Ministerial Statement: Big go card giveaway

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
18/06/2010

Big go card giveaway

The Queensland Government will give away free go cards with a $10 travel credit as part of a commitment to encourage more people to get on board public transport.

"Public transport is an easy and convenient way to travel," Ms Nolan said.

"So if you haven't already got a go card I'd encourage you to give this free offer a try.

"The cards will be available at upcoming community events, online and advertisements will run in local newspapers with full details in coming weeks.

"Up to 370,000 cards will be distributed from June 28 in addition to the 30,000 cards allocated to be distributed via the successful go ready sessions for seniors and pensioners."

Ms Nolan said go card take up has been phenomenal with the 100 millionth go card trip taken last month, less than two years after the roll-out was completed.

"This year alone the go card take-up has gone from 33 per cent of all trips to 60 per cent.

"The go card giveaway aims to make it easier for those who've not yet made the switch to do so.

"If you don't travel by public transport often but still want the convenience of having a go card in your wallet, this is a great opportunity to get one for the first time."

Ms Nolan said the go card is working well, with complaints and adjustments down despite take-up skyrocketing.

There will be a number of other activities across South East Queensland during the go card giveaway, including community events and new services.

"The giveaway also coincides with the beginning of an exciting new era for train customers, with a new government-owned corporation operating from July 1," she said.

"The new Queensland Rail will be an integrated passenger and rail infrastructure business, serving the resources, freight, tourism and passenger markets.

"Queensland Rail will be responsible for delivering the public transport system Queenslanders need, with a focus on enhancing customer service and reliability for commuters.

"There is currently an enormous amount of work taking place behind the scenes to prepare for the change over and I look forward to presenting the new passenger focussed organisation to Queenslanders," Ms Nolan said.

For more information about the go card giveaway or public transport, please visit www.translink.com.au or phone 13 12 30, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

==============================================================

[ozbob]

http://www.translink.com.au/gocardgiveaway.php

TransLink and the Queensland Government are giving away up to 400 000 free go cards, loaded with $10 travel credit to those who do not already have go cards.

Starting from Monday 28 June, applications for the free go cards will be made available through a number of channels including:

    * online via our website
    * community events across the TransLink network (details of these events will be available soon)
    * application forms inserted in The Courier-Mail, Gold Coast Bulletin or Sunshine Coast Daily on Thursday 1 July, or in your local Quest publication from Tuesday 29 June through Friday 2 July.

Stocks are limited and will be distributed on a first in, first served basis until allocations are exhausted or until the promotion closes on 11 July 2010.

Once the $10 travel credit has been used, you can top up your go card balance and continue using it.

Learn more about go card.
Conditions

    * Only available to people who do not already have a go card.
    * You can only claim one go card per person unless applying for another card as a carer or guardian.
    * Maximum four free go cards per household.

.. Only available to people who do not already have a go card ..

[ozbob]

Unregistered users will still be able get a free card. Registered users appear to be penalised.  Not a good outcome is it?

Registered users should be given $10 too ...  , they are the pioneers of the system ...

[Derwan]

That's okay.  Joe Bloggs also lives at my place so he can get one. 

[ozbob]

Coincidence?  
 
Go card maintenance from 5.30pm this evening --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3032.msg28535#msg28535

Registered users have been the pilot group for online and the system.  It would be a gesture of good faith to give registered users as of today $10 credit.  That would stop people doubling up with the cards, and new users would be brought on board ...

What is not clear is do the giveway cards have $10 immediately or on registration?

As ...

From http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2877.msg14961#msg14961

We know some people are unsure about trying a new system.  That?s why we?ll offer 400,000 free go cards through newspapers in early 2010.  These cards will be loaded with $10 credit once registered, providing a great incentive to give public transport a go.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 18th June 2010 page 1

Get a free go

[ozbob]

No doubt, many family pets will soon be the proud owners of go cards ...

[stephenk]

Unregistered users will still be able get a free card. Registered users appear to be penalised.  Not a good outcome is it?

Registered users should be given $10 too ...  , they are the pioneers of the system ...

$10 probably even wouldn't make up the cost of phone calls made by the average Go-Card pioneer to get fare corrections due to faulty Go-Card equipment.

[ozbob]

Media Release 19 June 2010

SEQ:  Go card give away misses the bus

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has welcomed the announcement of the go card give-away (1). It is disappointing though that registered users are locked out of the free distribution.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Last October when announcing the new fare structure for public transport in south-east Queensland there was a commitment to a distribution of 400,000 go cards with a $10 credit on registration (2).  Ideally those cards would have been best distributed when the new fares impacted last January.  Due to the huge fare increases for paper relative to go card many commuters have been forced to take up a go card already and will now miss out, particularly if they have registered their go card."

