The WA Government is investing $33.8 million as part of the 2017-18 State Budget to modernise SmartRider, Transperth’s cashless ticketing system.
All SmartRider readers across the network will be replaced during the system overhaul, as well as upgrading back-end technology.
More sophisticated card encryption technologies will be developed, while flexible payment options such as smartphone or debit or credit card tag-on capabilities are being investigated.
The contactless card and mobile phone pay-as-you-go system could be similar to the system that has been successfully implemented by Transport for London.
SmartRider was introduced a decade ago under the previous Labor government and is widely recognised as the best cashless ticketing system in the country.
The upgraded system is expected to be ready by 2021 – in time for the completion of the METRONET rail extension to Yanchep and Thornlie to Cockburn line.