Go Card Feedback - tell us of your Go Card experiences!!

[James]

This issue is occurring again - it happened to me yesterday aboard the 1:30pm CityGlider service from Teneriffe. Had just transferred off a ferry from Bulimba, boarded CGLD service about 1-2 minutes later, 'SEEK ASSISTANCE' message displayed on card reader. Let on by driver, who remarked that this had happened on all five of his trips so far in that shift. Bus was Toowong-based.

Card was functional again for my 411 trip home from Adelaide St.

On that note, it is a good connection there provided by the ferry. Shame about the rest of that area's mediocre PT.

[Otto]

Has something changed, or do 7/11 still have the major contract with TL to sell and topup Go Cards ?

If so, then why does 7/11 at Ashgrove refuse to topup Go Cards ?
Had a number of pax mention that.
Anyone else know of 7/11s that don't do top ups ?

another dog post using Tapatalk paw.

[HappyTrainGuy]

As far as I know its up to each store on what they offer ie Sell GoCards only or top up GoCards only. The 7/11 on Gympie Road and the 7/11 at the Gap don't offer anything GoCard related last time I was in there (Must admit that was a while ago). And I've heard about newsagents that sell GoCards but don't offer top ups.

[Otto]

Thanks, interesting.

another dog post using Tapatalk paw.

[ozbob]

Under the present system there are only a limited number of top-up systems available, hence the restrictions.  Also very expensive.  A lot of outlets want to expand into top-ups but not able ...

Last year TransLink was tasked to look at expanding the top-ups to any EFTPOS point but that seems to have stalled.

I am only guessing but it is possible, that under the present contract they cannot change the system until the next iteration.

See --> http://www.northweststar.com.au/story/1422621/push-to-top-up-go-cards-at-all-eftpos-machines/?cs=12

[#Metro]

The whole business model is one where you supply a standard setup at low cost and then if you make any changes you charge, charge, charge. AVVMs are incredibly expensive to add to the system. Perth has it right I think.

[dwb]

They could add 1200 top up points for free simply by BT allowing on board top ups.

[HappyTrainGuy]

They could add 1200 top up points for free simply by BT allowing on board top ups.

No! That should never be allowed. You'd have just extremely stupid amounts of people getting on every time and topping up with a few bucks delaying services. The 680 is a prime example of how much added fat there is added to timetables to allow for the onboard top ups and how slow services slow down as a result. Alot of people treat it as the same as buying paper tickets. It might seem like a good idea but in reality its just bloody awful for a network and patronage the size of brisbane. I for one applaud BT on not allowing onboard top ups and would like to see more PrePaid only routes rolled out. Busway stations should already be full time prepaid only stops. So too should bus interchanges be it the bus only interchange like Chermside or a bus/rail interchange like Petrie.

[James]

No! That should never be allowed. You'd have just extremely stupid amounts of people getting on every time and topping up with a few bucks delaying services. The 680 is a prime example of how much added fat there is added to timetables to allow for the onboard top ups and how slow services slow down as a result. It might seem like a good idea but in reality its just bloody awful in reality. I for one applaud BT on not allowing onboard top ups.

I second HTG's sentiment. I love BT for its no on-board top-up policy, for the most part (aside from when people have insufficient funds and then have to pay $5.20 to travel a few stops). Boarding is always very efficient because of it.

There is an application for it though, and if we go paperless I think we need to accept that as a trade-off for scrapping paper (which is honestly more annoying). Personally though, I think on board top-up minimums should be increased to $20. Yes, it reduces freedom, but if you really want to put only $5 on every time, there are AVVMs for that (which need to be more readily available in the outer regions too - Capalaba, Redbank, Orion Springfield etc.).

[techblitz]

They could add 1200 top up points for free simply by BT allowing on board top ups.

No! That should never be allowed. You'd have just extremely stupid amounts of people getting on every time and topping up with a few bucks delaying services. The 680 is a prime example of how much added fat there is added to timetables to allow for the onboard top ups and how slow services slow down as a result. Alot of people treat it as the same as buying paper tickets. It might seem like a good idea but in reality its just bloody awful for a network and patronage the size of brisbane. I for one applaud BT on not allowing onboard top ups and would like to see more PrePaid only routes rolled out. Busway stations should already be full time prepaid only stops. So too should bus interchanges be it the bus only interchange like Chermside or a bus/rail interchange like Petrie.