"According to the announcement on the TransLink web site the planned distribution of go cards with $10 credit is only for people who do not already have a go card. People who have not registered their go card will be able to seek out one of the free go cards as there is no way of knowing if they have one already. Registered users should have been given a bonus $10 credit as well in recognition of their role as the 'trial' group for the go card, use and online system.  Many registered go card users have spent a lot of money on phone calls in chasing fixed fare reimbursements, and have lost a lot of time as well. In many cases they have 'worn' fixed fare fines as it was either too costly or too difficult time wise to chase reimbursement."

"We applaud the fact that TransLink will be keeping around 30,000 go cards for distribution at Go ready education sessions for Seniors, Pensioners and others."

"It is very disappointing though that the core user group for the go cards; registered users, have been disregarded with this free go give-away.  This is likely to rebound on the efficiency of the distribution of the go cards to new users as many people will now be motivated to chase a free go card for reimbursement for their additional expenditures as result of using the go card as a registered user."

References:

1. http://www.translink.com.au/gocardgiveaway.php

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2877.msg14961#msg14961

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Loyal Go Card users miss out

Loyal Go Card users miss out
CAMERON ATFIELD
June 19, 2010 - 6:43AM

Loyal Go Card users have been left fuming after the state government decision to hand out free cards with a $10 credit to entice new users.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan yesterday announced 400,000 Go Cards would be given away to commuters, complete with a $10 travel credit to be used on public buses, trains and ferries across the regional network.

But Public transport lobby group Rail: Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said the commuters who had done the "right thing" and purchased Go Cards earlier should not miss out on the $10 credit.

He said registered Go Card holders should all be credited $10 on their accounts to even out the playing field.

"It's not fair to exclude people who have gone out and actually been a pilot for the system," Mr Dow said.

"Registered users have been a pilot for the online system and they've also been a pilot for the system generally and they're the people who have been unable to get the free card with a $10 credit on them."

But Mr Dow said there was nothing that would stop registered Go Card holders taking advantage of the free card offer.

"If someone's already got a registered Go Card, there's nothing stopping them getting another [free] one," he said.

"It's a sad thing in a way because it means the impact of the free cards would be diminished because it won't be getting to the new users, which was the real intent.

"We think if the government simply gave $10 credit to those who are registered as of today, that would keep a lot of people happy and have a lot of these Go Cards go to the people they want them to go to - and that is the new users."

Opposition transport spokeswoman Fiona Simpson said she did not understand the government's strategy in giving away free Go Cards.

"The whole thing's been hodge-podge, there's been a lack of real strategy in the way the Go Cards have been rolled out," she said.

"If there were going to be some cards given away, as such, it would have made more sense to do it in the early days when you were trying to get people to take it up.

"If they are handing out free tickets now, it seems like a strange time to be doing it."

But Ms Simpson would not be drawn on whether she would support Mr Dow's suggestion that $10 credit should be given to existing registered users.

"I just question handing out free tickets at this point," she said.

"Given that people are being forced to take up the cards anyway, or face higher fares, you just have to question what the strategy is now."

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan was approached for comment, but her office did not respond to brisbanetimes.com.au's request.

[ozbob]

I have had a report of a pensioner who spent $37 on mobile phone calls seeking fare adjustments on her go card, to the equivalent of about $9.

For some folks the principle is important ...

Our calls for a mobile call back service and a free call number have always been dismissed.

[stephenk]

Media Release 19 June 2010

SEQ:  Go card give away misses the bus

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has welcomed the announcement of the go card give-away (1). It is disappointing though that registered users are locked out of the free distribution.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Last October when announcing the new fare structure for public transport in south-east Queensland there was a commitment to a distribution of 400,000 go cards with a $10 credit on registration (2).  Ideally those cards would have been best distributed when the new fares impacted last January.  Due to the huge fare increases for paper relative to go card many commuters have been forced to take up a go card already and will now miss out, particularly if they have registered their go card."

"According to the announcement on the TransLink web site the planned distribution of go cards with $10 credit is only for people who do not already have a go card. People who have not registered their go card will be able to seek out one of the free go cards as there is no way of knowing if they have one already. Registered users should have been given a bonus $10 credit as well in recognition of their role as the 'trial' group for the go card, use and online system.  Many registered go card users have spent a lot of money on phone calls in chasing fixed fare reimbursements, and have lost a lot of time as well. In many cases they have 'worn' fixed fare fines as it was either too costly or too difficult time wise to chase reimbursement."

