New combined Seniors Card +go

[ozbob]

A new combined Seniors Card +go is being made available from today.

A launch is being held in KGS from 10am.  TransLink has the TL bus and displays in the square.

Expect full details later today on the TL website.

This combined card will be free to eligible Seniors, no deposit.

[ozbob]

http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/go-card/seniors-plus-go

About Seniors Card +go

People who are eligible for a Seniors Card issued by the Department of Communities can now upgrade to the new combined Seniors Card +go

This is a single, convenient card with a Seniors Card on one side and TransLink senior go card on the other side.

Seniors Card +go offers all the usual seniors' discounts and concessions across Australia PLUS easy access to the cheapest available fares for TransLink services.

Seniors Card +go works exactly like a normal senior go card. You can top up, register and touch on and off just like all other go card users.

And you will enjoy all the benefits of a senior go card including concession fares and an off-peak discount.

From 17 January, Seniors Card +go customers will save even more with the new daily fare cap for seniors and pensioners.

Customers who use a Seniors Card +go, a senior go card or a green pensioner concession go card for two journeys on the same day will travel for free on their go card for the rest of that day.

Seniors Card +go is FREE so you won't pay the usual $5 refundable deposit.

Seniors Card +go is available to eligible new Seniors Card applicants and existing Seniors Card holders.

To apply:

    * www.communities.qld.gov.au/seniorscard
    * call 13 QGOV (13 7468)
    * or pick up an application form at your local Member of Parliament's office, Centrelink office or public library

[O_128]

Hmmm what about a student / go card, what about student capping?

[ozbob]

All concession cards should have capping ... if not all users IMHO 

I think the problem with co-located student/go card might be expense and churn.  There has been talk of it in the past and a trial nearly got off the ground with GU.  A complication may be the different technologies in place for student ID cards.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane times click here!

Seniors go on the move

Seniors go on the move
Nicolas Bolton
November 18, 2010 - 3:06PM

A new smart card combining the Seniors Card with Translink's Go Card has been launched, providing seniors with multiple journey discounts.

The new double-sided "Seniors Card +go" card, available free of charge, will cost the state government more than $1.2 million this financial year.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the card would give holders access to government concessions and business discounts.

"[They will also have] the option to store money on the card to pay for concession fares on bus, train and ferry services in southeast Queensland," she said.

Ms Nolan said because most seniors always carried a Seniors Card, having it joined with a Go Card ensured they would alway be able to travel on public transport.

"Application for Seniors Card +go is the same as the existing process for a Seniors Card," she said.

The new combined card was an optional upgrade for new applicants and existing Seniors Card holders could also make the conversion.

Public transport advocacy group Rail: Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said a long-term criticism of the Go Card was that, for commuters making multiple journeys on the same day, a daily paper ticket was cheaper.

As of January 17, seniors will be able to travel for free after their second journey of the day, with non-card users on a paper ticket would travel at an increased cost of 30 per cent.

Mr Dow said capping charges on multiple journeys was appropriate, given many seniors opted to do all of their travel in one or two days each week.

"By not having a Go Card, seniors are really going to disadvantage themselves in terms of cost", he said.

Ernie Peralta and Roselyn Barnes were among the first to receive the new combined cards today.

Ms Barnes said the new card was much more convenient than the previous system.

"I think it's an amazing idea because you have your Seniors Card and you have your Go Card, so you've got one less card in your purse," she said.

Mr Peralta said the card would attract many new users, provided they are given the necessary education.

"You need to shout from the rooftops what it's all about," he said.

TransLink chief executive Peter Strachan said educating seniors would be a primary focus.

"One of our biggest priorities is to help demystify the Go Card technology and ensure all seniors are able to enjoy the safety and convenience of Go Card," he said.

"We encourage seniors' community groups to phone TransLink on 13 12 30 if they would like a representative to visit and provide information about Go Card."

The card was available to Queensland residents over 65 and working less than 35 hours a week. Those aged between 60 and 64 and working less than 35 hours per week were also eligible, as long as they held a valid concession card from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
18/11/2010

Two sides to a good story

South East Queensland seniors can now turn two cards into one with the new Seniors Card +go.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan this month launched the new combined card which has a Seniors Card on one side and TransLink's go card on the other.

"The new card gives holders access to a range of government concessions and business discounts, as well as the option to store money on the card to pay for concession fares on bus, train and ferry services in South East Queensland," Ms Nolan said.

