TransLink Go card

The TransLink "go" card is an electronic ticketing system currently operating on the TransLink public transport network in south-east Queensland. The system uses near field communication smartcard technology for the purpose of charging patrons of the network.

This system is the second smartcard system to be implemented in Australia (the first was the Transperth card) and like the Transperth system, is designed to allow 'touch on' and 'touch off' travel throughout the TransLink network.

Implementation of the system

The TransLink "go" card system was developed by Cubic Transportation Services. It is now available on all TransLink public transport operators.

Using the "go" card

To use the TransLink "go" card, users need to hold their card less than 10cm away from the reader to "touch on" and remember to do the same to "touch off" the service at the end of their journey.

Under the frequent user scheme, "go" card users are charged half price fares after completing ten journeys in a seven day period, which resets each Monday.

From August 4 2008, "go" card users receive an up-front discount based on the number of zones travelled:

* 1 to 10 zones travelled receive an up-front 20% discount on the single fare. * 11 zones travelled receive an up-front 25% discount on the single fare. * 12 zones travelled receive an up-front 30% discount on the single fare. * 13 or more zones travelled receive an up-front 35% discount on the single fare.

Types of "go" cards

A range of "go" cards exist. When a "go" card is first purchased, a refundable deposit of $5.00 for concession users and $10.00 for standard users will apply, on top of which credit needs to be added to use the card.
* Adult "go" card is for use by passengers without concessions.
* Child "go" card is for use by children under the age of 15 years.
* Concession "go" card is for use by passengers entitled to a concession, such as full time secondary and tertiary students, holders of a Pensioner Concession Card, and holders of a Repatriation Health Card.
* Seniors "go" card is for use by passengers who have a Queensland Seniors Card issued by the Queensland State Government.

Criticisms of "go" card

Criticism of "go" card has largely been based on TransLink's implementation of the technology, rather than the technology itself. Key criticisms upon the "go" card launch in early 2008 include the increased cost of travel for regular commuters as compared to paper ticketing [http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=458.0 RAIL Back on Track 3 Feb 2008: Go Card is a shambles] ] [http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=466.0 RAIL Back on Track 5 Feb 2008: SEQ - Go Card needs a fair fare!] ] as well as the lack of incentive for commuters to switch to "go" card .

At the time of its implementation in 2008, "go" card's fare calculation system had no mechanism to cap the amount that commuters are charged during the term of a day, week or month. Because it does not duplicate the 'unlimited travel' offered by TransLink's existing Daily, Off-Peak Daily, Weekly and Monthly tickets, "go" card will continue charging regular commuters amounts in excess of the equivalent paper ticket rates. [http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=958.0 RAIL Back on Track 1 Jun 2008: SEQ: Go card needs a jump start] ] It has been suggested that the bulk of South East Queensland commuters switching to "go" card have suffered increased fares, compared to those that remained with paper-based ticketing. [http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=514.0 RAIL Back on Track 17 Feb 2008: SEQ - Is Go Card spin ‘concocted’?] ] However, the "go" card does offer a 'transfer' system similar to that of the paper-based system; when touching on in the same zone as the previous touch off, the next journey is free, as it would be if using the paper-based system.

In August 2008, the pricing scheme was updated to give an automatic discount of at least 20% off the single ticket price, equivalent to the previously offered Ten Trip Saver discount tickets. [ [http://www.translink.qld.gov.au/qt/translin.nsf/index/go_fees] ] A "frequent user scheme" then applies giving half price travel for commuters who make more than 10 journeys in a calendar week. Daily, monthly and weekly paper tickets remain available.

"go" card on Airtrain

As of the 1st of June 2008, "go" card users are now able to travel on the privately owned Brisbane Airport Airtrain. The delay in implementation was caused by the Airtrain not being part of the TransLink network and requiring a second fare structure.

External Links

* [http://www.translink.com.au/go TransLink's "go" card Homepage]

References