Trains, more buses join Metrocard trial

The trial of new Metrocard validators has expanded to trains and trams this year following a successful implementation in the Adelaide Hills.

The Metrocard system, expected to be fully operational in late 2012, uses a card that is swiped each time a bus, train or tram is boarded.

During the last four months the new validators - that can validate existing magnetic tickets and Metrocards - sucessfully processed more than 100,000 trips on buses in the Adelaide Hills.

The gradual installation of the new validators across the public transport fleet is the next step in the delivery of Adelaide's new $42 million ticketing system.

Customers will begin noticing new validating machines that accept both the existing tickets and ultimately Metrocards.

The Metrocard system, uses a card that is touched on the validator each time a bus, train or tram is boarded.

The card will be able to be recharged at selected retail outlets, vending machines, on trains and trams, and online.

Train and tram customers will be able to use new vending machines that sell existing singleuse and day-trip tickets and will recharge the new Metrocards.

The current fare structure will be retained with the new system. Future fare changes will only occur in line with the Consumer Price Index.

Fast facts
project: Metrocard ticketing system value: $42 million
expected completion: late 2012
visit: adelaidemetro.com.au/ticketing/Metrocard
call:1300 311 108
what's next:
> trial of validators expanded to trains,
> northern buses and trams