Tap and Pay is now live across all Adelaide Metro trains, marking the latest stage in the State Government’s ticketing upgrade.
Train commuters can tap on using a debit or credit card, smartphone, metroCARD or the Buy and Go app. Validators already operating on buses and trams are now active on trains, creating a consistent payment system across the network.
Adelaide Railway Station has also activated new smart barrier gates. The government says these gates are the first of their kind in Australia. They aim to improve passenger flow while strengthening accessibility and security at one of the state’s busiest transport hubs.
Tap and Pay launched on buses and trams in 2020 and has recorded steady growth. Since then, commuters have made more than 11 million transactions. Over seven million of those occurred last year. Officials expect train access to increase usage further, particularly among occasional travellers and visitors who prefer contactless payment.
The rollout comes just over 12 months after the Malinauskas Labor Government returned the train network to public ownership. The government says the ticketing upgrade forms part of a broader effort to refresh and simplify public transport services.
Emily Bourke said that every bus, train and tram across Adelaide Metro now offers the same payment options. Passengers can tap with a card or phone, use the Buy and Go app, or travel with a metroCARD. She described the change as part of building a modern and accessible public transport system for South Australians. She added that the smart gates at Adelaide Railway Station will help manage passenger movement more efficiently.
Some fare conditions still apply. Tap and Pay covers only regular peak and off peak fares. Concession and student passengers must continue using a metroCARD or the Buy and Go app to access discounted rates. South Australian Seniors Card holders continue to receive free travel.
The upgrade also removes paper MetroTickets from the Adelaide Metro network. Some passengers have criticised the move, saying they preferred paper options. Transport officials argue that digital and contactless payments reflect current travel habits.
For daily commuters, the change brings greater consistency. Occasional users no longer need to buy or top up a separate ticket before boarding. The government says the next priority is ensuring smooth operation as more passengers shift to contactless payment across the full network.
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