University of the Sunshine Coast go card

[ozbob]

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

University of the Sunshine Coast go card

The University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) is offering a trial travel subsidy where eligible students and staff can access up to $65 for public transport during semester 1, 2011.

The trial is an initiative of USC and makes use of student concession and adult go cards to make travel to and from the University by public transport easier and more accessible.

The trial is administered by USC. Please contact USC for full terms and conditions; TransLink does not determine or administer subsidy entitlements.

How does it work?

USC issued go cards work exactly like a regular go card in most ways. You can touch on and off just like other go card users, and top up using your own funds at USC's Student Central and other top up locations. Auto top-up and online top up is not available.

USC issued go cards are registered by the university.

USC is the account holder, individual students and staff are registered as the authorised user.

Only the account holder (USC) can top up the card online, set up or cancel auto top-up, get a refund, and change the account holder or authorised user details.

Apply now

USC students and staff who are interested in participating in the trial should contact the university for more information:

    * www.usc.edu.au
    * call 5430 1234
    * pick up an application form at USC's Student Central

What if I already have a go card?

Use up the balance on your existing go card and then keep it as a spare in case of loss or damage.

[ozbob]

This is in effect a 'corporate card' ...  might be the 'pilot'

Nothing stopping big employers doing this ...

[Golliwog]

Yeah I saw this the other day. Looks promising, although the I'm not sure I'm a big fan of the part where USQ is the only party who can do online top up (although I myself don't use this, it would be useful if you don't live on a train line) or get refunds. I'm assuming by refunds they mean for incorrect charges, not "Can I close down my account and get my remaining balance please?" Because as the uni is giving each card $65 that makes sense. A bit of a hassle that you can't keep your own card though.

[#Metro]

I don't think they need a subsidy, although if USQ wants to do it, let them. I wonder if they charge for parking of if it is free?
What are the chances this will induce demand and then USQ will mount that as a case for improved PT?

[Sunbus610]

U Pass Launched

On 14 February 2011 council, in partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) and TransLink, launched the Australian first public transport U-pass scheme. The U-pass scheme is designed to significantly boost public transport use among students.

This project will be trialled over the next six months during semester 1 by 2000 first year USC students. Each new student who applies will receive a go card containing $70 credit of subsidised travel to use on Sunshine Coast public transport and the entire TransLink network (from Gympie to Coolangatta).

The trial is expected to cost up to $213,000, with council contributing $73,000 towards administration costs through its Public Transport Levy. TransLink is providing $15,000 in equipment, and the university is covering student travel subsidies.

If the trial is successful, all University of the Sunshine Coast students could soon be provided with university identification cards that double as TransLink go cards.

The scheme is aimed at:

    * promoting public transport use
    * reducing vehicle use and congestion
    * boosting safety
    * improving transit services
    * helping the environment.

For more information, please visit the University of the Sunshine Coast website.

Source: Sunshine Coast Council website

[mufreight]

Seem to recall that a similar syaten was suggested when the original Go Card trial was on, still it is movement but one must question was it an initiative of Translink or the Sunshine Coast University, based on the trackrecord of Translink my moner would be on USC      

[Golliwog]

Hmm, I'd like to keep an eye on this. And I hope its a success and can have some if not all measures included if it gets adopted by all other universities. Even if its just to make a student card/go card hybrid like the seniors card. I would see the uni subsidising public transport for its students as a secondary thing, but the combo card would make things a lot simpler. Your go card would also have its expiry date printed on it now too.

[dwb]

I would see the uni subsidising public transport for its students as a secondary thing, but the combo card would make things a lot simpler.

I think destinations (read uni, work) should contribute to your travel expenses and this is actually VERY common overseas.