- Passengers can now tag on and off with their credit or debit cards, digital wallets, and other wearable devices on Western Australia's public transport network
- Biggest change to WA's public transport system since SmartRider was introduced 18 years ago
- Cook Government delivering quality infrastructure and services for Western Australians by making public transport more accessible and affordable
- One-zone fare cap starts 1 January 2026
Public transport passengers can now enjoy the convenience of tagging on and off with their credit or debit cards, as well as digital wallets on their phones, smart watches, and other wearable devices.
The milestone marks one of the biggest changes to Western Australia's public transport system since SmartRider was introduced 18 years ago, giving passengers as well as visitors more choice and flexibility in how they choose to pay.
It follows successful trials over the past few months and marks a major step forward in the SmartRider Upgrade Project, which includes a range of improvements across the network.
SmartRider will continue to play a key role across our system, providing access to concession fares, SmartParker, and bike shelters.
Those travelling on public transport in Bunbury, Busselton, Kalgoorlie, Esperance, and Albany will also be able to use the new payment options from today.
The rollout will extend to Geraldton, Karratha, and Port Hedland before the end of this year.
There will be small differences for passengers using these options, including that fares will not be displayed on a validator or calculated throughout the day.
Instead, a single daily charge will be calculated and applied at the end of the day.
Further, station parking must be paid for using paybyplate machines, as SmartParker machines will not accept contactless payments.
Passengers must use the same card or device to tag on and off for each trip.
While concession fares remain available only by using SmartRider or cash, contactless payment users will still enjoy free travel on Sundays by tagging on and off.
More information is available at transperth.wa.gov.au .
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"From today, public transport in Western Australia will be even more convenient and flexible, with passengers able to simply tag on and off with their bank card or device.
"This is an incredible development, and our government is very proud to continue improving WA's public transport system for the community.
"This will also make it easier for visitors and tourists, who might not want to get a SmartRider for the few days they are here, and for people who only use public transport occasionally.
"It's another way our government is working to deliver a world-class public transport network, making it more accessible and affordable for Western Australians."
