Unlock the Secrets of
Public Transport in Queensland:
Everything You Need to Know About
the Go Card
↓↓↓↓ Chinese 中文 Version ↓↓↓↓
What is the go card?
The go card is an electronic smart card ticketing system used for public transport in Queensland, Australia. It was introduced in 2007 as a replacement for paper tickets and operates on buses, trains, and ferries across the TransLink network in South East Queensland, which includes Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast. there are different variations of the go card designed for specific groups of users, such as concession go cards for students and seniors, and corporate go cards for businesses and organizations. These variations offer different fare structures and benefits tailored to their respective user groups.
The go card can be topped up with funds and offers cheaper fares compared to purchasing paper tickets. It can also be used to pay for multiple journeys in a single day up to a daily fare cap, making it convenient for regular commuters. The card is reusable and can be easily topped up online, at ticket vending machines, and selected retailers.
How does it work?
When a passenger wants to travel on public transport, they simply tap their go card on a reader at the start of their journey and tap it again when they disembark. The reader calculates the fare based on the distance traveled and deducts it from the balance on the go card. The go card can be used on buses, trains, and ferries across the TransLink network in South East Queensland.
The go card also has a daily fare cap, which means passengers won’t pay more than a certain amount even if they take multiple trips in a day. This encourages passengers to use public transport more often and makes it more affordable.
Benefits of using a go card
There are many benefits of using the go card on public transport in South East Queensland.
For example,
- it offers cheaper fares compared to purchasing paper tickets
- is more convenient as passengers don’t need to worry about carrying cash or purchasing paper tickets
- is more environmentally friendly as it reduces the amount of paper waste generated by traditional ticketing systems
How to get a go card
To get a go card, passengers can purchase one at a retailer or order one online. They can also apply for a concession card if they’re eligible for discounted fares.
Online:
Passengers can purchase a go card online by visiting the TransLink website and following the steps to order a card. The card will be mailed to the passenger’s address within 5-10 business days.
Retailers:
Go cards can be purchased at a variety of retail locations, including 7-Eleven, newsagents, and selected train stations. A full list of retail locations can be found on the TransLink website.
Over the phone:
Passengers can also purchase a go card by calling the TransLink call center on 13 12 30. The card will be mailed to the passenger’s address within 5-10 business days.
When purchasing a go card, passengers will need to pay a one-time fee for the card itself. This fee is currently $10 for adults and $5 for concession card holders. The card can then be topped up with funds either online, over the phone, or at a retail outlet. The minimum top-up amount is $5 and the maximum is $200.
It’s important to note that passengers will need to register their go card online or by phone in order to protect their balance if the card is lost or stolen.
How to use a go card
Purchase a go card: You can purchase a go card from a ticket vending machine at any train, bus, or ferry station, or online through the TransLink website. There is a one-time fee of $10 for the card, but you can get that money back as a deposit if you return the card.
Top up the card:
You can add funds to your go card at any time, either at a ticket vending machine, online, or at selected retailers. You can also set up an automatic top-up so that you never run out of funds.
Tap on and tap off:
When you board a bus or enter a train station, you need to tap your go card on the card reader. When you leave the bus or train station, you need to tap off again. If you forget to tap off, you will be charged the maximum fare for your trip.
Check your balance:
You can check your go card balance and transaction history by tapping your card on a card reader or online.
Enjoy cheaper fares:
Using a go card can save you money compared to buying paper tickets. The fares are automatically calculated based on your journey and are capped at a daily maximum, so you won’t pay more than a certain amount each day.
Online:
Passengers can purchase a go card online by visiting the TransLink website and following the steps to order a card. The card will be mailed to the passenger’s address within 5-10 business days.
Can I return my go card?
You can return your go card to a card machine or retailer that has a card reader in Queensland. To receive your deposit back, you must ensure your go card has a minimum balance of $5 or less before returning it.
Alternatively, you can return the go card by mail to the address below:
TransLink Division
Department of Transport and Main Roads
Reply Paid 5034
Brisbane QLD 4001
When returning by mail, you must include a completed go card refund form, which is available on the TransLink website, with your go card to ensure that your refund is processed correctly. Once the card is received, your deposit will be refunded back to your nominated bank account or credit card within 10 business days.
Can I return go card for my friend?
You can return the go card on behalf of your friend. However, you will need to have their permission to do so, and you must provide their go card details on the refund form. The form must be signed by the cardholder, and the card balance must be $5 or less for a deposit refund.
If you are returning the card by mail, make sure to include a signed letter from your friend that authorizes you to return the card and receive the refund on their behalf. It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of the letter for your records.
Alternatively, if your friend is unable to provide a signed letter, they can authorise you to act on their behalf by filling out and submitting an Authority to Act form. This form is available on the TransLink website and allows you to act on your friend’s behalf for a specific purpose, such as returning their go card and receiving the deposit refund.
The go card is an easy and convenient way to travel on public transport in South East Queensland. It can be topped up with funds either online, over the phone, or at a retail outlet, and can be used on buses, trains, and ferries across the TransLink network.
1 comment
[…] Unlock the Secrets of Public Transport in Queensland: Everything You Need to Know About the Go Card […]