Queenslanders are another step closer to new public transport payment methods being available across the state with Translink now turning its attention to buses.

The installation of Smart Ticketing equipment on the 55-bus fleet of Caboolture Bus Lines has been completed with testing to be undertaken before customer trials start in the coming months.

Thompsons and Kangaroo Bus Lines will be the next delivery partners to have the equipment installed across its fleet while Caboolture Bus Lines test drives the equipment.

Customer trials later this year will allow adult bus users to pay for their journey with their smartphone, smartwatch, debit or credit card.

Chris Whiting MP said Translink had turned its attention to installing the equipment required to enable Smart Ticketing on more than 3,000 buses and ferries across the state after last month completing the rollout of Smart Ticketing for adults on all South East Queensland (SEQ) train lines.

"We're excited to start the installation of Smart Ticketing equipment on buses ahead of customer trials later this year," said Chris Whiting MP.

"Caboolture Bus Lines customers should continue using their go card until further notice while we carry out testing of the equipment.

"We'll start installing these devices on other bus fleets while we carry out this testing, with announcements on further locations to be made in due course.

"We are keen for bus users to be able to use the new payment methods, but we want to make sure we get it right and that is why we will start with go cards just as we initially did with the train network."

Chris Whiting said the installation of Smart Ticketing equipment on buses came as four million trips had been taken using the new payment methods.

"Smart Ticketing is all about making it easier for people to catch public transport and to hit this milestone with the new payment methods shows South East Queenslanders are enjoying the ease of the new system," said Chris Whiting.

"The first trial of Smart Ticketing started on G:link trams in December 2020 before the Ferny Grove line kicked off the progressive rollout of customer trials on the SEQ train network from June last year so customers have certainly voted with their feet.

"Once fully rolled out across the state, customers will be able to use the new payment methods from Coolangatta to Cairns, covering the largest geographical network of any single ticketing system in the world.

"Queenslanders will also enjoy a world-class ticketing system on par with major global cities such as New York, London and Singapore."

Public transport users who prefer to pay with their go card will be able to continue doing so. Customers travelling on a child or concession fare should continue to use their go card for now, as should train or tram users catching a connecting bus or ferry service.

Head online to the Translink website, download the MyTranslink app or call 13 12 30 for more information.