QLD Smart Ticketing - Open Payment

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/957290630811598848

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Go Card ticket system gets an overhaul as smartphones and credit cards take over

THE death of the multi-million $134 million Go Card ticketing system has begun with commuters to use bank cards and even their smartphones to ride on the state's public transport network.

The Sunday Mail can reveal a trial is set to start later this year or early in 2019 to test drive the newest way to pay for travel.

Travellers will eventually no longer need to pay up to $10 for a Go Card to travel on Queensland's TransLink system and can instead "tap and go" to pay for their commute.

News Corp has been told the new technology could initially begin through a trial on Brisbane's Airtrain service for airport commuters.

Findings would be used to determine the success of the technology before it's deployed across the southeast's public transport network including every train station, ferry, bus and tram.

The move is expected to speed up tapping on and off services and eliminate the need for commuters to carry multiple cards.

A TransLink spokesman told the Sunday Mail:

"The future of public transport ticketing across Queensland's TransLink network will involve credit and debit card contactless payments,'' he said.

"We have been working closely with a number of companies to explore world-class technology solutions to upgrade the current go card ticketing system."

The spokesman said a number of short-listed parties have been asked to propose a
wide range of technology solutions and "must include the use of contactless bank cards to pay for trips."

"The procurement process is expected to be finalised in 2018 before a trial in 2018/19,'' he said.

The Go Card system was developed by Cubic Corporation after they were awarded the multi-million contract in 2003 to design, build, operate and also maintain the new smartcard ticketing system.

It was rolled out in Brisbane 10 years ago and more than 1.2 billion trips have been taken since its introduction — this includes about 3 million Go Card trips per week.

More than 9.2 million Go Cards have been issued and have been used on 87.1 per cent of all trips taken across the TransLink network in the April to June quarter of 2017.

This is up from 86.8 per cent for the same quarter in 2016.

Commuters with contactless payment technology within their smartphone or smartwatch could also use their devices to pay once the new technology is rolled out.

On some peak bus services commuters must have a valid Go Card or paper ticket before boarding the bus which can catch out those with insufficient funds on their cards.

Such contactless technology is already in use at more than 80 locations across the world including London's transport network which uses the acclaimed Oyster card.

It is understood technology in Melbourne's Myki network and Sydney's Opal network has already been implemented but is yet to be turned on for customers to use.

University of Melbourne enterprise fellow for cyber security Dr Greg Adamson said it was important people were assured their personal details would be safe if using bank cards to travel.

"One of the problems is how do we know a particular organisation has the capacity to protect information,'' Dr Adamson said.

"What is the mechanism to make sure the information stays where it needs to stay?"

[kram0]

Wasn't the government going to announce the winning company in 2017 and did the election delay this?

In my opinion as someone who uses the Oyster card system often when in London, just go with the same proven, reliable systems that London Transport has refined with Cubic over the last 10-15 years. This will help for a smooth implementation with minimal teething problems as it is such a refined platform.

[ozbob]

Folks worried over at the CM Facebook.  I wish they would phrase things properly.

I left this:

Robert Dow Relax. Will always be a go card (or equivalent) open payment methods are additional. So if you don't have a smart phone or a credit card do not fret!

[ozbob]

Just completed an interview with 9 News re NGT and open payment etc. 

[James]

This statement has been grossly misinterpreted by the media - dare I use the phrase "fake news" to describe some of the headlines.

Fundamentally, the new system means a significant software update which will hopefully bring our machines into the next decade. I think the current system still runs on Windows 2000 or something like that? It was cutting edge at the time, but the technology in the other states is now superior. Systems like open payment, passes and so forth will just be some of the new things which come with upgraded technology.

[verbatim9]

Makes sense to touch on and off with credit or debit cards virtual or physical. Great for casual users and tourists.

[verbatim9]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/957290630811598848

Couriermail --> Go Card ticket system gets an overhaul as smartphones and credit cards take over

THE death of the multi-million $134 million Go Card ticketing system has begun with commuters to use bank cards and even their smartphones to ride on the state's public transport network.