"The new convenient, double-sided card is free, easy to get and easy to use, with all the usual savings available with the current Seniors Card.

"Seniors Card +go gives seniors access to concession fares and off-peak discounts on public transport services, with the option to carry one card instead of two, and they don't have to pay a go card deposit.

"Most seniors always carry their Seniors Card, so having it joined with a go card ensures they always have a ticket to travel on public transport."

Ms Nolan said the Queensland Government will invest more than $1.2 million this financial year, to deliver the combined Seniors Card +go.

"The Queensland Government has honoured its commitment to deliver the combined card in 2010," Ms Nolan said.

"We're providing further incentives for senior and pensioner groups who prefer to use public transport several times on one or two days a week rather than travelling every day.

"Many seniors and pensioners rely on public transport as a convenient way to travel and from 17 January 2011, those using a Seniors Card +go, a maroon seniors or green pension go card will pay for the first two journeys they take in a day and then go card will allow them to travel for free for the remainder of the day.

"Application for Seniors Card +go is the same as the existing process for a Seniors Card.

"Seniors Card +go is an optional upgrade for new applicants, and existing Seniors Card holders can also convert to the combined card.

"Smart Service Queensland (SSQ) will receive and process all applications for new and replacement cards and successful applicants will receive their card by mail within 5 working days."

Ms Nolan said approximately 75 per cent of eligible Queensland residents voluntarily hold a Seniors Card-two thirds of whom live in South East Queensland, so the joining of these products makes great sense.

TransLink CEO Peter Strachan said using a go card on public transport is easy-you simply touch your card to a card reader at the beginning and end of each leg of your journey and the correct fare will be deducted.

"You don't need to know how many zones you are using-the go card system works it out automatically and you can register the go card to protect your card balance from the moment you report your card lost or stolen," Mr Strachan said.

"In addition to the development of the of Seniors Card +go product, the Government has also issued more than 32,000 free senior go cards this year at go ready information sessions and through the recent go card giveaway promotion.

"One of our biggest priorities is to help demystify the go card technology and ensure all seniors are able to enjoy the safety and convenience of go card.

"We encourage seniors' community groups to phone TransLink on 13 12 30 if they would like a representative to visit and provide information about go card."

Eligible seniors are those Queensland residents aged over 65 years and working less than 35 hours per week, or aged 60-64 years and working less than 35 hours per week and holding a valid concession card from Centrelink or Department of Veterans' Affairs.

For more information about using the new card or to apply for a Seniors Card +go, call 13 QGOV (13 7468) or visit www.communities.qld.gov.au/seniorscard. Application forms are also available at Centrelink offices, public libraries and MP electoral offices.

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

[ozbob]

Courier Mail --> Seniors get one card for public transport

[ozbob]

Some photographs from the launch ..











Photographs R Dow 18th November 2010

[ozbob]

Media release 20 November 2010

Queensland: Seniors Card +go welcome

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 introduction of a combined Seniors card and go card  (1).

"From January 17th next year there are price rises for public transport  in south-east Queensland (2).  Single paper tickets will be available as the only alternative to the go card."

"Compared to go card fares these paper tickets will be around 30% more expensive for the equivalent trip. It is essential that Seniors take up the go card to ensure that they can get the best value for travel on the TransLink public transport network, and also receive the benefit of off peak discount and free travel for subsequent trips and journeys after completion of the first two journeys in a 24 hour period."

"For example a 2 zone concession paper single ticket fare will be $2.30, the equivalent go card fare will be $1.56. As the number of zones increases this differential becomes even more significant (2). Many Seniors do more than two journeys in a particular day, so the journey capping will be of real benefit to Senior go card users."

"As a community we need to ensure that all Seniors are made aware of the benefits of the go card relative to the paper ticket and do our utmost to encourage folks to use the go card so the public transport remains accessible and relatively affordable for them. The go card also speeds up public transport particularly bus load times, which is a major benefit to all."

References:

1.  http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/go-card/seniors-plus-go

2.  http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/fares-2011

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[somebody]

How's the capping work?  Let's say you do 3 journeys:
Z1-Z4
Z3-Z4
Z2-Z4

Is the third journey free, or is it a continuation of the middle journey, and add a zone?