P315 represent!
Probably went to prepaid only due to being slowed down by paper ticket users @peak
i support the onboard topups in regions where the expensive ticket machines are simply not feasible.
they should look at banning onboard topups at stations like petrie,sandgate...
Where there are dual options to topup card with all forms of tender...station staff(coins) and the ticket machines. A simple notice at the station could kick start things along...

[dwb]

I think they could have poles with machines around the place that offer a few preset top up options with card only and do not issue paper tickets. Think of it as kind of like a station tag on, but with three buttons, $10, $20, $50 - paywave and paypass only.

[ozbob]

Tick tock, tick tock ..

April 11 2013, Brisbanetimes --> Government sends Go Cards to tender

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

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2013/4/11/tender-for-new-go-card-technology

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson
Thursday, April 11, 2013

Tender for new go card technology

The Newman Government will go out to tender for new technology to make it easier for Queenslanders to top up their go cards.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the government would be seeking an expression of interest to expand the existing network of go card retailers.

"I believe the technology is now available to allow go cards to be topped up through existing electronic payment methods," Mr Emerson said.

"We will go out to tender for a next generation retail contract that could potentially see go cards integrated with supermarkets, grocery chains, petrol stations, newsagents or additional convenience stores.

"Availability of go cards facilities is one of the biggest issues people raise with me and this would deliver more options to purchase, top-up, check their balance or change expiry dates."

go cards are currently available at more than 580 locations, however under the contract signed by the previous Labor government, there are significant costs in installing and operating current retail-based go card top-up machines.

Mr Emerson said there was demand for these facilities from newsagents and retailers, however the cost was restricting the expansion of the network.

"This first step would also look to resolve compatibility and security issues with integrating different technology," he said.

"It's an attractive proposition with the commercial benefit to retailers of additional foot traffic generated by more than 40,000 go card top-ups daily."

A request for expression of interest is expected to be released in the coming weeks, with submissions following soon after.

For more information, visit www.translink.com.au (external site) or phone 13 12 30, anytime.

[ozbob]

Time to sort out the restrictions and move forward with a system that is far more accessible ...

[Otto]

This is not GoCard, but Myki card.
Just ordered my Myki cards for our June trip to Ballarat and Melbourne.

Signup was quite straight forward.
Love the fact that you can choose to have your name printed on the card during the ordering process, so as to avoid card mixups with other family members.
Online signup quick topup amounts are $10, $20 and $50 dollars. Otherwise you can choose the 'Other Amount' option.
Only problem I had during the ordering process, was that I could not order another card for a family member using the same address. Was directed to call a phone number.
Sorted it out by using an alternative delivery address when ordering. ( Same Credit Card details on both orders was OK )

Big PLUS... The fare system !

Are you taking the miki out of the myki Otto?    

edit : fixed spelling ! Thanks ozbob

[ozbob]

Are you taking the miki out of the myki Otto?    

Myki is fine, the fare structure is rational ... 

From 24 February 2014, paper tickets are no longer be available for purchase at V/Line commuter locations. Passengers who previously purchased paper tickets will need to switch to myki. http://www.vline.com.au/fares-and-tickets/tickets/myki.html

[STB]

Quite amazed at the transfer of funds to my new Go Card (old card got lost), the transfer of my balance of my old Go Card to my new Go Card was done in about 5mins of me requesting the transfer online and the new card was automatically registered!

On an annoying note though, I found out that the Go Card pages don't work all that well on Google Chrome, had to switch to IE.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> 176,000 go cards that have been unused for five years

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> 176,000 go cards that have been unused for five years

4BC Afternoons with Michael and Clare, and Channel 7 News Brisbane have followed up.  Thanks for the interest.

Did both interviews at my other office today, Darra Station precinct!   

[ozbob]

The Satellite --> He's going nowhere

[STB]

Honestly in this instance I'm with the driver on this one.  It should be the Carer's responsibility to make sure that this guy can get to and from work safely, especially if he is taking 4 buses and can't comprehend on how to top up his card, by making sure his card is topped up or applying for a TransLink Access Pass.

Milton is a ning nong to try and gain some political points off this.  And the Carer isn't much better in trying crocodile tears for what should be her responsibility to take care for the guy, including what I said above, not Brisbane Transport nor TransLink.