The Sunday Mail can reveal a trial is set to start later this year or early in 2019 to test drive the newest way to pay for travel.

Travellers will eventually no longer need to pay up to $10 for a Go Card to travel on Queensland's TransLink system and can instead "tap and go" to pay for their commute.

News Corp has been told the new technology could initially begin through a trial on Brisbane's Airtrain service for airport commuters.

Findings would be used to determine the success of the technology before it's deployed across the southeast's public transport network including every train station, ferry, bus and tram.

The move is expected to speed up tapping on and off services and eliminate the need for commuters to carry multiple cards.

A TransLink spokesman told the Sunday Mail:

"The future of public transport ticketing across Queensland's TransLink network will involve credit and debit card contactless payments,'' he said.

"We have been working closely with a number of companies to explore world-class technology solutions to upgrade the current go card ticketing system."

The spokesman said a number of short-listed parties have been asked to propose a
wide range of technology solutions and "must include the use of contactless bank cards to pay for trips."

"The procurement process is expected to be finalised in 2018 before a trial in 2018/19,'' he said.

The Go Card system was developed by Cubic Corporation after they were awarded the multi-million contract in 2003 to design, build, operate and also maintain the new smartcard ticketing system.

It was rolled out in Brisbane 10 years ago and more than 1.2 billion trips have been taken since its introduction — this includes about 3 million Go Card trips per week.

More than 9.2 million Go Cards have been issued and have been used on 87.1 per cent of all trips taken across the TransLink network in the April to June quarter of 2017.

This is up from 86.8 per cent for the same quarter in 2016.

Commuters with contactless payment technology within their smartphone or smartwatch could also use their devices to pay once the new technology is rolled out.

On some peak bus services commuters must have a valid Go Card or paper ticket before boarding the bus which can catch out those with insufficient funds on their cards.

Such contactless technology is already in use at more than 80 locations across the world including London's transport network which uses the acclaimed Oyster card.

It is understood technology in Melbourne's Myki network and Sydney's Opal network has already been implemented but is yet to be turned on for customers to use.

University of Melbourne enterprise fellow for cyber security Dr Greg Adamson said it was important people were assured their personal details would be safe if using bank cards to travel.

"One of the problems is how do we know a particular organisation has the capacity to protect information,'' Dr Adamson said.

"What is the mechanism to make sure the information stays where it needs to stay?"

^^Thought an announcement on the tender was due as per previous articles?

[Mr X]

Great idea for tourists etc. Personally I'll stick with the go card.

[ozbob]

Great idea for tourists etc. Personally I'll stick with the go card.

Yo.  Having the additional payment options is particularly useful for visitors and other occasional users. 

This is good read > https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/pay-public-transport-london-oyster-contactless-best/

Presently with contactless on Oyster no concession fares.

I will be sticking to the equivalent of the go card in the NGT system too!

[verbatim9]

I don't think open payment with credit and debit cards can handle reward, frequent, or loyalty schemes? So having a virtual Go card or physical will be better for frequent users Just the default zones will be charged for a trip for the credit and debit touches. I think it works by taking a geocoded authorisation on the first touch on then when you touch off it then charges the appropriate fare. Not sure how it works for transfers. It may also create a virtual token or card number on a guest account then when the transfers are completed automatically charges the fare back to the card after 60mins after the final touch off which is the default transfer time?

[Derwan]

Why does the media keep reporting that the Go Card will be "replaced"?  "The Death of the Go Card", etc.

As I understand it, the Go Card will continue - just like the Oyster card did in London.  People will have the OPTION of using open payment instead.

To me, the reporting on this is ill-informed and/or irresponsible.  Parents will start crying out because their kids don't have credit cards (obviously).

[ozbob]

Yo Derwan.  I spent a large part of yesterday calming down concerned punters.