Similarly, if you do:
Z1-Z2
Z2-Z3
Z1-Z2

Is that one free?

Or, if you do:
Z1-Z2
Z1-Z4
Z3-Z4

Is that one free?  I think it should add 2 zones to the first trip.

[ozbob]

As I understand it it is capped at two journeys.  Matters not where those first two journeys are as long as it is two journeys.

So an eligible go card user could say touch on at Darra (zone 3) at 9.01am, touch off at Oxley (zone 3) 9.21am.  First trip, and journey if no further travel before 10.21am.

Touches on at Oxley at 10.30am touches off at Darra 10.45am.  Second journey if no further travel before 11.46am.   Touches on at Darra at 12noon and touches off at Varsity Lakes at 3pm, zero charge free trip.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Seniors on the go snap up cards

Seniors on the go snap up cards

19th February 2011

SENIORS in South-East Queensland are embracing the Seniors Card + go card, with the 10,000th card issued just three months since it was launched.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan yesterday presented the 10,000th Seniors Card +go card to Ipswich senior citizen Alan Pitman, who regularly travels on local buses run by Westside.

Ms Nolan said the combined card offered all the usual savings of a regular Seniors Card with the option to include a go card on the reverse side for travel on bus, train and ferry services on the TransLink network throughout South-East Queensland.

"Seniors Card +go was launched in mid-November to a warm reception from seniors groups and community members," Ms Nolan said. "It has the benefit of being a single, convenient card that is easy to get and easy to use.

"Seniors with the combined card have already made more than 32,000 trips on public transport since the launch in mid-November."

Seniors can apply for a Seniors Card +go card by calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68), through the Department of Communities website at www.communities.qld.gov.au/seniorscard or by posting an application form available from their MP's office or library.

[ozbob]

Transport and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
25/08/2011

600,000 see the plus side of Seniors +go card

South East Queenslanders are embracing the 'Seniors Card +go' card making about 600,000 trips on public transport each month using Senior's cards since it was launched in November last year.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said during Seniors Week it was especially important to celebrate the countless benefits of a positive attitude to life at any age.

"It's great to see so many people using their Seniors +go card to get out and about," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"The combined card offers all the savings of a regular Seniors Card with the option to include a go card on the reverse for travel on bus, train and ferry services on the TransLink network throughout South East Queensland.

"It has the benefit of being a single, convenient card that is easy to get and easy to use.

"Since the launch, we've issued almost 25,000 Seniors Card +go cards.

"This is about helping people enjoy the freedom to get out of the house and continue to enjoy life.

"People with a Seniors +go card receive a 50 per cent discount off the full adult go card fare.

"Early this year we introduced a new daily fare cap for seniors and pensioners - anyone who is eligible who makes two journeys on the same day then travels for free on their go card for the rest of that day."

Ms Palaszczuk said all go card fares were at least 30 per cent cheaper than paper tickets and a 15 per cent off-peak discount applied from 9am to 3.30pm and after 7pm on weekdays, plus all day on weekends and gazetted public holidays.

People can apply for a Seniors Card +go by calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68), through the Department of Communities website at www.communities.qld.gov.au/seniorscard or by posting an application form available from their local MP's office or library.

For more information on public transport, visit www.translink.com.au or phone 13 12 30, anytime.

[dwb]

Transport and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
25/08/2011

600,000 see the plus side of Seniors +go card

South East Queenslanders are embracing the 'Seniors Card +go' card making about 600,000 trips on public transport each month using Senior's cards since it was launched in November last year.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said during Seniors Week it was especially important to celebrate the countless benefits of a positive attitude to life at any age.

"It's great to see so many people using their Seniors +go card to get out and about," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"The combined card offers all the savings of a regular Seniors Card with the option to include a go card on the reverse for travel on bus, train and ferry services on the TransLink network throughout South East Queensland.

"It has the benefit of being a single, convenient card that is easy to get and easy to use.

"Since the launch, we've issued almost 25,000 Seniors Card +go cards.

"This is about helping people enjoy the freedom to get out of the house and continue to enjoy life.

"People with a Seniors +go card receive a 50 per cent discount off the full adult go card fare.

"Early this year we introduced a new daily fare cap for seniors and pensioners - anyone who is eligible who makes two journeys on the same day then travels for free on their go card for the rest of that day."

