What’s happening?
As of December last year, Smart Ticketing has officially launched across all public transport modes in the Redlands region, marking a significant milestone in Queensland’s transit system.
Transdev Queensland buses and Southern Moreton Bay Island (SMBI) ferries are now equipped with contactless payment options, enabling passengers to pay using Visa, Mastercard, and American Express credit or debit cards, including those stored in digital wallets on smartphones, smartwatches, and wearable devices.
This expansion follows the earlier April 2024 rollout on Brisbane River ferries and means that every SEQ ferry service is now equipped with Smart Ticketing.
Why it matters?
The expansion of Smart Ticketing simplifies public transport access by removing the need for a physical go card in the Redlands region.
With a tap-on, tap-off system, commuters benefit from faster boarding times, improved convenience, and greater payment flexibility.
The broader rollout aligns with Queensland’s long-term plan for a fully integrated Smart Ticketing system.
Local Impact
- Redlands commuters can now seamlessly travel across train, bus, and ferry services using a single contactless payment method.
- Tourists and occasional users will find public transport easier and more accessible without needing to pre-purchase or top up a go card.
- The introduction of contactless payments on SMBI ferries supports island communities by enhancing transport connectivity.
By the numbers:
- 140,000+ trips have been taken using Smart Ticketing on buses since August 2024.
- 730,000+ ferry trips have already used Smart Ticketing, demonstrating strong adoption.
- Six additional bus operators in South East Queensland will join the rollout in the coming months.
Zoom In
Despite this advancement, some bus operators have yet to transition to Smart Ticketing. The installation of Smart Ticketing on regional urban buses will follow once the South East Queensland trial is rolled out on all travel modes.
Zoom Out
The Queensland Government continues to expand Smart Ticketing statewide, with regional urban buses set to follow once the SEQ trial is fully implemented.
What to look for next?
The remaining six SEQ bus operators will progressively transition to Smart Ticketing in the coming months, bringing full system integration one step closer.