Shocking effort.  The go card or equivalent will be there, the other payment options are good but they are additional in the NGT.

The same hysterical yarn ran in Sydney for Opal and Melbourne for Myki.

This is been explained by TransLink et al too before in 2016.  The media forgets.  I did an interview with 9 News yesterday, my clarifying comments didn't make the cut sadly ..

[ozbob]

This is the 9 News effort.  My important clarifying comments did not make the cut sadly ...
I carefully explained the base cards will remain the open payment options are additional.  They are scaring some of the poor punters witless.
I have contacted the Minister suggesting that this be clarified officially (again) ..



https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/957527220129443840

[Cazza]

^It's all to do with the "Sensationalism" that the media want to produce.

[verbatim9]

Here is a 3 page PDF explaining Open Payment for Public Transportation.

[ozbob]

Here is a 3 page PDF explaining Open Payment for Public Transportation.

Thanks.  Good overview!

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 13th February 2018 page 15

Card remains the go on network

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/963091894870814720

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

13th February 2018

Some confusion in punter land re Next Generation Ticketing

Good Morning,

It is important that people realise that the Next Generation Ticketing (NGT) system will still have a base go card equivalent.  There was much concern with some of the public following a number of articles that seemed to suggest that unless they had a smart phone etc. they would not be able to use public transport.  This is not the case of course.

This is clearly stated here > https://translink.com.au/about-translink/projects-and-initiatives/next-generation-ticketing

Today the Queensland Times has published a letter to the Editor that helps to clarify the situation.



Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/963096227440033793

[ozbob]

Queensland Times 14th February 2018 page 8

Go cards not being scrapped

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/963518453956030464

[Matt]

Hi Robert,
                   No wonder there is confusion when the media tells us that the Go Cards are to be replaced, when they actually stay and the visa/mastercard are a supplement, great for tourists and visitors to the cities.
I wonder how the credit/debit cards know how much to charge you , are they a 'one charge fits all'.
Thanks , Matt.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/IntelTransport/status/980370537250729985

[verbatim9]

Melbourne Age --> Farewell myki cards? Trial for app to let you touch on with your phone

In reference to the trial of virtual cards and touching on and off with a credit or debit card. Anything been set in stone for the trial on the Airport line as yet?

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Farewell myki cards? Trial for app to let you touch on with your phone

In reference to the trial of virtual cards and touching on and off with a credit or debit card. Anything been set in stone for the trial on the Airport line as yet?

Not that I have heard ..

[verbatim9]

Melbourne Age --> Farewell myki cards? Trial for app to let you touch on with your phone

In reference to the trial of virtual cards and touching on and off with a credit or debit card. Anything been set in stone for the trial on the Airport line as yet?

Not that I have heard ..

Thanks, hopefully soon.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Budget 2018: Go Card to be replaced by mobile app

PUBLIC transport ticketing is set to be revolutionised with commuters able to pay for their trips from a range of smart devices in an attempt to lessen the need for a Go Card in the future.

Mobile phones, smart watches and credit cards will all be able to be used to pay for a fare on Queensland public transport under a plan to make it easy for anyone to use services.

Trials are expected to begin later this year after $371 million was committed over four years to refine the service.

Almost $90 million has been allocated for the upcoming financial year to begin the implementation of the technology with a further $2 million allocated for a trial and pilot program.

Treasurer Jackie Trad said she expected the change in ticketing to contribute to an increased amount of public transport fares.

"We know that when we make public transport more convenient, more people get on board," she said.

"Part of that is making paying for a fare easy and accessible."

Ms Trad said that while a final design for the project was yet to be decided on, it would be aimed at giving commuters "more flexibility" when it came to ticketing options.

The move would not signal the end of the Go Card or physical ticket for casual users.

"New technologies including using wearable devices, your smart phone or credit and debit cards to pay for public transport are all on the table in addition to the existing go card and paper ticket options," she said.

"We are finalising a global procurement process and expect to be able to announce the successful proponent in the near future.

