Adelaide Metro tickets could soon use QR codes and be housed on a smartphone app

QR codes could soon be a permanent part of daily life for commuters with the government calling for tenders to get the technology on the road.

Adelaide Metro tickets look set to go digital with the state government calling for proposals for a QR code-based ticketing system.

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport has put out a tender asking for quotes for a new smartphone app-based ticketing system.

“The solution must have capability to issue QR and Barcode-based tickets on a smart device using an app supporting both iOS and Android platforms,’’ the tender documents say.

The new system would also need to be able to work when there is no internet connectivity, and a “desired” element of the new system would be something which can replace the current magnetic stripe tickets.

People back in the city after lockdown ended. Picture: Tom Huntley

The new system would also allow users to view their ticket purchase and payment history.

The current Metrocard system, which involves users putting credit on a physical card and tapping it on a reader as they get on buses, trams or trains, was introduced in 2012.

The government has been contacted regarding more details on the new system, including when it is expected to be rolled out.

The government also said on Friday it expected 20 new buses, 17 of which would be hybrid-electric models, would be in service by early next year.

“The first three of the new hybrid buses have already rolled off the production line and are now in service,’’ the government said.

“The remainder of the 20 buses, including the articulated vehicles, are expected to be built by December 2021.’’

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Corey Wingard, said the hybrid vehicles were an important step toward a greener public transport system.

“The Marshall Liberal Government is committed to providing an efficient, effective and greener public transport system,” he said.

“Scania’s hybrid-electric buses can reduce emissions by up to 92 per cent, especially when stopping to pick-up or set-down school students or when travelling in silent mode on battery power.

“As an added bonus, our adoption of the Scania Hybrid for the Adelaide Metro fleet is also creating jobs for South Australians as it has led to an increase in the number of employees at Bustech dedicated to bus body building.”