TransLink’s $371m smart ticketing system pushed back

Queensland’s highly touted TransLink smart ticketing scheme has been pushed back, with issues accessing key equipment.

Queensland’s highly touted TransLink smart ticketing scheme has been hit with ongoing supply chain disruptions, with the wait time for key equipment blowing out from eight to 40 weeks.

A global shortage of integrated circuits and supply chain issues has led to a delay of the $371m project, which will allow commuters to pay for travel via credit card.

Minister Mark Bailey said smart ticketing was on track to be rolled out on the South East Queensland heavy rail network line by line by the end of the year, with buses and ferries now pushed to next year.

“The delivery of the project has been impacted by significant and ongoing supply chain disruptions resulting in delays to procurement lead times,” Mr Bailey said.

“Supply chain delays have directly impacted equipment including bus validator mounts, platform validators and driver console units.”

The boss of the state’s transport department declined to ­reveal the government’s operating contract with global company Cubic for the smart ticketing project during Tuesday’s budget estimates hearing.

Department of Transport and Main Roads director-general Neil Scales was asked by Greens MP Michael Berkman for the 10-year operating costs of the project, but Mr Scales ­declined to share a figure, citing “commercial in confidence” ­arrangements.

“I do not want to speculate at this point, because the project – along with lots of other projects – have been affected by Covid and supply chain issues,” Mr Scales said. “Also, you are asking me to determine something that is 10 years in advance.”

Pushed on whether estimate hearings would be the time to open the books on the contract, in light of Deputy Premier ­Steven Miles releasing the costings of the Wellcamp quarantine facility last week, Mr Scales again declined.

“The contract is being delivered by Cubic, who are an international world organisation,” Mr Scales said.

“I would not be comfortable releasing any commercial information at all.”