The ongoing upgrades to Adelaide Metro’s ticketing system reached a new milestone today with the activation of Tap and Pay on all Adelaide Metro trains. This latest addition is part of the State Government’s commitment to a more modernised and accessible public transportation system in South Australia.
Emily Bourke MLC, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, shared, “From today, every bus, train and tram across Adelaide Metro offers the same convenient ways to pay – whether that’s tapping on with a card or phone, using the Buy & Go app or travelling with a metroCARD.” This feature has been available on buses and trams, but has now been extended to trains to provide a consistent payment experience across all modes of public transport.
The introduction of new smart barrier gates at Adelaide Railway Station is part of a significant upgrade in infrastructure, being the first of its kind in Australia. These gates are designed to better the security, accessibility, and efficiency of passenger flow at one of the state’s busiest transport hubs. The station’s gates are fully functional starting today.
The Tap and Pay system has become increasingly successful and popular since its introduction in 2020. Over 11 million transactions have been recorded using this system, of which more than seven million were made last year across the bus and tram network.
Despite the new system, Tap and Pay is currently available only at Regular fare rates, either peak or off-peak. Passengers who are eligible for concession or student fares can continue using the Buy & Go app or a metroCARD. Seniors carrying the South Australian Seniors Card will continue to enjoy the benefit of free travel all day, every day across the network.
The move towards digital ticketing also sees paper MetroTickets phased out, with these tickets no longer valid or available on any Adelaide Metro services. This change is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and reduce waste, making a shift towards more sustainable practices.
“This is a major milestone in delivering a modern, convenient and accessible public transport system for South Australians,” said Emily. “The new smart gates at Adelaide Railway Station are now switched on and ready to use, helping improve passenger movement through one of the busiest transport hubs in the state.
These developments are aimed at making transport more accessible and convenient for all users. With these advancements, Adelaide sets a new standard in public transport within Australia, moving towards a more engaged, tech-savvy approach to commuting.
