Smart system revving up on buses

Hornibrook Bus Lines (HBL) is the latest fleet to have Smart Ticketing equipment installed as the new technology rollout speeds up.

All 64 buses in the HBL fleet – which serves the Moreton Bay region from depots at its base in Clontarf, North lakes and Lawnton - will be fitted with the Smart Ticketing system.

Translink says the new equipment will then be tested before customer trials later this year.

Hornibrook Bus Lines is the latest bus operator to have the equipment installed, with work already complete on the 62-vehicle fleet of Caboolture Bus Lines.

The installation of Smart Ticketing devices on the 83-bus fleet of Kangaroo Bus Lines, based in Burpengary, and 47 Thompson Bus Service vehicles in Joyner is also progressing.

Translink’s program will see the progressive fit-out of Smart Ticketing equipment on more than 3000 buses across Queensland.

As a part of the trial, passengers can tap on and off using a Visa, Mastercard or American Express contactless debit or credit card, smartphone, smart watch or smart device to pay the same adult go card fare. Commuters can still use go cards on Smart Ticketing equipment.

The new payment methods have been a hit with SEQ train users and G:link tram customers, with more than five million adult trips now taken using Smart Ticketing technology.

“It's a big job to install a Smart Ticketing device on every urban bus across the state but the rollout continues to ramp up,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.

"Testing is being carried out on the bus fleets with the devices installed to ensure they are ready for customer trials.

"The five million trips milestone proves the popularity of the Smart Ticketing payment methods, and we know many bus users look forward to being able to use the technology later in the year.”

The State Government says the system will put South-East Queensland on a par with such as London, Singapore and New York.