Costly and in demand, Go Card top up machines could soon be superseded by retail EFTPOS access
April 15, 2013
Queensland commuters could soon be topping up Go Cards with retail EFTPOS facilities after the
State Government last week announced it would tender the technology due to ongoing retail costs and accessibility problems.
Queensland Transport Minister Scott Emerson says government will be seeking expressions of interest to expand the existing network of Go Card retailers.
“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,” Emerson says.
“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.”
In a written response
earlier last week
to calls from more than 800 petitioners for more retail facilities, Emerson hinted third-party access was being investigated.
“This could potentially provide a lower cost option for government and increase the number of retail outlets available for public transport users, however, a number of compatibility and security issues will need to be resolved before this can occur,” he says.
Go Cards are available at more than 580 locations, but under the current Go Card technology contract there are significant costs
to install and operate current retail-based Go Card top-up machines, according to Emerson.
Emerson says there is demand for these facilities from newsagents and retailers, but the cost is restricting the expansion of the network.
He says the retailers could benefit from additional foot traffic of more than 40,000 Go Card top-ups per day.
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