"We applaud the fact that TransLink will be keeping around 30,000 go cards for distribution at Go ready education sessions for Seniors, Pensioners and others."

"It is very disappointing though that the core user group for the go cards; registered users, have been disregarded with this free go give-away.  This is likely to rebound on the efficiency of the distribution of the go cards to new users as many people will now be motivated to chase a free go card for reimbursement for their additional expenditures as result of using the go card as a registered user."

References:

1. http://www.translink.com.au/gocardgiveaway.php

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2877.msg14961#msg14961

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

Very well worded press release! 

[Jon Bryant]

Personally I would prefer the $4,000,000 worth of go card value were given to those who cannot afford a motor vehicle (i.e. not those who choose to not have one), too old or frail to drive and rely on PT as their sole means of transport.  I don't need the $10 and I would have been a very early user of Go cards.    This might just highlight to our politicians and planners the sheer number/% of the population that simply have to use PT and thus wake them up from their "everyone has a car" slumber.

[ozbob]

Yes, hear you Jonno.  Which is why the users now should have been considered, these are the real public transport users and many have moved to go card because of the huge price penalty on paper. Nothing wrong in encouraging others on board but some recognition of present users would have been received well and further encouragement for public transport use.  Most folks will just see this now as an opportunity for $10 worth of free trips and then will go back to using their normal cards.  As far as significantly increasing the user base it is debatable.

I did in fact suggest to TransLink that it was too late IMHO, and apart from Seniors and other disadvantaged groups junk the give away and use it for services.  But the sad reality of political promises made meant that the give away was too proceed and in actual fact most of the cost of the give away is a notional one, apart from card and administrative costs.  All it has done really is just confirm how crazy the whole roll out has been ...

[Derwan]

There should be an expiry on the credit.

The ones who will go for it are those who purchased an annual QR ticket late last year.  These people - lucky enough to afford the upfront cost - will now get an extra $10 of value once their pass expires.

Put an expiry on the Go Card credit.  If it's not used in a month, it's lost!

It doesn't sound ethical, but just on principle, current Go Card holders WILL use fake or pet names in order to obtain one of the give-away cards.  Of course, if you're going to be unethical, why stop at one?

[ozbob]

I am certain there will be a flood by present users, nothing surer. 

Many do feel somewhat aggrieved for time and money wasted along the go path ..  it is only registered users that theoretically could be blocked in any case, but would they (Go Admin at TTA) bother checking? (don't answer, rhetorical question ..  )  but plenty of folks live with people don't they?

There is a limit of 4 free cards per household  ie.  4 x $10 = $40

Clearly the so called free go cards should have been be rolled out in January, with $10 on registration which was their original plan.  Seems problems got in the way ... 

[stephenk]

Clearly the so called free go cards should have been be rolled out in January, with $10 on registration which was their original plan.  Seems problems got in the way ... 

Is that "problem" called a penny pinching government/transport authority?

[#Metro]

Put an expiry on the Go Card credit.  If it's not used in a month, it's lost!

That's interesting. Not really sure either way.

[STB]

Locations for Go Card Giveaways have now been released on the TransLink website.

https://www.gocardgiveaway.com.au/events/index.php

Attend one of the 10 go card giveaway events to receive a free go card with $10 worth of travel credit.Limited numbers of free go cards will be distributed at each event to those who do not already have a go card. Applications received at regional events will be processed on the spot and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. TransLink staff will be on hand to answer questions you may have about bus, train and ferry services in your area. At outdoor events our radio partners will host a sausage sizzle (excludes Brisbane Square). Be sure to get onboard the new go card bus to discover where TransLink can take you.