[ozbob]

A while back a lady contacted me with a not dissimilar situation.  In this case there were a number of dependents with issues using a go card.  Auto-topup was not able to be done because they were getting a lot of fixed fares, and go card security was a worry.  The reason for contacting me was that she was having problems in finding convenient local places to top up her dependent cards with cash.   I suggested that she apply for TransLink Access Passes for her dependents.  She had not heard of the TAP of course and was really pleased to find out that there was such a pass.  All solved.

TAP availability needs more promotion.

TransLink Access Pass (TAP) --> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/concessions/translink-access-pass

[STB]

I agree with that, TAP should come as compulsory viewing for any Carer.  Perhaps forms could be placed in hospitals and hospital staff made aware of it to inform carers and patients who may require it?

[ozbob]

Discussion thread on TransLink Access Pass --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3780.msg143176#msg143176

[techblitz]

Got hit for a nice 10 dollar charge at f.valley this evening.
When attempting to tag on (second gate from the right).... There was a 3sec delay and then swipe error(with X)
Tagged on straight away and was hit with the charge..
Tested the same gate and the delay was there again but after about 6 seconds the gate decides to open!

[STB]

Seems that the bug where if you travel via the city in a certain direction but get charged 1 zone less has popped up again, for me at least.

06:20 PM    Wellington Pt    07:38 PM    Toowong    $ 5.52    

Charged zones 1-4 (or 2-5) but passed through zone 1 to get to Toowong (via Roma Street).

The return trip was correctly charged.

[ozbob]

Seems that the bug where if you travel via the city in a certain direction but get charged 1 zone less has popped up again, for me at least.

06:20 PM    Wellington Pt    07:38 PM    Toowong    $ 5.52    

Charged zones 1-4 (or 2-5) but passed through zone 1 to get to Toowong (via Roma Street).

The return trip was correctly charged.

Translink journey planner says fare Wellington Point > Toowong is $5.02  which is the $5.03 5 zone  off peak fare ... 

Huh?

[ozbob]

Further more a fare of $5.52  doesn't align with anything here --> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/current-fares

Can you post your travel history for these journeys please STB?

Hold on just realised you touched on 6.20pm so that is a peak fare 4 zone $5.52

Journey planner has the peak fare  Wellngton Point - Toowong as $6.28

Understand now ...

[STB]

My full travel history for last night is below:

06:20 PM    Wellington Pt    07:38 PM    Toowong    $ 5.52 (correct fare should've been $6.28)
09:27 PM    Toowong    11:15 PM    Wellington Pt    $ 5.03 (correct fare charged)

I've had a few doozies with the Go Card this week, from a failed DCU enroute where the driver just couldn't restart it despite several attempts...I've applied for an adjustment.

And a non working GPS on route 250 (I actually travelled from Cleveland Shops Middle St to Capalaba Bus Station):
03:04 PM    Redland Bay Marina    03:26 PM    Redland Bay Marina

[ozbob]

^ thanks!

[ozbob]

Toowong is a zone 1/2 situation.  On the way to Toowong the system sees it as a zone one.  On the way back the system sees Toowong as zone two.

I luv our fare system ..   

[Simon Lovell]

My full travel history for last night is below:

06:20 PM    Wellington Pt    07:38 PM    Toowong    $ 5.52 (correct fare should've been $6.28)
09:27 PM    Toowong    11:15 PM    Wellington Pt    $ 5.03 (correct fare charged)

I've had a few doozies with the Go Card this week, from a failed DCU enroute where the driver just couldn't restart it despite several attempts...I've applied for an adjustment.

And a non working GPS on route 250 (I actually travelled from Cleveland Shops Middle St to Capalaba Bus Station):
03:04 PM    Redland Bay Marina    03:26 PM    Redland Bay Marina

The bug on the Toowong bound leg is years and years old, not charging for zone 1 for a through town trip.  Although I'm wondering what caused you to not hit it on the way back?  What ozbob mentioned is a behaviour new to me.

I suppose in the particular case of a WP-Toowong trip, it's possible to do it without entering zone 1 via Tennyson.

[James]

The bug on the Toowong bound leg is years and years old, not charging for zone 1 for a through town trip.  Although I'm wondering what caused you to not hit it on the way back?  What ozbob mentioned is a behaviour new to me.

I suppose in the particular case of a WP-Toowong trip, it's possible to do it without entering zone 1 via Tennyson.

