Gold Coast Light Rail: New smart ticketing system could soon allow payment by phone, card

A new system being rolled out first on the Gold Coast could soon change how we travel. SUBSCRIBE TO FIND OUT WHY

A NEW system coming to Gold Coast trams could soon change how we travel.

The Smart Ticketing Project, launched at Broadwater Parklands on Monday, could soon allow commuters to use their credit card, phone or smart watch to tap on and off the tram line.

TransLink boss Matt Longland said the “sophisticated” $371 million project would be rolled out across the city over the next few months.

Payments via credit card, phone or smart watch will be trialled by customers later this year.

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“The system will be rolled out right across Queensland, the Gold Coast is our first trial location,” he said.

“We’ve got three stations to start with, from Broadwater Parklands through to Surfers Paradise. In the next month or two we’ll complete the rollout right across the system.”

The "Connecting Thread" artwork created by Indigenous artist Elisa Jane Carmichael. Photo: TransLink

Travellers moving between Broadwater Parklands and Surfers will be able to use the new system, while those travelling either side will still need a Go card or ticket.

The new system comes as TransLink unveiled a new Gold Coast tram featuring artwork by Indigenous artist Elisa Jane Carmichael.

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The “Connecting Thread” design, meant to represent the different landscapes of Queensland, will feature both on the tram and on new Smart Ticketing materials.