Visit us at locations below to get your free $10 go card:
Date Time Location Address

Mon 28 June 10am - 4pm Robina Town Centre
Near David Jones Robina Town Centre Drive (off Robina Parkway) Robina (Gold Coast)

Mon 28 June 10am - 4pm Raby Bay Harbour Park Cnr Shore St West & Harbourview Crt, Cleveland
(Opposite Cleveland Train Station)

Tues 29 June 10am - 4pm Westfield North Lakes
Near Aldi Cnr Anzac Ave & North Lakes Drive, North Lakes (Redcliffe)

Wed 30 June 10am - 4pm Indooroopilly Shopping Centre
Near Medicare 322 Moggill Rd, Indooroopilly

Wed 30 June 10am - 4pm Ipswich City Square Ipswich City Mall, Ipswich

Thurs 1 July 10am - 4pm Grand Plaza Browns Plains
Near Coles Cnr Browns Plains Rd & Mt Lindesay Hwy, Browns Plains (Logan)

Fri 2 July 10am - 4pm Kawana Shopping World
Near Woolworths Cnr Nicklin Way & Point Cartwright Drv, Buddina (Sunshine Coast)

Sat 3 July 10am - 4pm Westfield Carindale
Centre Court 1151 Creek Road, Carindale

Sun 4 July 10am - 4pm Westfield Chermside
Near Cinemas Gympie Rd, Chermside

Sun 4 July 10am - 4pm Reddacliff Place (Brisbane Square)
Opposite Treasury Casino 266 George Street, Brisbane CBD

[ozbob]

TransLink go card giveaway web site

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

Online applications are open from 8am, 28 June.

[Derwan]

Full terms and conditions are referenced but are not yet available.

How will they know if you already have a card?  As Bob has mentioned, they could do a search on registered users by name and address.  This is so discriminatory - and will only result in people applying for the maximum 4 cards per household (albeit fraudulently).  Cards will be provided unregistered, so no checks can be performed that the "correct" person is using the card.

The application form will go in the Courier Mail on 1 July.  I think they'll be gone by then!

[Derwan]

I was just working out - if I was "less than honest" and received 4 cards, each of the cards would get me 4 trips (2 days) - so I'd get 8 days free travel all up (about a week and a half).

My normal trip is $3.20.  After 3 trips ($9.60), the card would still have a positive balance at the commencement of the 4th journey so I could use it once more.  I would effectively get $12.80 worth out of each $10 card.  For all 4 cards, I'd get $51.20 worth - not $40.

Of course I'm not suggesting that I will be doing this - nor am I encouraging others to do it.

[Golliwog]

The application form will go in the Courier Mail on 1 July.  I think they'll be gone by then!

I think from the way they seem to have structured the giveaway, ie: the giveaway team traveling around SEQ staying in one or two locations each day, that it seems they would have allocated a max number to be given away at each giveaway, so it would make sense that they would have allocated a certain number to be retained to give away via application forms, plus any left from the staffed giveaways.

[#Metro]

How will they know if you already have a card?  As Bob has mentioned, they could do a search on registered users by name and address.  This is so discriminatory - and will only result in people applying for the maximum 4 cards per household (albeit fraudulently).  Cards will be provided unregistered, so no checks can be performed that the "correct" person is using the card.

Its just too bad. Let it be. Its too late now.
Bye-bye $ millions.

Yes, I expect that my neighborhood cats and dogs are now all proud owners of Go Card. They are frequent patrons of Public Transport: http://englishrussia.com/index.php/2009/04/07/smartest-dogs-moscow-stray-dogs/

Now, where are my world class, new-world city railway off peak frequencies?
Melbourne, Sydney and Perth are beating us.

[somebody]

Melbourne, Sydney and Perth are beating us.

None of those cities have a world class rail service either.

[stephenk]

I was just working out - if I was "less than honest" and received 4 cards

Given that TransLink have been less than honest with commuters in the last year, I can't see too many long suffering commuters worrying about honesty when it comes to Go-Card give aways!

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail letters to the editor 26th June 2010 page 79

Go card users deserve reward



Well said Jan Ide.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

26th June 2010

Greetings,

A letter to editor in today's Courier Mail (Go card users deserve reward) highlights the general feelings of go card users to the free go giveaway commencing this  Monday, 28th June.

We have also received a lot of similar feedback.

Great shame that public transport users have again been belted.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

============================

Media Release 19 June 2010 re-released 26 June 2010

SEQ:  Go card give away misses the bus

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has welcomed the announcement of the go card give-away (1). It is disappointing though that registered users are locked out of the free distribution.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Last October when announcing the new fare structure for public transport in south-east Queensland there was a commitment to a distribution of 400,000 go cards with a $10 credit on registration (2).  Ideally those cards would have been best distributed when the new fares impacted last January.  Due to the huge fare increases for paper relative to go card many commuters have been forced to take up a go card already and will now miss out, particularly if they have registered their go card."

