Brisbane

๐ŸŽซ

Ticketing

An overview of ticketing systems like GoCard, which is used for most public transportation in Brisbane.

Sections

1. Ticketing System Overview

Brisbane uses a smart card system called the go card, as well as paper tickets for occasional travelers. The go card is the most convenient and cost-effective option for regular travel, while paper tickets are more expensive and less commonly used.

2. Ticket Categories

a. go card

  • A reusable, contactless smart card for travel on buses, trains, ferries, and trams.
  • Offers discounted fares compared to paper tickets.
  • Automatically calculates the cheapest fare for your journey.
  • Can be used for adult, child, concession, and senior fares.

b. go seeQ card

  • A special card for tourists, offering unlimited travel for 3 or 5 consecutive days on all TransLink services.
  • Includes discounts on some attractions.

c. Paper Tickets

  • Single-use tickets for one-way travel.
  • More expensive than using a go card.
  • Not recommended for frequent use.

d. Concession Fares

  • Available for eligible students, seniors, pensioners, and other concession cardholders.
  • Proof of eligibility (e.g., student ID or concession card) is required.

3. Costs

a. go card Fares

Fares are calculated based on the number of zones you travel through. Brisbane is divided into fare zones, with Zone 1 covering the city center and additional zones radiating outward.

  • Adult Fares (as of 2023):
    • 1 Zone: $3.00 (off-peak: $2.40)
    • 2 Zones: $4.00 (off-peak: $3.20)
    • 3 Zones: $5.20 (off-peak: $4.16)
  • Child/Concession Fares:
    • 50% discount on adult fares.

Off-Peak Travel:

  • Off-peak fares apply between 8:30 AMโ€“3:30 PM, after 7:00 PM on weekdays, and all day on weekends and public holidays.

b. go seeQ Card

  • 3-day pass: $79 (adult), $40 (child).
  • 5-day pass: $129 (adult), $65 (child).

c. Paper Tickets

  • Typically 30-40% more expensive than go card fares.
  • Example: A 1-zone adult paper ticket costs $5.00.

4. How to Purchase Tickets

a. go card

  • Online: Purchase or top up via the TransLink website or app.
  • Retail Outlets: Available at over 680 locations, including 7-Eleven stores, newsagents, and convenience stores.
  • Train Stations: Purchase from ticket machines or staffed counters.
  • Brisbane Airport: go cards can be purchased at the Airtrain station or airport convenience stores.

b. go seeQ Card

  • Purchase online via the TransLink website or at major train stations and visitor information centers.

c. Paper Tickets

  • Buy from ticket machines at train stations or directly from bus drivers and ferry terminals.

5. Procedures for Using Tickets

a. go card

  1. Tapping On:
    • Hold your go card against the card reader when boarding a bus, ferry, or tram, or at the station gates for trains.
    • Wait for the beep and green light to confirm your tap-on.
  2. Tapping Off:
    • Tap off at the card reader when alighting from the vehicle or exiting the station.
    • Failing to tap off will result in the maximum fare being charged.

b. go seeQ Card

  • Use the same tap-on and tap-off procedure as the go card.

c. Paper Tickets

  • Show your ticket to the driver or ferry staff when boarding.
  • For trains, insert the ticket into the gate slot to enter and exit stations.

6. Local Tips and Considerations

  1. Plan Your Journey:

    • Use the TransLink Journey Planner (available on their website and app) to find the best routes, schedules, and fare estimates.
    • Real-time updates are available for delays or service changes.

  2. Off-Peak Travel:

    • Travel during off-peak hours to save money and avoid crowds.

  3. go card Balance:

    • Keep your go card topped up. Minimum balance required to travel is $5 for adults and $3 for children/concessions.
    • Top up online, at retail outlets, or at ticket machines.

  4. Free City Loop Services:

    • Brisbane offers free bus services in the CBD (City Loop and Spring Hill Loop). No ticket is required for these.

  5. CityCat and Ferries:

    • The CityCat ferries are a scenic way to travel along the Brisbane River. Consider using them for both commuting and sightseeing.

  6. Airtrain:

    • The Airtrain connects Brisbane Airport to the city and Gold Coast. A go card can be used, but special fares apply.

  7. Lost or Damaged go card:

    • Register your go card online to protect your balance. If lost, you can transfer the balance to a new card.

  8. Accessibility:

    • Most public transport in Brisbane is wheelchair accessible. Check the TransLink website for specific details.

  9. Fines for Non-Compliance:

    • Always tap on and off correctly. Traveling without a valid ticket can result in fines of up to $275.

7. Contact Information

  • TransLink Website: www.translink.com.au
  • Customer Service: 13 12 30 (available 24/7)
  • TransLink App: Download for journey planning, real-time updates, and fare information.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to navigate Brisbaneโ€™s public transport system efficiently and cost-effectively. Enjoy your time in Brisbane!