After years of delays and a budget blowout, public transport users will finally be able to tag on using their credit cards — but only a small number in an initial trial.

The Cook Government has long promised to allow passengers to tag on and off with their credit or debit card instead of a SmartRider.

The idea was first floated in 2018 with an aim to begin the roll-out in 2019, but that never eventuated.

In 2023, the Government said the upgrades would be operational by mid-2024, but that date came and went, too.

And while it was initially thought the upgrades would cost around $58 million, it is now expected to come in at the $68 million mark.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti defended the delays, citing overseas disruptions during the development stage.

“In particular, in relation to

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