The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Before Western Australia’s March 2021 election, Premier Mark McGowan promised that a re-elected Labor government would cap Perth public transport fares at the equivalent of two zones. The pledge was not limited to trains: it covered travel by train, bus and ferry. The cap began on 1 January 2022, setting a maximum one-way cash fare of $4.90 and a $3.92 fare for SmartRider users with Autoload. Those are historical rates, not today’s standard fares: Transperth’s schedule effective 1 January 2026 lists a $3.50 cash Go Anywhere fare.
What was McGowan’s $4.90 fare promise?
On 17 January 2021, WA Labor announced that, if re-elected, it would cap fares across Perth public transport at the price of a two-zone fare. Contemporary reports described the maximum cash fare as $4.90, regardless of how many zones a passenger travelled. The policy applied across the network, including trains, buses and ferries—not just trains. The West Australian’s report and ABC News coverage set out the conditional pledge.
The $4.90 figure was a one-way ceiling, not a daily cap or a promise that every passenger would pay exactly that amount. The amount charged depended on payment method and the applicable concession or discount.
How the reported pledge differed from the implemented rates
Early coverage gave SmartRider figures that were not identical to the rates later announced for implementation. Keep the announcement-stage figures separate from the official rates that took effect in 2022.
#1 Best Overall
- Contactless Payment: Still struggling to reach the parking cards/fees, or even have to open your car door? The telescopic rod card holder reacher features contactless design, just stay seated in driver's seat. Simply roll down your window, extend the rod, effortlessly retrieve your cards
- Extendable: Multi-functional card grabber pole length extends up to 23.62 inch and allows for easy length adjustment, for both near and far distances. When folded, the pole length 5.90 inch, with a total length of 8.07 inch. It fits neatly in a car glove compartment for convenient access whenever needed
- Selected Materials: The portable car telescopic rod card holder crafted from stainless steel and ABS, with a lightweight design while maintaining robust structural integrity. It withstands frequent stretching and gripping during daily driving without breaking or damage, keep long-term stable use
- Easy to Grab: Our telescopic card holder for cars features a specially designed grabber tool that securely holds cards up to 3mm thick. Whether it's parking passes, highway toll cards, standard bank cards, or membership cards, it grips them firmly to avoid slipping, meet all your daily needs
- Wide Range of Applications: Featuring simple push-pull telescopic design, can be easily used with one hand—faster and more convenient than traditional card retrieval methods. This vehicle parking swiping stick is widely applicable in car settings such as parking lots and toll stations, your ideal travel companion
| Period and status | Cash | SmartRider or other payment |
|---|---|---|
| January 2021 pledge, as reported by The West Australian | $4.90 maximum | $4.40 standard SmartRider; $3.90 with AutoLoad |
| From 1 January 2022, implementation announced by the WA Government | $4.90 maximum one-way fare | $3.92 with SmartRider and Autoload |
| Transperth schedule effective 1 January 2026 | $3.50 Go Anywhere fare | $3.15 contactless; SmartRider fares of $3.15 or $2.80, depending on discount tier |
The pledge-stage SmartRider amounts are reported figures from The West Australian and ABC News. The WA Government’s implementation announcement specified $4.90 cash and $3.92 for SmartRider with Autoload from 1 January 2022. The latest figures in the table are from Transperth’s fare schedule, effective 1 January 2026.
When did the cap start?
The government confirmed the start date in September 2021: 1 January 2022. At that point, a passenger could travel across the public transport network for no more than the two-zone fare, with the applicable payment-method rate. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti described the commitment as a way to ensure that “no matter where you live, you will not pay any more than $4.90 for a one-way trip.” The government’s announcement stated the implementation terms.
Rank #2
- Star-Shaped Tap to Pay Wand for Contactless Transactions - This novelty payment wand features a whimsical star-shaped magic wand design, making everyday contactless payment feel like a fun, magical experience. It works seamlessly with most standard contactless payment terminals, allowing you to complete transactions with a simple tap at grocery stores, cafes, retail shops, and more. The short, compact form makes it ideal as a short touch payment wand for quick checkouts.
- Short, Ergonomic Design for Comfortable Use - The compact, short-handle design is easy to grip and lightweight, fitting comfortably in your hand or bag. Unlike long, bulky payment wands, this portable accessory won’t take up extra space, making it perfect for on-the-go use. The smooth, rounded handle ensures a comfortable hold during quick checkouts, making it a reliable tap to pay wand for everyday use.
- Durable 3D Printed Construction - Crafted with high-quality 3D printed PLA material, this payment wand has a sturdy, scratch-resistant finish that holds up to daily use. The detailed star shape and smooth edges are built to last, with no sharp parts or loose pieces. No batteries or electronics are required, ensuring reliable, hassle-free operation every time. It’s a low-maintenance contactless payment wand built for frequent use.