Ms Palaszczuk said all go card fares were at least 30 per cent cheaper than paper tickets and a 15 per cent off-peak discount applied from 9am to 3.30pm and after 7pm on weekdays, plus all day on weekends and gazetted public holidays.

People can apply for a Seniors Card +go by calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68), through the Department of Communities website at www.communities.qld.gov.au/seniorscard or by posting an application form available from their local MP's office or library.

For more information on public transport, visit www.translink.com.au or phone 13 12 30, anytime.

That is 24 trips/month average for the cards issued. Presumably the seniors who both to apply for the card actually use it and those who wouldn't use it just keep their normal pensioner card.

I generally presume that "trip" in a media release means "journey" from a Translink perspective. So that is quite an interesting statistic!

I would like to know, of the active student cards, what the daily and weekly trip loads are, as really I don't think pensioners should get a deal much different to students. (and by students I mean student concessions, not child concessions)

[ozbob]

I have now received my combined Seniors Card +go, have to lead from the front ... 

No hassles with the registration etc.   

[haakon]

Is it the same thickness as a normal go card? or have they just glued the two cards together?

[ozbob]

Is it the same thickness as a normal go card? or have they just glued the two cards together?

It is a just a go card (normal thickness) with the Seniors card stuff on the back.

[Fares_Fair]

Something else I have to wait another 20 plus years for ...  
I could start a list!

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[O_128]

2 things, Can translink make uni/go cards please. Also has anyone seen systems where the card can be purchased as a sticker and stuck to the back of you phone? I have a lot of friends who slide the card under there phone case

[SurfRail]

WA does this - from memory your uni student card is a Smartrider.  (You can also use your Smartrider in regional towns too...)

[STB]

2 things, Can translink make uni/go cards please. Also has anyone seen systems where the card can be purchased as a sticker and stuck to the back of you phone? I have a lot of friends who slide the card under there phone case

From what I've heard around the traps in the past, universities here in Qld have been resistant to introducing a dual Go Card/student ID card, with exception to Uni of Sunshine Coast.  I'm not sure how the technology would go with RFID cards which QUT has for security purposes eg: getting access to expensive film equipment, which you currently need the student ID card for.  My Go Card by the way really doesn't like me trying to touch on with the QUT student card next to it as I found out very quickly!

[pangwen]

How's the capping work?  Let's say you do 3 journeys:
Z1-Z4
Z3-Z4
Z2-Z4

Is the third journey free, or is it a continuation of the middle journey, and add a zone?

Similarly, if you do:
Z1-Z2
Z2-Z3
Z1-Z2

Is that one free?

Or, if you do:
Z1-Z2
Z1-Z4
Z3-Z4

Is that one free?  I think it should add 2 zones to the first trip.

Adding to your query, I wonder how this deal "stacks" with the "free trips after your 10th" deal. Would it potentially mean that you could get free trips all throughout the week after only 2 paid trips? I realise that squeezing in 10 trips in one day is a bit optimistic, but I'm just curious..

[ozbob]

A go card user on a two daily journey cap, needs to accrue 10 paid journeys before unlimited free travel occurs for that threshold.  This means two paid journeys a day, say Monday to Friday, to reach 10 paid journeys.  A user on a two daily cap may do say 6 journeys on a particular day (2 paid, 4 free), but for the purposes  of the 10 journey cap it is only the two paid journeys that count, towards the 10 paid journey threshold.

[ozbob]

A go card user on a two daily journey cap, needs to accrue 9 paid journeys before unlimited free travel occurs for that threshold.  This means two paid journeys a day, say Monday to Thursday, and then one on say Friday to reach 9 paid journeys.  A user on a two daily cap may do say 6 journeys on a particular day (2 paid, 4 free), but for the purposes  of the 9 journey cap it is only the two paid journeys that count, towards the 9 paid journey threshold.

[ozbob]

From The Senior August 2012 page 9

Get up, get going with + go card

[ozbob]

Travelling free after the two journey threshold on a Seniors +go, a touch off at a railway station didn't work properly for me the other day.  A fixed fare resulted, which on request for adjustment was refunded.

Again all users need to check histories regularly ...

[ozbob]

How to optimise travel on a two journey cap.

Rail Goodna to Caboolture - one journey completed.

Then using a second go card travelled by bus Caboolture (zone 8) to Beerburrum (zone 10). 

