Queensland’s new $371 million Smart Ticketing system is in the fast lane with an express gates trial at Brisbane’s Central Station.
The express gates trial at the station will provide valuable insights into how customers use the gates and how they can be more effective in the future with the Palaszczuk Government’s plan for a Smart Ticketing system across the state. Four express gate exits are being trialled at the Edward Street gates and use a variety of visual and technological changes designed to improve customers’ exit times during the month-long trial. Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said commuters could try the revamped gates at Brisbane’s busiest train station between 7am and 9am from October 22 to November 22 by simply using their go card.
“These trials and tests are part of building a world-class ticketing system for Queensland,” Mr Bailey commented “It’s a crucial step in creating system that means all Queenslanders will be able to use their smartphone, smartwatch, credit card or debit to easily catch public transport. The trial will assist in understanding key customer behaviours at the gates and assist us in determining how we can improve all aspects of customer behaviour at gates. It will also be about listening to customers who have wanted faster gates, especially during peak times.”

Bailey pointed out that TransLink staff will be on-hand to help customers use them. He also added that the Palaszczuk Government has partnered with QUT for the trial and local research Spout Logic for the trial to deliver an independent academic research report on the key findings and recommendations for future gate improvements. Researchers Professor Alexander Paz, Transport and Main Roads Chair and Associate Professor Jonathan Bunker from QUT’s School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, said the trial would determine the future of the new, streamlined system for passengers. “The Express Gates trial is consistent with TMR’s goals as a customer-centric organisation. Before deploying major expensive changes to the existing system, TransLink is field-testing the effects on travellers, of alternative ways like this to operate fare gates,” Professor Paz said “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.”

The project will also see the installation of some of the new Smart Ticketing equipment on North Stradbroke Island Buses who will be trialling the driver unit and printer on Minjerribah later this month. This trial will see local bus drivers working with the new on-board ticketing hardware to prepare for the future of public transport in Queensland. Minjerribah will be the first of five regions to do so and will be followed by Innisfail, Bowen, Maryborough and Hervey Bay.