Default fares

Failure to tag on or tag off at any stage of a journey will result in a default fare being charged.

A default fare is calculated equal to the cash fare on the assumed basis that a passenger who has failed to tag off has travelled to the final destination of that particular bus, train or ferry service. The default fare is deducted at the time of the next tag on. 

For example:

• A standard passenger with an autoload enabled SmartRider travelling one zone does not tag off.  Instead of being charged a default fare equal to the discounted 1-zone fare of $1.65, (i.e. $2.20 less 25% discount), the passenger will be charged a default fare equal to the cash fare equivalent for that trip (i.e. $2.20).
  
• A concession passenger with a non-autoload enabled SmartRider travelling one zone does not tag off.  Instead of being charged a default fare equal to the discounted 1-zone concession fare of $0.77, (i.e. $0.90 less 15% discount), the passenger will be charged a default fare equal to the concession cash fare equivalent for that trip (i.e. $0.90).

For train services the default fare is automatically set to 7-zones.

The 15-minute rule

If you tag on and off at the same location within 15 minutes, no fare will be charged. This allows a passenger to change their mind about using a service without being charged a fare. However, if a passenger boards any Transperth service and tags off at the next stop (within 15 minutes), the appropriate fare will be charged.

60 minute rule 

An exception to the default fare rule will apply if the next tag on occurs within 60 minutes of the previous tag on.

In this case, the next tag on location will instead be processed as the incomplete tag off location. This ensures that you are charged the relevant fare rather than the penalty fare, in the event of unintentional failure to tag off whilst transferring from one service to another.

This rule only applies when the tag on occured on board a bus.

Transfer time limits

SmartRider uses the normal transfer time limits. For journeys up to 4 zones, you have two hours from the time of your initial boarding to transfer between services.

For trips covering 5 to 9 zones, you have three hours.

DayRider fare cap

SmartRider will always calculate the lowest fare available to you.

For example, if your fare would normally exceed the cost of your discounted DayRider fare, SmartRider will automatically cap your fare at the DayRider rate provided you meet the DayRider time of travel requirements.

Free Transit Zone

SmartRider required

When travelling on train services within the SmartRider FTZ, you must remember to tag on and tag off. If you remain within the SmartRider FTZ, a fare will not be deducted from your SmartRider card.

You must use a SmartRider to access train services in the SmartRider FTZ, because you will be passing through closed stations and will need to tag on or off to enter or exit these facilities.

SMARTRIDER FREE TRANSIT ZONE NOTE: All passengers must be in possession of a valid ticket for any journey on Transperth's train services.

Those passengers who are in possession of a SmartRider will not be charged a fare if their journey starts and finishes between the Claisebrook, McIver, Perth and City West Train Stations.

Passengers who do not have a SmartRider will need a valid two-section cash ticket or free travel entitlement pass to travel between these stations.  

SmartRider not required

When travelling on CAT and other bus services within the FTZ, you do not have to tag on or tag off. However, if you intend to travel beyond the FTZ, you must remember to tag on and tag off.