All systems go with new go card

Today was a significant day for Sunshine Coast commuters when Translink’s go card went officially on-line for the first time.

Transport Minister John Mickel said the official Sunshine Coast launch was the first stage in delivering South-East Queensland commuters with a cutting-edge, integrated, paperless ticketing system.

“Following a very successful trial on the Sunshine Coast, go card is now on sale and available to commuters from Strathpine, north,” Mr Mickel said.

“Translink staff were kept busy at the Caboolture and Sandgate rail stations this morning, providing commuters with information about the new system and distributing almost 200 go cards to peak hour commuters.

“By all reports, go card generated a lot of positive interest from morning travellers – most of whom were aware of the new system and wanted to learn more.”

Mr Mickel said go card delivered a seamless transfer for commuters from rail to bus to ferry - on an integrated fare and without having to line up for a ticket.

“When the staged roll-out is completed in May, south-east Queenslanders will have access to a highly sophisticated, integrated system - unlike any other system in the world,” he said.

“The positive response this morning showed that most people welcomed the new service, which would gives them choice and convenience.

"Word is spreading quickly and I expect there will be an even greater level of interest this afternoon.

"This is a great start for the go card and I can only hope this sort of interest continues,” he said.

Travellers can now purchase cards online, top up their card using a credit card, view their transaction histories and register their cards to insure against loss or theft.

Travellers wanting more information about go card can call 13 12 30 or visit www.translink.com.au/go.

Media contact: Chris Brown (07) 3237 1944 or Shannon Mackay 3237 1125

January 29, 2008

go card representatives will be on hand to assist people with any questions they may have about go card.

Representatives will be available at the following times and locations:

Passengers on the Sunshine Coast and in Pine Rivers, Redcliffe and Caboolture will be able to buy a card from Tuesday, 29 January 2008 by phoning 13 12 30, through the go card website at www.translink.com.au/go or by visiting a go card retailer at:

·Caloundra Travel - Bus Interchange, 23 Cooma Tce, Caloundra

·Noosa Civic News, 28 Eenie Creek Rd, Noosaville

·Cotton Tree News, 9 King St, Maroochydore

·7 Eleven Mooloolaba, 85 The Esplanade, Mooloolaba

·7 Eleven Maroochydore North, 53 Aerodrome Rd,Maroochydore North

·7 Eleven Marcoola, 946-948 David Low Way, Marcoola

·7 Eleven Noosa, 91 -97 Noosa Dr, Noosa

·7 Eleven Warana, Cnr Nicklin Way & Aquatic Dr, Warana

·7 Eleven Maroochydore, Aerodrome Rd, Maroochydore

·NewsXpress Caboolture, Cnr Matthew Tce & James St, Caboolture

·7 Eleven Clontarf, 9 Elizabeth St, Clontarf

·7 Eleven Redcliffe, 77 Anzac Ave, Redcliffe

·7 Eleven Rothwell, 759-761 Deception Bay Rd, Rothwell

·7 Eleven Morayfield, 272 Morayfield Rd, Morayfield

People can also get a go card at the following QR Citytrain stations:

·Nambour

·Caboolture

·Morayfield

·Burpengary

·Bray Park

·Roma Street

·Central