't want people travelling on paper tickets

[ozbob]

I'm not sure if this is part of the next gen ticketing.  But all the ticket barriers at Helensvale are covered in bright yellow print saying that only Go-cards are accepted on QR.

This could be a bad way of saying the Gc explorer pass isn't valid, or they really don't want people travelling on paper tickets

Also for folks using Mastercard or American Express on G:link
https://translink.com.au/about-translink/projects-and-initiatives/smartticketing/glink

[achiruel]

I'm not sure if this is part of the next gen ticketing.  But all the ticket barriers at Helensvale are covered in bright yellow print saying that only Go-cards are accepted on QR.

I think it's a way of telling people they can't use their card/NFC-enabled device to travel on QR (unlike the Glink tram, which you can use those payment methods on).

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/91594

Smart ticketing milestone reached in smart time as Games hero hops on-board
4th March 2021

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

More than 60,000 trips have already been taken in Queensland's first trial of the Palaszczuk Government's $371 million smart ticketing system.

Gold Coast light rail commuters have taken to using their American Express and Mastercards, smartphones and smart watches to conveniently pay for adult-fare tram travel in one of the fastest uptake rates of any global ticketing trial.

The milestone comes as Taliqua Clancy, a Commonwealth Games silver medallist beach volleyballer and proud First Nations Queenslander, has become the smart ticketing ambassador and voice of its Indigenous mascot, Marlu the kangaroo.

Ms Clancy, who became the first Indigenous Australian to compete in Olympic beach volleyball at the 2016 Games in Rio, is on track to compete at this year's Olympics after winning the national title with Mariafe Artacho del Solar last month.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the achievement showed commuters had embraced the trial since it was launched on Gold Coast light rail network in December.

"Reaching more than 60,000 trips so quickly shows we're on the right track with this technology, and with our investments in light rail and public transport on the Gold Coast," Mr Bailey said.

"By giving locals and visitors more convenient ways to pay for public transport, it'll help provide a shot in the arm for the city's $12 billion tourism and hospitality industry alongside our record $4 billion spend on Gold Coast roads and transport.

Mr Bailey said while the Gold Coast was the first trial area in Queensland, plans were on track to roll out the new system across South East Queensland and 18 regional urban networks by the end of 2022.

"Public transport bore the brunt of the global virus with patronage down 80 per cent at one stage.

"But with a strong response to COVID-19 so far and now the rollout of vaccines, Queensland is the place to be with commuters coming back online and the sunshine state powering ahead with a $56 billion infrastructure guarantee.

"From Coolangatta to Cairns, very soon Queensland will have one seamless system to catch a bus, train, tram or ferry."

Ms Clancy, a Wulli Wulli and Goreng Goreng woman born and raised in Kingaroy, said she was proud to be involved with the project, which celebrated and recognised Indigenous culture through Marlu and First Nations artwork on ticket validators and a G:link tram.

Marlu has begun appearing on G:link trams and platform signage and radio ads have also started to inform and raise awareness about the smart ticketing project and the more ways to pay.

"First Nations history and culture is something that is immensely important to me and very close to my heart, so I'm excited to join the smart ticketing project with its prominent Indigenous ties," Ms Clancy, 28, said.

"The kangaroo is a beloved and recognised Australian icon that connects with both locals and tourists, and the Marlu character is one that really resonated with me.

"In bringing the voice of Marlu to life, I wanted to create a shared sense of connection for everyone that uses the G:link and I think we've been able to do that.

"The current smart ticketing trial is a big step forward for public transport in Queensland and I think Marlu is the perfect representative for the project.

"I have no doubt G:link users will connect with Marlu just as much as I have, while the First Nations artwork created by Quandamooka artist Elisa Jane Carmichael on ticketing validators and G:link tram number 15 is a wonderful representation of Indigenous people and our culture."

RACQ Head of Public Policy Rebecca Michael said the state-wide introduction of smart ticketing technology would be a game-changer for Queensland.

"Commuters on the Gold Coast have experienced first-hand how much easier catching public transport can be when using this world-class tap and go technology," Dr Michael said.

"Now more than ever public transport needs to be seamless and accessible to help reduce traffic congestion by encouraging commuters out of their cars and onto buses, trains and trams.

"Not being required to have a loaded go card, a paper ticket or cash handy will help increase Queensland's public transport usage and will be especially helpful for our interstate visitors, who often get caught without a Go-Card or pre-paid ticket handy."

New ticketing equipment, including validators, were installed at all 19 G:link stations to enable the contactless payment trial between Helensvale and Broadbeach South tram stations.

TransLink's smart ticketing will service one of the largest geographical areas of any ticketing system in the world and will be able to adapt to future growth and technology.

For more information on the Gold Coast trial or smart ticketing project, visit translink.com.au/smartticketing or phone 13 12 30.

To plan your travel, visit translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.

ENDS

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1374515052187897856

[verbatim9]

I noticed that Glink is now accepting Visa, as part of the rollout.

[Stillwater]

Noticed these smart ticketing machines at Glasshouse Mountains railway station ... with a sign saying 'not in service'. Yet.

[verbatim9]

Noticed these smart ticketing machines at Glasshouse Mountains railway station ... with a sign saying 'not in service'. Yet.

^^

With reports of readers at train stations heading north, looks like the Sunshine coast line will be next phase.

[SurfRail]

Given patronage involved and that most of it is either local or going to the Brisbane CBD area, I expect the Sunshine Coast line is an ideal pilot area.

[Fares_Fair]

Stations with smart ticketing machines to date:
Albion
Beerwah
Eumundi
Glasshouse Mountains
Gympie North
Murrumba Downs
Northgate
Petrie
Strathpine
Woombye

[Fares_Fair]

Customers will be able to use Smart Ticketing on the heavy rail network by the end of 2021.

[verbatim9]

I saw someone using the new smart ticketing reader at Albion Station the other day.

[ozbob]

>> https://translink.com.au/about-translink/projects-and-initiatives/smart-ticketing/info