Tasmania’s public transport is getting smarter
Travelling by bus or ferry in Tasmania is set to get easier, with state-wide smart ticketing and online journey planning.
Tap on, tap off contactless ticketing using your own bank card or smart device, plus real-time bus and ferry service tracking will give you more control over how you use public transport.
We’re working with leading transport technology provider Cubic Transportation Systems and the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to bring a world-class smart ticketing system to all Tasmanian public buses and Hobart ferries.
Working in partnership with TMR gives Tasmanians access one of the most advanced, flexible and secure public transport payment systems in the world.
What’s changing:
- Tap on and tap off to pay your fare
Tap on, tap off contactless ticketing is the quickest way to pay and it automatically charges the lowest fare every time, based on how far you travel. Use your own credit card, debit card, or smart device to pay, without ever having to top up a travel card or set a pre-determined travel zone. Pre-paid card and cash payment options will still be available. - Track your bus or ferry on your phone
Have the confidence to know exactly when your bus or ferry is arriving by using online real-time tracking. You’ll be able to see how far away your ride is so you can always be at your stop at the right time. Real-time tracking will be available from December 2024. - Plan your travel with a click
Find the best way to get to where you want to go and plan your journey from start to finish by viewing all available services in real-time, regardless of location or operator.
The Tasmanian Government is now working with Cubic to get its product ready for Tasmania’s public transport network. On-road testing will be carried out before the new ticketing system is rolled out state-wide.
1Why are we getting tap on, tap off ticketing?
Tap on, tap off ticketing is the quickest and most accurate way to pay for public transport. It’s much quicker than a standard card payment, where the driver needs to select the right fare to charge and then wait for the payment to be approved. Instead, you just tap on as you board and the fare is automatically calculated when you tap off at your stop. It can also tell if you change to another bus and includes it as a transfer, making sure you always pay the lowest fare for your trip.
2What are the payment options?
The new ticketing system will have a range of payment options so you can choose the one that’s best for you. Options include:
- bank card or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
- digital wallet on your phone or smart watch
- pre-loaded public transport smart card that can be used on any general access service in Tasmania, regardless of operator.
- digital pre-purchased tickets that can be scanned on your phone or printed at home
- cash.
3Which buses are included in the rollout?
The new ticketing system will go on all Tasmanian general access buses. That means all buses that have a regular timetable and pick up public passengers at bus stops. It does not include school buses.
It does include all general access services operated by Metro Tasmania, Tassielink, Kinetic, Manions Coaches and Calow’s Coaches.
4Are ferries included?
Yes, Hobart’s Derwent Ferries services will have the new ticketing system. Transfers from a bus to a ferry will be included in a single fare.
5When will the new ticketing system be ready to use?
It will take around 12 months to get the new system ready and we’ll move on to on-road testing in late 2025. We plan to roll out the new ticketing system in stages from early 2026. Before the on-road testing, a demonstration bus will travel around the state to give Tasmanians a first look at the new ticketing system in action.
6How will the on-road trial work?
We have selected routes in northern Tasmania for an on-road trial in 2025. We’ll install the Cubic system and monitor it closely over a few months to make sure everything is working, before we roll it out across the state. We’ll be able to give you more details as we get closer to the start date.
7Will I still get a concession fare?
Yes. If you’re eligible for a concession, you will still pay concession fares with the new ticketing system.
8What do I need to do?
Nothing is changing just yet, so please keep using your usual payment method for now. We’ll be busy doing all the behind-the-scenes stuff for a while, but we’ll keep you updated as we get closer to the next steps.