RailSA

Adelaide’s public transport tickets will be replaced with a smartcard system – but not for another three years.

Transport Minister Pat Conlon today announced the $30 million contract had been awarded for the ATLAS system, which would be introduced by 2013.

The system has previously been used in cities including Montreal and Houston.

Travellers can “top up” the cards, which are then swiped against onboard validators.

Mr Conlon said the Government was confident of overcoming technical problems associated with the changeover witnessed in other states.

He said the current cardboard ticket system had “served us well”, but that change was necessary as the Government continued upgrading the public transport network.

He deflected as “cynical” suggestions the announcement and looming completion of the Entertainment Centre tramline extension were timed as pre-election vote winners.

Mr Conlon said the current tickets would remain valid after the introduction of the new system and the smartcards and magnetic tickets could be used on the same machines.