Perth commuters can now tap on and off public transport using contactless debit and credit cards, phones, and smart watches from today, marking one of the biggest changes to the state’s public transport system since SmartRider launched 18 years ago.
The rollout of contactless payments across buses, trains, and ferries is a major milestone of the SmartRider Upgrade Project, which has seen more than 4,000 validators replaced across the network and all Add Value Machines upgraded to new SmartRider Hubs.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, “From 8 December, people will have significantly more choice and flexibility in how they choose to pay for public transport, which will support more usage across our suburbs and regions.”
Regional passengers in Bunbury, Busselton, Kalgoorlie, Esperance, and Albany can also use contactless payments from today, with the rollout extending to Geraldton, Karratha, and Port Hedland before the end of the year.
How the new system works
Passengers using contactless payments will be charged at the current Transperth cash rate, up to a maximum of $5.20 per single journey anywhere on the network. From January 1st, 2026, this drops to a maximum cash rate of $3.50 for contactless payments on a single journey.
The State Government confirmed there will be no additional surcharge for passengers using the new payment options, with the Government absorbing the cost of surcharges levied for the technology.
Free travel on Sundays remains available for contactless users who tag on and off, but there are some key differences compared to SmartRider. Concession rates aren’t available for contactless payments; Pay-By-Plate machines must be used for station parking instead of SmartParker machines; and fares won’t be displayed on validators — instead, a final calculation is completed at the end of the day, and a single amount is charged.
Passengers must use the same card or device to tag on and off each journey, as failing to do so could result in a default fare being charged or the devices not being properly detected.
SmartRider still required for discounts
SmartRider will continue to play a key role in the system, providing access to SmartRider discounts, concession fares, SmartParker, and bike shelters.
The launch follows successful trials with selected participants over the last two months to ensure readiness for the wider rollout. Pay-By-Plate parking machines are also being progressively upgraded to accept debit and credit cards.
Saffioti added, “With the introduction of our flat fare from 1 January, it’s never been more affordable and easier to jump on public transport, and I expect these measures will see a significant surge in the number of people choosing to use buses, trains and ferries.”
