No cash

[Skexis]

Notice in depot this morning says Metrocards only as of today - no cash sales. No indication if this is because of the China virus or if it's the end of cash forever.

[hillsbus]

FYI - just saw this on the AdMet site -

https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Announ ... g-cashless

Interesting as other states that do this (like Victoria) have a much wider network of shops where you can buy a MetroCard. Here most of the retailers only top up cards and don't sell them, so may make it hard for a casual user of PT - they'll have to find one of the far and few between retailers who stock Metrocards or pre-order it online. Unless we get more vending machines that sell singletrips like the one at the Airport? That is if singletrip tickets aren't being phased out too?

[Skexis]

...and it's forever. No more cash. See https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Announ ... g-cashless.

Immediate advantages are drivers will no longer have to cart coin dispensers around and we won't need to worry about revenue protection.

Disadvantages I see being increased fare evasion as "I forgot to top up".

[Fleet Lists]

It does mention "This change is part of our efforts to protect staff and passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic. " so it may not be permanent.

[The Phonj]

Interesting. Earlier today the website was advising that it was a permanent change; now the word permanent has been removed. Guess we'll just have to see if the change becomes permanent.

[Fleet Lists]

Luckily a copy of the earlier one was archived https://web.archive.org/web/20200330005 ... g-cashless

[Merc1107]

'Permanent change for protection of staff and passengers during the pandemic'. That says to me it is only a temporary measure, but perhaps implying it isn't negotiable at this time.

[Skexis]

I suspect it is temporary as I can't see the govt effectively cutting off a revenue stream even if it is a particularly poor performer.

[jibb]

It does mention "This change is part of our efforts to protect staff and passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic. " so it may not be permanent.

As already said it is permanent.

[Fleet Lists]

The word "permanent" has been removed between the archived version and the current version.

[Mike M]

I would hope that commonsense prevails & drivers have been instructed to allow a few days grace to passengers who may be unaware of this change being introduced at such short notice. Drivers are not paid to get into arguments or fights with passengers although if Adelaide is anything like Melbourne then half of them just walk onto buses without touching on anyway.

[Skexis]

I also note the announcement refers to the Info Centre. I thought the now closed office on the corner of KWS and Currie was the only one. Is there another?

[PD2/20]

I also note the announcement refers to the Info Centre. I thought the now closed office on the corner of KWS and Currie was the only one. Is there another?

I assumed that this referred to the Info Centre at Adelaide Railway Station, where there are also several vending machines inside and outside the barriers.

[boronia]

If it is "temporary", it is likely to be around for a while.

Once they have passengers in the habit of using cards only, why would they revert to cash? Sydney has been coping quite well for a while now.

[Merc1107]

Once they have passengers in the habit of using cards only, why would they revert to cash?

Right now, patronage on any route is likely to be minimal except those who most need to get around, so it probably doesn't cause any great pains. As things return to normal in time, those who have avoided buses aren't likely to be aware of the changes until they're awkwardly standing with their money ready to go but can't use it.

[Mike M]

If it is "temporary", it is likely to be around for a while.

Once they have passengers in the habit of using cards only, why would they revert to cash? Sydney has been coping quite well for a while now.

You have to remember that Sydney accepts contactless cards for payment while Adelaide only has Metrocards.

[Skexis]

Like paywave?

[Mike M]

Like paywave?

Basically yes although Sydney is more complicated because it has a graduated fare system which requires a touch on & touch off for all trips.

[Skexis]

Online credit applied to Metrocards will now be available within an hour.
https://adelaidemetro.com.au/Announceme ... -available