The go card is an electronic smartcard ticketing system developed by Cubic Corporation, which is currently used on the Translink public transport network (trains, buses, light rail, ferries) in South East Queensland, Australia. To use the go card, users hold the card less than 10 cm away from the reader to "touch on" before starting a journey, and must do the same to "touch off" the service at the end of the journey. The cost of each journey is deducted from the go card balance.
The Queensland Government awarded the $134 million contract to design, build, operate and maintain the go card system to Cubic Corporation in July 2003. In July 2006, TransLink signed up around 1,000 volunteers to trial the new smartcard system in the Redcliffe area. The go card was launched throughout Brisbane in February 2008, the go card was available at selected retail stores and Queensland Rail stations. It could also be accessed by phone or online.
History
The go card was a major part of the Queensland Government's integrated ticketing system to improve the efficiency and convenience of public transport. In July 2003, the Queensland Government awarded the $134 million contract to design, build, operate and maintain the go card system to Cubic Corporation.
Trial Period
Following the development of the go card, in July 2006, Translink signed up around 1,000 volunteers to test out the new smartcard system in the Redcliffe area. Translink installed the new smartcard equipment in Hornibrook Bus Lines and later Brisbane Transport buses. Sunbus' bus fleet also underwent pre-wiring so onboard equipment could be installed later. Translink also installed new smartcard fare machines at Petrie, Sandgate, Brunswick Street, Central and Roma Street stations.
Rollout
The go card was launched throughout Brisbane in February 2008. The system covers an area of 10,000 km2 and is available on 2,200 buses; at 153 train stations, 24 ferry wharves and 19 light rail stops.
The system continues to grow, with Cubic supplying ticketing equipment for the Gold Coast light rail system; the new rail line and stations at Springfield in Brisbane; and the extension of the ferry service to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.
The go card can be purchased and topped up at retail stores and Queensland rail stations. It can also be accessed by phone or online. During the launch, Translink had staff on hand at rail stations and major bus interchanges to talk to passengers about go card and answer any questions.
To encourage the use of the go card, from 4 August 2008 all go card trips received a minimum 20% discount off paper tickets. Regular users who travel more than 10 journeys within a week received an additional discount of 50% off the price of any extra journeys.
On 4 January 2010, to encourage the use of the go cards during 2010, Translink gave away 400,000 free go cards loaded with $10 credit. go cards users also received off-peak discounts and automatic top-up.
Originally, Translink had proposed to scrap paper-based ticketing entirely, but following controversy over this proposal single-trip paper tickets were retained, whilst other paper ticket formats (weekly, monthly, daily and off-peak) were abolished. Apart from frequent user schemes, periodic ticketing formats have not been introduced for go card since its inception.
As a further incentive, fare restructuring saw go card users offered substantial discounts in single fares over the price of paper tickets. In November 2015, Cubic was awarded a three-year contract extension until 2019.
SEEQ Card
In 2012, Translink launched a new SEEQ Card targeting tourists. The SEEQ Card operates similarly to the go card, but includes: unlimited travel within the Translink region for a duration of 3 or 5 consecutive days from the first trip (depending on the card type) Adult or Child fare classes (no Concession or Seniors cards) expiry 12 months after the date of purchase if not used 2 trips to/from Brisbane Domestic or International Airports via the Airport line
Go Explore Card
In 2014, Translink launched the go explore card – Australia's first ever limited-use tourist smartcard – to coincide with the official opening of the $1.2 billion Gold Coast light rail system.
Developed to make travel easier for tourists and visitors to the Gold Coast, the go explore card uses the same technology as the go card and works with the ticketing equipment installed at the 16 new light rail stations, 40 Add Vending Machines and 138 standalone validators.