SmartRider has been considered one of the most effective cashless public transport ticketing systems in the world since its introduction to the Transperth network in 2007. The system has truly transformed the way we travel in Perth.

SmartRider Upgrade Project 

As Transperth continues to grow and expand, the SmartRider Upgrade Project has been established to upgrade the hardware and software operating systems to support the changing needs of our passengers well into the future.

The SmartRider Upgrade Project will include the following changes and upgrades:

  • All SmartRider validators across the bus, train and ferry network will be replaced
  • All Add Value Machines will be replaced with new “SmartRider Hubs”
  • Pay-By-Plate parking machines will be upgraded to accept debit and credit cards
  • New generation SmartRider cards with upgraded card encryption technology
  • More flexible payment options, including the ability to pay by tagging on and tagging off with contactless Visa and Mastercard debit or credit cards, including digital wallets.
 

What is currently happening?

SmartRider Validators

The new validators are currently being rolled out across the bus, train and ferry network. To date:

  • All train platform validators have been replaced
  • Most train station gate validators have been replaced
  • Ferry validators have been replaced
  • Bus validators are being rolled out.

What is the difference between the new SmartRider validators and the old ones?

The updated validators have a modern design with significantly larger screens, making it easier for passengers to read. The new validators will also enable you to tag on and off with your contactless Visa and Mastercard debit or credit cards, including those in your digital wallet, once the back-office system for this has been implemented. This will be done in a future stage of the upgrade.

Where are the new validators installed?

New validators are currently installed on our ferries, selected bus routes as well as along the Yanchep and Mandurah lines. Installation on the remaining lines will occur in phases, following the successful deployment on the Yanchep and Mandurah lines.

What you need to know

You may notice the display screens have changed.

  • Green tick
    A green tick is what everyone is looking for, this means you have tagged on or off successfully and can continue your journey.
  • Orange tick
    An orange tick means you have tagged on and off successfully, however there is additional information you need to be aware of. For example, you may have been charged a default fare or have a low balance and should add value soon.
  • Red cross
    A red cross means your tag on or off was not successful and there may be an issue. We encourage passengers to follow the directions on the screen, seek assistance from staff or call the InfoLine if this occurs.

SmartRider Hubs

New SmartRider Hubs have been installed to replace Add Value Machines. SmartRider Hubs enable passengers to add value to their existing card and purchase new SmartRiders.

SmartRiders cost $10 and passengers will be required to add a minimum of $10 value at the time of purchase. The SmartRider Hubs will only sell Standard SmartRiders. Concession holders will need to visit an InfoCentre or Retail Sales Outlet to purchase a Concession SmartRider, as proof of concession is required during purchase.

Changes with the new SmartRider Hubs:

  • Passengers no longer need to insert their SmartRider into the machine, instead simply place it into the slot on the front of the machine.
  • All SmartRider Hubs will accept credit and debit card payments by contactless payment only, including via mobile devices. The new payment terminal only accepts Mastercard and Visa cards with chips. Older EFTPOS cards and those with magnetic strips are not compatible as these machines will support contactless payments only. The Hubs do not accept American Express, Discover, JCB and UnionPay. 
  • Adding value with a credit or debit will be limited to $100 per transaction.
  • Only select machines will accept cash, these machines will not offer change and will only accept notes.

Where have the new SmartRider Hubs been installed?

  • Airport Central Station
  • Alkimos Station
  • Ballajura Station
  • Bassendean Station
  • Bayswater Station
  • Eglinton Station
  • Elizabeth Quay Bus Station
  • Ellenbrook Station
  • Fremantle Station
  • High Wycombe Station
  • Joondalup Station
  • Morley Station
  • Perth Busport
  • Perth Central Station (Eastern Concourse and Wellington St Entrance)
  • Redcliffe Station
  • Stirling Station
  • Subiaco Station
  • Yanchep Station
  • Warwick Station
  • Whitfords Station
  • Whiteman Park Station

Credit/Debit card payments

We are in the early stages of testing the functionality of payments via credit/debit cards.

More information will become available as testing progresses.

FAQs

Will SmartRider Hubs be installed at more stations or are they only replacing the existing AVMs?

SmartRider Hubs will replace devices at their current locations and be installed at all new stations, including new stations on the Yanchep and Ellenbrook lines.

When will the SmartRider Upgrade Project be completed?

An exact completion date for the SmartRider Upgrade Project cannot be confirmed due to complexities in the phased rollouts and associated testing. Functionality will be rolled out in stages throughout 2024 and 2025.
 

Where can I find SmartRider Upgrade Project updates?

Updates to the project will be posted on this page as the upgrade progresses. Visit Transperth ticketing, SmartRider, and Autoload, for more information.

Download the official Transperth app

Free, up-to-date public transport information within the Perth metro area, now with live bus tracking. Available for Android and iOS.

My Alerts

Sign-up to My Account and activate My Alerts to receive email notifications of changes or disruptions to your services.

If you already have an account, Go to My Account.

Service Updates