The State Government, in cooperation with QUT and Spout Logic, has launched the Smart Ticketing System express gates trial at Brisbane’s Central Station.
The one-month trial will run from 22 October to 22 November 2019. Operating hours are between 7am and 9am and the trial will involve four gate exits at the Edward Street gates which can be opened using a Go card.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said that these trials and tests are part of building a world-class ticketing system for Queensland public transport. The trial is aimed at providing insights into how Translink customers use the express gates and how they can be improved to be more effective in the future.
“It will also be about listening to customers who have wanted faster gates, especially during peak times,” Mr Bailey said.
For the trial, the Queensland University of Technology and Spout Logic have been tapped to provide an independent academic research report on the key findings and recommendations for future improvements.
“QUT is involved in the project to provide independent academic feedback about the results of the trial. This will help TransLink in its decision-making about how best to serve its customers with new innovations,” Professor Alexander Paz said.
Another trial will also be undertaken on North Stradbroke Island Buses which will test the new on-board ticketing hardware. After Minjerribah, four other regions will follow: Innisfail, Bowen, Maryborough, and Hervey Bay.
The $371-million Smart Ticketing System will enable customers to use their smartphones, smartwatch, credit card or debit, apart from the go cards and paper tickets, to pay for their ridep; introduction across the state and 18 regional urban centres is slated to commence by the end of 2022.