Free goCard for people with a QLD address

[markis10]

If you dont have one already you can apply for one with $10 credit:

https://www.gocardgiveaway.com.au/

TransLink and the Queensland Government are giving away up to 400,000 go cards with $10 travel credit* to use on buses, trains and ferries across South East Queensland.
So if you haven't already got a go card, here's your chance to get onboard and give public transport a go.
Stocks are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis while stocks last.

 

[tuppaware]

Great $10 free travel!
I already have 3 student cards and 1 adult card (with thanks to working at a uni!)


And I have to say, after they sorted out the bugs. The go card system blitz's both SYD and MEL systems... saying that as a user in the know rather then a tourist (then which the go card system would be sucky!)

 

[medhead]

how would it suck for a tourist.

Only ask because I'm an expat queenslander and I've just put in for go cards for the whole family. I'd love to know the traps for as I'm technically a tourist whenever I get back home, not a regular user, with some vague recollection of how things work in the back of my mind. (somewhere)

 

[JohnK]

Cool! Applied for Go cards for the whole family.

 

[Mal]

Someone has to bump up the dismal application rate Good to see it's some AFF'ers!

The GO card is ok overall. I do have a fairly negative opinion towards it for many reasons, most of all because the original implementation was flawed.

Translink have resolved some (but not all) of the big issues with the scheme. Still, from an Australian perspective, it is probably the best system in operation (perhaps the PER one is better ... )

 

[Bundy Bear]

Thanks for the link; my brother needed a Go card; and my parents might need a Go card in the future, I wonder if the family pet needs a Go Card.

 

[Groundfeeder]

I got one for our cat, but she never seems to use it.

I don't think the GoCard makes the Airtrain cheaper unless you use it more than 10 times a week, but will check.:?:

 

[SeaWolf]

I grabbed a Myki during the free promo they had, it's a shame that this one is Queensland only, I'm starting to get quite a collection of these things. They're a great idea, makes using public transport in cities where you aren't familiar with the ticketing system a heck of a lot easier.

 

[Mal]

Due to a dismal take-up rate, this promo has been extended! Offer now runs until 25 July, or while stock lasts.

 

[markis10]

I bet they have more luck with the free powerboard!

https://www.ezygreen.com.au/

 

[samh004]

I signed up for one for my dad. I especially like how you can sign up for a student card without providing student ID, and it wont expire as a concession card until the end of the year. Not that I need to do this of course, but could be very useful for some.

 

[JohnK]

Due to a dismal take-up rate, this promo has been extended! Offer now runs until 25 July, or while stock lasts.

Really? Does this mean that most people already have a registered Go card and would not be eligible for this promotion?

 

[Mal]

Really? Does this mean that most people already have a registered Go card and would not be eligible for this promotion?

I have an unregistered GO Card, so would be eligible ... but don't want a registered card with Translink. Not sure what other people feel, but from discussions with others who have the cards, most are registered (mainly for the auto-topup features)

Also, if you visit the Translink stalls around the place (I saw one at Chermside Sat 2 weeks ago, and another one in town on the same day), you can drop the form off and get your card.

From what I saw, your details weren't being verified... whereas obviously if you post one in, or apply online, you have to provide correct address details. Not sure if they've fixed that loophole, or whether it was just slack promo staff.

BTW - Media article on the promo flopping (July 6)
Free Go Cards | Brisbane City Council Translink Giveaway

More than two-thirds of 370,000 free Go Cards being given away by the state government remain unclaimed, with only days left of the promotion designed to convert commuters from paper tickets.

With the giveaway period set to expire on the weekend, Translink yesterday confirmed only 110,000 people had taken up the offer to claim the free Go Cards, complete with $10 credit.

And the extension:
Translink Go Card Giveaway Extended After Slow Start

Translink planned to give away 400,000 Go Cards, armed with $10 credit, in an attempt to encourage more people to trial the electronic payment scheme.

However, less than half were given away during the two-week period and the government has agreed to extend the giveaway period to July 25.

 

[samh004]

I’m not sure what problem people have with a paperless ticket that speeds commuting up and is free with credit now, but only about $5 or so normally. The faster adoption of the system takes place the quicker it can be expanded to other systems like the Octopus card in HK. Or do Brisbanites want to stay in the dark ages forever?

 

[Mal]

I’m not sure what problem people have with a paperless ticket that speeds commuting up and is free with credit now, but only about $5 or so normally.

Let's see. So what is wrong with the go Card vs a paper ticket?

• You can buy an off-peak (or peak) daily paper ticket, which if you travel on several services (over the course of the day) can save you money. There is no daily cap on goCard.
• You can buy weekly and monthly paper tickets, there is no equivalent on goCard.
• Some organisations have a scheme where staff can buy discounted yearly train passes and have the cost debited each pay period. This is not replicated on goCard.
• If a goCard reader is faulty you can be charged a penalty fare. It can be hard work getting it reversed (although TL have improved by adding a web option).

In short, there are some passengers who don't get value out of a Go Card based on their travel patterns.

 

[samh004]

In short, there are some passengers who don't get value out of a Go Card based on their travel patterns.

I guess over time some of the issues you listed will be improved/changed. For instance, I thought the Oyster card in the UK had a daily cap, so it could be implemented on the goCard.

And businesses could have a scheme implemented, especially if you can see the transactions online and print them out.

so perhaps the system is badly implemented at the moment, but it’s still a free card with free credit that speeds up travel on days when the points you listed don’t apply. I’d have thought that would count for something.

 

[JohnK]

I’m not sure what problem people have with a paperless ticket that speeds commuting up and is free with credit now, but only about $5 or so normally.

I think Mal summed it up quite nicely.

For me it is the ability to use a single paper ticket on a weekend day all day in the zones purchased and obviously for a weekly ticket I can come and go as often as I please in that time.

 

[Postcode]

It's a bargain. I travelled from Caloundra to Surfers Paradise by bus and train - $8.90. If I paid for the ticket at the start of he trip by cash it would be $13.10. Still an absolute bargain.

If I drove which I have been doing twice a week for a while - include petrol, bloody Gateway toll and the stress of the idiots on the road I'm happy with the Go card.

 

[samh004]

It's a bargain. I travelled from Caloundra to Surfers Paradise by bus and train - $8.90. If I paid for the ticket at the start of he trip by cash it would be $13.10. Still an absolute bargain.

If I drove which I have been doing twice a week for a while - include petrol, bloody Gateway toll and the stress of the idiots on the road I'm happy with the Go card.

I’m not sure I’d agree that QLD buses and trains are a bargain, but glad someone’s getting a discount with the card!

 

[Mal]

I’m not sure I’d agree that QLD buses and trains are a bargain, but glad someone’s getting a discount with the card!

People are only getting a discount with the card because Anna Blight jacked up Public Transport fares for paper tickets.

And, fares are set to keep rising over the next few years too... Of course because the excellent fares I mentioned above still exist, paper tickets are being withdrawn too.

In a few years, people will never realise just how cheap public transport once was.