go card misuse under investigation

The Newman Government is investigating the illegal use of go card on long-distance and Airtrain travel.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said research showed more than 1000 people a month may be misusing their go card on the Airtrain.

“TransLink data collected in October 2012 showed 1095 passengers have gone into a negative balance when they touched off on an Airtrain journey and then failed to repay the balance over the past six months,” Mr Emerson said.

“I believe people misusing go cards in this way are fare evading and ripping off honest users up to $7000 a month on Airtrain.

“I expect the rort started to develop when the former Labor government decided to change the go card deposit from $10 to $5 in late 2009.”

TransLink is currently conducting further research into the loophole across the network, particularly on Airtrain travel, which costs at least $16 a trip.

“Most people use the system correctly, however we won’t tolerate fare evasion and lost revenue, particularly as we try to eliminate the debt left to us by Labor, find savings and deliver a more affordable public transport network,” Mr Emerson said.

TransLink will submit options to tackle the loophole in the coming months.

Media Contact: Andrew Berkman 0429 128 637