Commuters in Queensland, Australia, are to be offered a variety of means to pay for public transport – including smartphones and smartwatches.

Cubic will upgrade Queensland’s current system to incorporate contactless payment and real-time passenger data

Cubic Transport Systems has won a deal – worth around AU$371m (€236m) – to provide a new ticketing system for the Australian state, including contactless payment and next-generation real-time passenger information.

It means Queensland commuters will be able to use bankcards, mobile phones and personal electronic devices including watches to for their travel on public transport.

“This is an exciting partnership that would provide Queenslanders with one of the most advanced, flexible and secure public transport payment systems in the world,” said Mark Bailey, Queensland’s Minister for Transport and Main Roads. “This payment solution will bring more convenience and freedom of choice for commuters. We’re delighted that proven technology already used across London, Chicago and Vancouver will be further enhanced for the benefit of Queensland commuters.”