Tennyson doesn't exist any more, thus all rail fares are charged radially. A change is assumed to occur at the ideal location (in this case, Roma St). By rail, you can theoretically not touch off as you leave the station and as long as you can get back to a station which is not your point of origin (thus avoiding the fixed fare issue), you can reduce your fare. I'm not sure if this is fare evasion though, and it really isn't very useful as people generally travel from A to B to A, and then there's the fixed fare issue if you don't touch off in time (or your journey goes for longer than expected).

[ozbob]

This is how it is meant to work, I was being a bit tongue in cheek.  The opposite is happening, probably a simple coding error.

Zone boundaries

Some bus stops and train stations are located on a zone boundary, so they have two zones (for example, Burpengary is zone 7/8). This means that when you travel towards Brisbane you use the lower zone to calculate your fare and when travelling away from Brisbane you use the higher zone.

http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/fare-zones

[Simon Lovell]

The bug on the Toowong bound leg is years and years old, not charging for zone 1 for a through town trip.  Although I'm wondering what caused you to not hit it on the way back?  What ozbob mentioned is a behaviour new to me.

I suppose in the particular case of a WP-Toowong trip, it's possible to do it without entering zone 1 via Tennyson.

Tennyson doesn't exist any more, thus all rail fares are charged radially. A change is assumed to occur at the ideal location (in this case, Roma St). By rail, you can theoretically not touch off as you leave the station and as long as you can get back to a station which is not your point of origin (thus avoiding the fixed fare issue), you can reduce your fare. I'm not sure if this is fare evasion though, and it really isn't very useful as people generally travel from A to B to A, and then there's the fixed fare issue if you don't touch off in time (or your journey goes for longer than expected).

If a bug like this can exist for longer than Tennyson being closed, why would the fare system know that Tennyson has closed?

[Golliwog]

Used to get that same bug all the time traveling from Ferny Grove to UQ via Park Rd (Park Rd is zone 1/2), good to know it's still going....

[ozbob]

Mrs Ozob scored a free trip on a 140 today, outbound. Go card system down on the bus. Trip outbound and inbound full buses.

[techblitz]

All gate scanners at richlands rail for people wanting to tag on have the big Red X on them and the one on far left isnt even on. Green for people wanting to tag off.
Should be intersting for people wanting to tag off at central/roma st/valley.

[transwatch]

Unlike The Gold Coast, you cannot top up on Brisbane Council Buses (Private Buses in Brisbane?) and apart from The Gocard Machines when and if they work, not many places to top up?

And talking about the Gocard Machines, forget about topping up if you only have say $50 and only want to top up say $20 as you want to use the other $30 to buy say food..

[transwatch]

This is not GoCard, but Myki card.
Just ordered my Myki cards for our June trip to Ballarat and Melbourne.

Signup was quite straight forward.
Love the fact that you can choose to have your name printed on the card during the ordering process, so as to avoid card mixups with other family members.
Online signup quick topup amounts are $10, $20 and $50 dollars. Otherwise you can choose the 'Other Amount' option.
Only problem I had during the ordering process, was that I could not order another card for a family member using the same address. Was directed to call a phone number.
Sorted it out by using an alternative delivery address when ordering. ( Same Credit Card details on both orders was OK )

Big PLUS... The fare system !

Are you taking the miki out of the myki Otto?    

edit : fixed spelling ! Thanks ozbob

And I think  Myki is better if you cannot touch off or on? Like you don't get a penalty like The Gocard?

Also Translink has to extend where you can buy, renew and top up Gocards, if they don't and Council this happens on Council Buses.

As you cannot say you don't want top up on Council buses, if you don't extend where you can.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Unlike The Gold Coast, you cannot top up on Brisbane Council Buses (Private Buses in Brisbane?) and apart from The Gocard Machines when and if they work, not many places to top up?

And talking about the Gocard Machines, forget about topping up if you only have say $50 and only want to top up say $20 as you want to use the other $30 to buy say food..

I for one thank BCC for not allowing onboard top ups. Outside the BCC zone across the northside onboard top ups are a royal pain in the ass. Because there are limited places to top up everyone does it when they get on the bus. And nothing is worse when you see a whole bunch of people getting on with a $5 top up.

I want onboard top ups banned and more outlets available to top up gocards. They should already be working towards making all busway services and interchange locations pre paid.