"The project will then move into the design and implementation phase, with a trial of the new system to roll out during 18/19."

The majority of the funding for the new program is expected to roll in during 2019-20, with $104 million allocated towards the project along with a further $176 million over the following two years.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1006570262408527872

[ozbob]

Been booked for an interview with 9 News re the NGT.  Important to point out that a go card will remain, the open payment options are just optional alternates.  I wish they would spell that out in the press as if they don't it always results in but " I don't have a smart phone or bank card etc. " feedback and yelps   ...   

https://translink.com.au/about-translink/projects-and-initiatives/next-generation-ticketing

Next Generation Ticketing

TransLink are working to develop a world-class ticketing system to make catching public transport even easier!

While go cards and paper tickets will continue to exist, Next Generation Ticketing (NGT) will allow us to:

    Upgrade our current ticketing system to include technological advancements, and support future innovation
    Redefine how passengers pay for public transport, including options such as 'tap and go' bank cards, smartphones and smart devices
    Advance to an online account based system.

The successful technology solution provider is likely to be announced in 2018.

[verbatim9]

Another game changing aspect of the project is it will be statewide not just in the South East which will be great for tourists local and casual users. It will be excellent to Tap on with the same card in Se Qld, Cairns, Toowoomba, Warwick, Mackay, Townsville, Bundaberg, Strandbroke Island, Magnetic Island, Mt Isa as well as other jurisdictions not mentioned.

https://www.itnews.com.au/news/qld-budget-pumps-380m-into-go-card-refresh-493534

Next-gen ticketing system to allow payment via smartphones, wearables.

The Queensland government will pour $379 million into the late-running refresh of its Go Card public transport electronic ticketing system.

The funding, drawn from today's 2018-19 state budget, will be provided to the Department of Transport and Main Roads over the next four years.

The new statewide system will provide long awaited "customer facing functionality including payment by contactless debit and credit cards, mobile phones and wearables in addition to go card and paper tickets".

[SurfRail]

If the ticketing system is harmonised, the fares for Toowoomba, Stradbroke, the Sunshine Coast hinterland and Kilcoy should all be brought into the SEQ zonal system so there are no fare penalties or other anomalies.

[matlock]

Melbourne Age --> Farewell myki cards? Trial for app to let you touch on with your phone

In reference to the trial of virtual cards and touching on and off with a credit or debit card. Anything been set in stone for the trial on the Airport line as yet?

lmao, the Airport Line doesn't even have a business case. Turnbull just threw money at it, because apparently no business case is better than a supposedly sh%t one (CRR).

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1006815860437155841

[achiruel]

If the ticketing system is harmonised, the fares for Toowoomba, Stradbroke, the Sunshine Coast hinterland and Kilcoy should all be brought into the SEQ zonal system so there are no fare penalties or other anomalies.

Would you include Gympie (Polleys Bus Device) in that as well? In some ways it makes more sense than Towoomba as they (sort of) connect with an existing SEQ service.

[verbatim9]

Melbourne Age --> Farewell myki cards? Trial for app to let you touch on with your phone

In reference to the trial of virtual cards and touching on and off with a credit or debit card. Anything been set in stone for the trial on the Airport line as yet?

lmao, the Airport Line doesn't even have a business case. Turnbull just threw money at it, because apparently no business case is better than a supposedly sh%t one (CRR).

I should of said Brisbane Airport line. I was making reference to ticketing, not the proposed Melbourne Airport rail link.

[SurfRail]

If the ticketing system is harmonised, the fares for Toowoomba, Stradbroke, the Sunshine Coast hinterland and Kilcoy should all be brought into the SEQ zonal system so there are no fare penalties or other anomalies.

Would you include Gympie (Polleys Bus Device) in that as well? In some ways it makes more sense than Towoomba as they (sort of) connect with an existing SEQ service.

I suppose, but there is much less use in it in their case.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1007246437158023168

[achiruel]

$371 million? WTF? Surely that can't be right?