While smart ticketing has been slowly filtering out into major cities across the country, regional areas have so far missed out on the growing trend. Until now.
Following successful trials in Bathurst and Dubbo, more than 400 town bus services across regional NSW will soon benefit from smart ticketing on its buses, with Wagga Wagga being the first to jump onboard the NSW government’s Contactless Ticketing Program.
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In the coming months, 21 local buses in the area will be fitted with the tap and go payment technology, bringing the region in line with metropolitan areas where people have been able to pay without cash for years.
This technology means most passengers will now be able to use their smart phone, watch or debit/credit card to pay for their fares.
“In Question Time last October, I asked Minister Aitchison about the rollout of contactless payment for Wagga Wagga bus passengers, and I welcome her commitment to bringing this new technology to our city,” Independent member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr says.
“It will provide streamlined travel options for passengers wishing to pay fares with cards or devices but importantly, those who wish to pay by cash will still be able to do so, delivering a diversity of choice which will hopefully encourage more people to use public transport in Wagga.”
Transport for NSW is finalising details of the further stages of the roll out and will announce the first communities to receive the new technology in coming months, with the program expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Passengers will still be able to pay with cash on buses when the new technology is rolled out.
“The Minns Labor Government has heard people in regional communities who’ve told us they want to be able to pay for bus services using their smart phones, credit or debit cards,” regional transport minister Jenny Aitchison says.
“Despite having 12 years to roll out contactless ticketing, the former Liberal and Nationals government put the needs of city commuters ahead of regional bus passengers who were left with cash-only services in most locations.”
She says Bathurst and Dubbo has seen a 42 per cent uptake in passengers now paying without cash since launching the trials.
“The trial technology will now stay permanently in Bathurst and Dubbo and we will progressively roll out the same technology to other communities across the state,” Aitchison says.
“We hope this increased convenience and alternative payment option will help increase patronage on buses in regional and rural areas.”
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