- Fun & Functional Novelty Accessory - Beyond its practical use, this pink star payment wand is a playful conversation starter that adds personality to your routine. It’s ideal for anyone who loves cute, whimsical accessories or wants to make mundane shopping trips feel more magical. The soft pink finish and star design make it a standout addition to your everyday carry, doubling as a novelty payment accessory that’s both fun and functional.
- Perfect Unique Gift for Friends & Family - This contactless payment wand makes a thoughtful, lighthearted gift for birthdays, holidays, or housewarming parties. It’s a great choice for star lovers, fantasy fans, or anyone who appreciates fun, functional novelty items. The compact size and universal functionality make it a gift that’s both practical and memorable — a one-of-a-kind tap to pay tool for anyone who loves cute everyday gadgets.
That same announcement estimated savings of up to $8.20 on a one-way fare for some households and potential annual savings of more than $3,000 for a Dawesville household. These were government projections, not independently verified totals of savings actually achieved.
Why is the fare lower now?
The $4.90 cap was the ceiling introduced in 2022; it was not a permanent minimum fare or a rate that had to remain unchanged. On 19 June 2025, the WA Government announced a further suburban flat-fare policy, effective 1 January 2026, which changed the relevant fare structure. Its announcement used a Dawesville commute example of $3.50 cash or $2.80 with SmartRider under the planned policy. The policy announcement described the change; Transperth’s current published schedule lists the effective rates.
Rank #3
- The hard-wearing plastic exterior is splash proof, Water, weather and tear resistant
- Multipack of 15 individual card holders, Perfect delicate cut design the Card sleeves easy to put into the wallet, Just right space
- The RFID-blocking sleeves provide a protective security barrier to stop the RFID chip signal, Shields contactless credit cards, enhanced drivers licenses and many transit cards
- Aluminum ferrules can avoid bank card, the second generation ID card, information card, social security card and other magnetic disappear or information leakage
- Get 15 cards in 1 hand purchase, silver finish are perfect for your wallet and your other credit card and bank card for an effective RFID shield. Size: 3.62" x 2.48" (9.2cm x 6.3cm)
As of the schedule effective 1 January 2026, the standard Go Anywhere fare is $3.50 for cash, $3.15 for contactless, and $3.15 or $2.80 for SmartRider, depending on discount tier. These rates are tied to the published schedule date and payment method; check Transperth’s fare page for later changes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Was the cap a daily limit, and did it cover late-night trains?
No: the $4.90 commitment was a maximum one-way fare, not a daily spending limit. In 2022, the Public Transport Authority separately announced that paid fares on trains running after midnight would return from 4 February for a three-month trial. That operational decision did not replace the two-zone ceiling. The PTA announcement addressed the late-night trial.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Magical Contactless Checkout Turn everyday purchases into a more fun and stylish experience with this credit card wand. Designed for smooth contactless payments at retail stores, cafes, parking terminals, and self-checkout stations.
- Easy Reach for Drive Thru Payments The extended handle design makes this tap to pay wand convenient for drive thru checkout, parking gates, transit terminals, and crowded counters without awkward stretching.
- Snug Hidden Card Holder Built with a snug internal slot to snugly hold one contactless card in place during use. This magic wand credit card holder helps keep your card aligned for reliable tap functionality.
- Lightweight with Glossy Fantasy Design Featuring a glossy star-inspired finish, this fairy wand credit card holder combines decorative style with practical daily use. Lightweight construction makes it easy to carry in bags, cars, or desk setups.
- Unique Everyday Accessory This credit card magic wand adds personality to ordinary checkout moments while also serving as a fun conversation-starting accessory for shopping, travel, commuting, and themed collections.
Rank #4
- RFID Protection: An electromagnetically opaque layer helps block unauthorized scans, protecting credit card, debit card, and passport information from nearby readers; This RFID blocking card helps prevent digital skimming by shielding your wallet from electronic theft
- Threats Stay Outside: Digital pickpockets use hidden readers to skim contactless cards in crowds, transit and checkout lines; This credit card protector works as an RFID blocker the moment it's placed in your purse or wallet, stopping electronic theft before it occurs
- Invisible Yet Active: Ultra-thin and sized to fit any wallet slot, this rfid blocking card adds no bulk; Invisible protection helps shield your debit cards and IDs from electronic skimming without changing the way you carry your wallet
- One Card Protects All: Forget slipping every card into a separate RFID sleeve, just one RFID blocking card protects every contactless card, passport, and license all at once; Carry it in a purse, travel pouch or cardholder and stay shielded at airports, transit hubs and during daily commutes
- Drop and Defend: Keep the RFID blocking card in your wallet or travel bag, or save it as a backup; Simply insert it alongside your credit and debit cards for immediate protection against identity theft — no charging, no setup
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