"According to the announcement on the TransLink web site the planned distribution of go cards with $10 credit is only for people who do not already have a go card. People who have not registered their go card will be able to seek out one of the free go cards as there is no way of knowing if they have one already. Registered users should have been given a bonus $10 credit as well in recognition of their role as the 'trial' group for the go card, use and online system.  Many registered go card users have spent a lot of money on phone calls in chasing fixed fare reimbursements, and have lost a lot of time as well. In many cases they have 'worn' fixed fare fines as it was either too costly or too difficult time wise to chase reimbursement."

"We applaud the fact that TransLink will be keeping around 30,000 go cards for distribution at Go ready education sessions for Seniors, Pensioners and others."

"It is very disappointing though that the core user group for the go cards; registered users, have been disregarded with this free go give-away.  This is likely to rebound on the efficiency of the distribution of the go cards to new users as many people will now be motivated to chase a free go card for reimbursement for their additional expenditures as result of using the go card as a registered user."

References:

1. http://www.translink.com.au/gocardgiveaway.php

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2877.msg14961#msg14961

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

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

Who is eligible to apply for a free go card through this promotion?  The promotion is open to all residents of Queensland and those living in postcodes 2485, 2486 and 2535 who do not already have a TransLink go card. You must be able to show proof of residency (e.g. drivers licence) upon request. Employees and the immediate families of the TransLink Transit Authority and their associated agencies and companies are not eligible to redeem a go card as part of this promotion. (See full terms and conditions).  You will be allocated an adult, child, senior or concession go card based on your submitted application form. It is your responsibility to ensure that you apply for the go card applicable to you.

[ozbob]

Another disappointed punter, letter to the editor Courier Mail 28th June 2010 page 26

Free ride on community

[ozbob]

https://www.gocardgiveaway.com.au/apply-now.php

My 'in-laws' who don't have a go card have applied on line.  They said the form was easy to use ...   

[Derwan]

Do multiple personalities qualify?

They have email address as a mandatory field on the online form - which might be used for data-matching with existing (registered) Go Card holders.

Let's see how quickly they run out!

[ozbob]

LOL

Meanwhile ..

Twitter

TransLinkSEQ
 
Thank you for the feedback about the website issues - we are investigating.
6 minutes ago via web

Just tried, web site hanging, not loading.  Might be swamped ... lucky the 'inlaws' got on early hey what?   

[ozbob]

Error is on main site, go card online applications seems to be loading

http://www.translink.com.au/  9.41am 28th June

FastCGI Error
The FastCGI Handler was unable to process the request.

Error Details:

    * The FastCGI process has failed frequently recently. Try the request again in a while
    * Error Number: -2147467259 (0x80004005).
    * Error Description: Unspecified error

HTTP Error 500 - Server Error.
Internet Information Services (IIS)

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Go Card free $10 credit rollout begins

Go Card free $10 credit rollout begins
CONAL HANNA
June 28, 2010 - 10:14AM

Translink has begun taking applications for $10 of free Go Card credit from this morning.

The much-publicised handout is accessible via this website: https://www.gocardgiveaway.com.au.

A total of 400,000 Go Cards will be given away to Queensland commuters, complete with a $10 travel credit to be used on public buses, trains and ferries across the regional network.

The move is part of an attempt to shift passengers onto the smart card.

Applications must be received by July 11, and cards will be issued on a first-come first-served basis. All Go Card types are available, including adult, child, senior and concession (pensioner, school student, tertiary student and gold repatriation) cards. You do not need to register your card to be eligible for the $10.

Last week, the giveaway came under fire from public transport lobby group Rail: Back on Track, with spokesman Robert Dow saying commuters who had done the "right thing" and purchased Go Cards earlier should not miss out on the $10 credit.

He said registered Go Card holders should all be credited $10 on their accounts to even out the playing field.

"It's not fair to exclude people who have gone out and actually been a pilot for the system," Mr Dow said.

"Registered users have been a pilot for the online system and they've also been a pilot for the system generally and they're the people who have been unable to get the free card with a $10 credit on them."

The Go Card was launched in January 2008. On January 4 this year, the cost of paper tickets rose by up to 40 per cent, while Go Card fares increased by 20 per cent, as an incentive to woo people across.

Mr Dow said there was nothing that would stop registered Go Card holders taking advantage of the free card offer.

"If someone's already got a registered Go Card, there's nothing stopping them getting another [free] one," he said.

"It's a sad thing in a way because it means the impact of the free cards would be diminished because it won't be getting to the new users, which was the real intent.

"We think if the government simply gave $10 credit to those who are registered as of today, that would keep a lot of people happy and have a lot of these Go Cards go to the people they want them to go to - and that is the new users."

