Go cards to be phased out in QLD, replaced with smart ticketing and TransLink card

After almost 20 years since its introduction the Go card will be replaced with a new card as smart ticketing expands for South East Queensland commuters.

Go Cards will be phased out.

The go card ticketing system used by South East Queensland public transport commuters will be terminated and replaced with a new “TransLink card”.

TransLink, Queensland’s public transport agency, confirmed on Tuesday the new fare card system would replace Go cards and work in a similar way.

A TransLink spokesperson said go card technology was now almost 20 years old and was “approaching end of life”.

“Go card trials commenced in 2006, with the system expanded across South East Queensland’s integrated bus, train, ferry and tram services in 2008,” they said.

“The current system and equipment do not have the capability to evolve with changing technology and customer needs, and have been superseded by new cloud-based ticketing systems and secure contactless payment technology.”

The Go card will be progressively replaced by the equivalent TransLink smart card payment option in a new account-based Smart Ticketing solution.

TransLink launched smart ticketing on Brisbane ferries and CityCats on Tuesday after it was introduced on trams in late 2020 and on trains in mid-2022, meaning passengers can pay their fare with contactless Visa, Mastercard and American Express debit or credit cards, including those in a digital wallet. Picture: John Gass

TransLink said this would provide customers with faster data processing, advanced privacy and data security features, compared to the current Go card.

“The TransLink card will be available for customers who wish to pay with a stand-alone payment card that can be topped up and managed just like they do with their current Go card,” they said.

“This will complement the option for customers to pay for their journey with their credit card, debit card, smartphone and smartwatch through Smart Ticketing.”

Where Smart Ticketing is live customers can pay their fare with contactless Visa, Mastercard and American Express debit or credit cards, including those in a digital wallet.

TransLink launched smart ticketing on Brisbane ferries and CityCats on Tuesday after it was introduced on trams in late 2020 and on trains in mid-2022.

It is yet to begin on buses and is only available for full-paying adult fares, meaning concession card holders would still need to use their Go card, then eventually, a TransLink card.

The agency added that the new system would enable customers to top-up through a range of channels and link their concession to their TransLink card, just as they do with their Go card.

“TransLink is also working with its ticketing partner, Cubic, to enable the new TransLink card to be linked to a customer’s smart device,” they said.

“TransLink will ensure customers have plenty of time to prepare for the transition to the TransLink card, with the timeframe for its introduction to be determined through the continued rollout of Smart Ticketing.”

They added that customers will be able to use Smart Ticketing payment methods to travel on concession fares once Smart Ticketing is fully rolled out and is working to ensure that the new devices are inclusive and accessible to all, including customers with concession entitlements.

Customers can obtain a refund of their Go card funds at any time as long as they have the physical card or the card is registered.

Customers can request a Go card refund at selected retailers and Queensland Rail station ticket offices. They can also fill in the online form or call 13 12 30.