Back on go card used for first journey - rail Beerburrum to Nambour. Because this is two zones different from Caboolture, normal transfer rules of less than one hour not applicable - only applies for same or adjoining zones.  Second paid journey completed at Nambour.  Free travel from that point after the hour.

go card history

30 Aug 2012
05:17 AM    Goodna    07:16 AM    Caboolture    $ 3.58    
07:37 AM    Beerburrum    09:01 AM    Nambour    $ 3.58    
01:49 PM    Pomona    02:32 PM    Nambour    $0.00    
04:24 PM    Nambour    07:35 PM    Goodna    $0.00    


Goodna zone 5 Caboolture zone 8 - system sees this as 8 zone fare

Beerburrum zone 10 to Nambour 17 system sees this as 8 zone fare

[Cost of travel by rail bus Caboolture to Beerburrum $2.12 concession]


 

[somebody]

So the second card had to do:
CAB-Beerburrum $2.12
NBR-Pomona $3.31

Doing it on one card would be:
2x $9.73

Hmm, somewhat cheaper.

[ozbob]

So the second card had to do:
CAB-Beerburrum $2.12
NBR-Pomona $3.31

Doing it on one card would be:
2x $9.73

Hmm, somewhat cheaper.

I travelled by private vehicle from Nambour to Pomona.  But if a service was available then fare Beerburrum (zone 10) to Pomona (zone 23) $5.50 concession.

[ozbob]

The point of the exercise is to demonstrate it is all rather silly to have to go to such lengths ... lol

But the savings are significant, particularly for Pensioners.

A person who I spoke to at Pomona regularly goes to the Gold Coast on a Seniors card.  Straight through is a zone 23 fare, $9.73 peak concession.  I suggested that if you did a one zone bus journey on the coast for cost $1.22 during the day.  The return journey is than free (after the hour break etc.) saves $8.51 ...  the lights in his eyes lite up! 

But that is how it is! 

[somebody]

They should never have messed with the fare structure IMO.

[ozbob]

It was a political play that backfired  ... 

Anyway this past week Mrs Ozbob on a Seniors +go managed to rack up 9 paid journeys and has been  travelling free since Friday. 

I think we might be surprised at the numbers of Seniors go cards that get to the 9 paid journey threshold on Fridays.

[ozbob]

29th May 2017

Media Release
Minister for Disability Services, Minister for Seniors and Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland
The Honourable Coralee O'Rourke

200,000 seniors get on board with transport savings

More South-East Queensland seniors are saving on public transport and household expenses, with 200,000 combined seniors cards and go cards handed out to older commuters.

Seniors Minister Coralee O'Rourke met 200,000th 'Seniors Card +go' card holder Sandra Greenfield in Brisbane this week, to hear about the benefits and discounts the card was providing.

"We know getting out and about in the community can be a challenge for seniors, and we want to do everything we can to make that easier," Mrs O'Rourke said.

"That's why the combined Seniors Card +go is so valuable, because it makes travel cheaper for seniors, and also provides discounts on things like electricity, registration, optical and dental.

"This card is convenient, easy to get, and easy to use, so older people can get out and live their lives to the fullest, with less worry about the impact on their hip pocket."

Cardholder Sandra Greenfield, 71, from Auchenflower said the Seniors Card +go would help her use public transport more.

"I see my friends using buses, trains, ferries and trams and it seems very relaxed and an easy way to get around," she said.

"I'm also looking forward to the other discounts on offer, such as with my local hairdresser.

"My friends say it's really easy to use and you just have to ask business owners if they offer a discount to seniors."

Mrs O'Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to assisting low income seniors, pensioners and veterans meet day-to-day cost of living expenses.

"We know that every dollar counts for older Queenslanders and this is why we have a range of concessions in place to help ease some of the pressures on those in need," she said.

"I encourage more seniors to get on board with these savings and apply for a Seniors Card."

Seniors Card +go card was established in 2010 combining the go card and Seniors Card.

The combined card offers all the savings of a Seniors Card with a go card on the reverse side for travel on buses, trains, ferries and trams on the TransLink South East Queensland network.

Customers with a Seniors Card +go card get a 50 per cent discount off the adult fare and, after the first two journeys in one day, all travel on that day is free.

To apply for a Seniors Card +go,call 13 QGOV (13 74 68), visit www.qld.gov.au/seniorscard, or visit a Queensland Government service counter.