In January, brisbanetimes.com.au revealed Go Card readers had failed more than 13,000 times in the system's first two years.

[STB]

It was fairly busy out at Raby Bay Foreshore Park (opposite Cleveland railway station) for the giveaway at about 10:30am this morning.  TransLink (obviously), and Triple M in attendance.  Cleveland railway station and a number of stations on the Cleveland line have now had their readers coloured up.

[ozbob]

From main TL Web site  http://www.translink.com.au/ 1.25pm 28th June

The TransLink website is currently unavailable due to a large number of users trying to access the site.

Use the links below to access information on the go card giveaway, plan your journey, view bus timetables or log in to your go card account.

   * TransLink's $10 go card giveaway
   * Journey planner
   * Train journey planner
   * Bus timetables
   * Ferry timetables
   * Manage your go card account

Current service updates

   * Southern Gold Coast bus service restructure from 28 June
   * Sunshine Coast bus service improvements from 28 June

For all other information please call 13 12 30. TransLink apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

[ozbob]

No doubt this web site failure will be spun as cause for much jubilation of the success of the free go cards with $10 distribution 

A most important point, and I think the fundamental reason why registered users are annoyed is that the the Deputy Premier and the Minister indicated that the 400,000 go cards would have $10 of credit ON REGISTRATION.   This has been changed and registered users pushed aside.  I have heard of many folks lining up already cards for relatives etc. who don't really use public transport and don't intend to either!  Sad ..

[ozbob]

Joint Statement:

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
28/06/2010

One Million Go Cards And Climbing

The one millionth go card will go into circulation today as the Government begins its massive 400,000 great go card giveaway.

Premier Anna Bligh and Transport Minister Rachel Nolan were at Raby Bay's Harbour Park for the first of 10 great giveaway promotional events.

Premier Bligh said the free cards will be available at community events, online and through a number of local daily and weekly newspapers through the month of July.

"A form to apply for a free go card loaded with $10 credit will be inserted in Thursday's Courier Mail," said the Premier.

"This form will also be inserted in Quest papers from Tuesday to Thursday and in the Gold Coast Bulletin, Sunshine Coast Daily and Queensland Times on Thursday.

"We want people to make the switch from paper tickets and this giveaway is aimed at making it easy for everyone to get on board.

"go card users board vehicles faster and they travel and transfer between modes more easily.

"That means it helps us improve services for commuters across the network. So the more people that use go card, the better we get."

Ms Bligh said the great giveaway coincides with the milestone of one million go cards being issued in Queensland.

"This is an incredible milestone, just two years after the integrated travel system was rolled out across one of the largest geographical public transport networks in the world.

"Up to 370,000 cards will be distributed from today in addition to the 30,000 cards allocated via special go ready sessions for seniors and pensioners."

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said that as more people took to using the go card commuters across the network benefited.

"There were 23.6 million go card trips between January and March 2010 which is more than double the trips for the same quarter last year," she said.

"In that same period there were 315,000 cards issued and today almost two-thirds of all daily bus, train and ferry trips across the TransLink network are taken using a go card."

Member for Capalaba Michael Choi encouraged local residents to leave the car at home and try public transport.

"This is a great incentive for people who might not regularly use public transport," Mr Choi said.

"Touching on and off with a card is easy and a great way of easing congestion on our roads."

Those wanting to take advantage of the offer should visit the dedicated website to find out details of how to apply for a free go card.

"The new website can be accessed from the TransLink website www.translink.com.au and people will be able to apply online for their go cards from today [Monday, June 28]," said Ms Nolan.

"There will also be a link for new customers to identify which go card type is right for them, and a video presentation educating them on how to touch on and touch off using their new go card."

Those interested in getting on board can also visit one of 10 community events held across South East Queensland, including:

    * Monday, June 28 - Robina Town Centre (near David Jones) and Raby Bay Harbour Park
    * Tuesday, June 29 - Westfield North Lakes (near Aldi)
    * Wednesday, June 30 - Indooroopilly Shopping Centre (near Medicare) and Ipswich City Square
    * Thursday, July 1 - Grand Plaza Browns Plains (near Coles)
    * Friday, July 2 - Kawana Shopping World (near Woolworths)
    * Saturday, July 3 - Westfield Carindale (Centre Court)
    * Sunday, July 4 - Reddacliffe Place (Brisbane Square, opposite Treasury Casino) and Westfield Chermside (near cinemas)

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