Overview
When Queensland's Go Cards were introduced, they were billed as a quicker, easier way to pay for public transport — but if you've ever had trouble topping up, been wrongly slugged for not touching off or been forced to pay paper ticketing prices after leaving your card at home, then you might disagree. In fact, you've probably been dreaming of a day when you won't need that little piece of plastic. Well, we have good news: ditching your Go Card is about to become a reality.
As part of this year's state budget, the Queensland Government will commit $371 million over the next four years to trial and implement electronic payment methods for public transport, The Courier-Mail reports. Originally floated earlier this year, the move would enable Brisbanites to use digital ticketing via mobile phones, smart watches and credit cards. With $90 million committed to the project in the 2018/19 financial year, if the budget is passed through parliament, the first tests are expected to be rolled out over the next 12 months.
The new payment options will complement rather than replace the existing system — so if you do happen to be attached to your Go Card for some reason, you can keep using it.
Queensland is the latest state to make the shift towards new ticketing methods, with New South Wales residents able to purchase ferry and light rail tickets via contactless payments since March. In Victoria, a similar trial of mobile payments — giving users a digital Myki card via an app — is set to commence in the coming months.
Via The Courier-Mail. Image: Andrew Thomas via Flickr.