Cubic Transportation is go on Queensland public transport ticketing

Cubic Transportation Systems has been awarded the contract to design, build, and operate a new ticketing system for Queensland’s public transport system.

The project will be delivered in the next four years. First is design, development and implementation planning, then testing, ahead of information about the timeframes of the rollout.

“This is an exciting partnership that will provide Queenslanders with one of the most advanced, flexible and secure public transport payment systems in the world,” said Mark Bailey, Queensland’s Minister for Transport and Main Roads.

“This payment solution will bring more convenience and freedom of choice for commuters. We’re delighted that proven technology already used across London, Chicago and Vancouver will be further enhanced for the benefit of Queensland commuters.”

Smartphones, credit cards, wearables, and more

The go card will remain in use, with the new system introducing a number of new payment methods. While paying a fare with shoes might not be an option, when Cubic’s system goes live in Queensland fares will be payable with smartphones, credit cards, and wearable devices, such as the Apple Watch and Fitbits.

“go card has served SEQ commuters well for the last decade but we are now delivering a payment evolution offering more flexibility, increased accessibility and security. Having a more convenient payment system will also encourage more people to use public transport,” said Mr Bailey.

More of Queensland

In addition to being rolled out in population-heavy South-East Queensland, the system will benefit public transport customers in 18 areas of regional Queensland: Cairns, Innisfail, Townsville and Magnetic Island, Bowen, Airlie Beach and Proserpine, Mackay, Yeppoon, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg, Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Gympie, Sunshine Coast hinterland,  North Stradbroke Island, Kilcoy/Woodford to Caboolture, Toowoomba, and Warwick.

Not just ticketing

Another first as a result of this project will be the real-time tracking of public transport vehicles in regional Queensland.