Queensland is coming down on people falsely using concession cards on public transport
The Queensland Government is cracking down on public transport users falsely claiming to be full time university students in order to receive cheaper fares.
This form of fare evasion is costing taxpayers up to $8 million a year so the State Government is introducing a state-wide Tertiary Transport Concession Card (TTCC).
Tertiary and post-secondary students will need to present the TTCC to receive the 50 per cent discount off public transport fares.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson says the card will be rolled out across South East Queensland.
He says students would be able to apply for a TTCC by filling in an application form and taking it to their recognised educational institution for validation, from next month.
“Students must submit their application form to TransLink and then a new card will be mailed out within 15 business days,” he says.
There will be a transitional period where no fines will be issued for failing to carry the TTCC until June 30, and Senior Network Officers will be educating students about the new cards.
Students who study part-time, externally or at an institution that is not an authorised higher education facility or Registered Training Organisation are not eligible for concessional fares.
The changes will bring Queensland into line with other Australian jurisdictions, such as New South Wales and Victoria.
The cards will be valid for a maximum of 12 months.