Western Australia will introduce new payment options across its public transport network from December 8, marking a major milestone in the SmartRider Upgrade Project. Passengers will be able to tag on and off using physical debit or credit cards, smartphones, smartwatches and other wearable devices.
The changes represent the biggest shift in WA’s fare payment system since the introduction of SmartRider 18 years ago. The rollout will begin in Perth before expanding to Bunbury, Busselton, Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Albany on the same day. Contactless payments will reach Geraldton, Karratha and Port Hedland before the end of the year.
SmartRider cards will continue to be required for concession fares, discounts, SmartParker access and bike shelters. Passengers using contactless methods will be charged the standard cash fare, capped at $5.20 per single journey on the network. From January 1, 2026, this will be capped at $3.50 as part of the state government’s new flat fare.
Free Sunday travel will remain available for passengers who tag on and off with a contactless card or device. The government has confirmed that no payment surcharges will be added, with costs absorbed by the state.
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WA transport minister Rita Saffioti says the introduction of new payment methods marks a major shift for the network.
“The start of new payment options represents one of the biggest and most important changes we’ve ever delivered on public transport in Western Australia,” Saffioti says.
She says the update will make catching public transport more convenient for many passengers.
“From December 8, 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,” Saffioti says.
Saffioti says the shift will simplify travel for those who already rely on cards or digital wallets.
“This will give people another option, as most people will have their card or phone at their fingertips, making it so much easier to jump on a bus, train or ferry when you need to,” she says.
Passengers using contactless payments will need to use the same card or device for both tagging on and off. Using different devices may result in a default fare. Contactless fares will be calculated at the end of each day, with a single charge applied.
Pay-By-Plate parking machines at stations will continue to operate, but SmartParker machines will not accept contactless payments. Concession rates remain available only through SmartRider.
The rollout follows two months of controlled trials involving selected participants, designed to ensure system readiness before wider activation.
The SmartRider Upgrade Project has also included the replacement of more than 4,000 SmartRider validators across the bus, train and ferry network. All Add Value Machines have been replaced with SmartRider Hubs, and Pay-By-Plate parking machines are being progressively upgraded to accept debit and credit cards.
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