By Juliano Oliveira
In another attempt to bounce back public transport in Southeast Queensland’s city centres, the State Government has plans to give away a year’s worth of free travel.
The denominated “Golden Go Card” will be awarded to fours travellers, one every week of June, who use a registered Go Card in the public transport on the month’s Friday.
Winners will be randomly drawn and announced each Monday in June. They will have the chance to enjoy free trips on trams, trains, buses and ferries between 1 July 2021 – 30 June 2022. To participate, access https://translink.com.au/newsletter/competitions-and-offers/golden-go-card.
Patronage on public transport currently sits at around 70% of pre-COVID levels in the state, informed Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey.
“The Gold Card promotion is just part of a wider push to get more workers back into the CBD and supporting small businesses in SEQ city centres at the tail end of the week,” Mr Bailey said.
“This is about encouraging more Queenslanders to support retailers and hospitality workers as we continue the state’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Additionally, the State Government will relax restrictions around taking bikes and e-scooters on peak hour trains from 1 July in a six-month trial.
“We want to do all we can to encourage more travellers onto public transport and coming into our city centres,” Mr Bailey said.
Bicycle Queensland CEO Rebecca Randazzo has celebrated the six-month trial. “Every time someone uses the combination of bike and train to get around SEQ, that’s one less car on the roads,” Ms Randazzo said.
“And combining public transport and bike riding helps you find your 30 minutes of physical activity for the day, while reducing carbon emissions.”
Mr Bailey also informed that new smart ticketing readers had been installed at 10 SEQ train stations. The technology accepts payments through smartphones, debit or credit cards and smartwatches.
New device readers have been installed at: Gympie North, Eumundi, Woombye, Beerwah, Glasshouse Mountains, Murrumba Downs, Petrie, Strathpine, Northgate and Albion train stations and will be activated for Go card use from Tuesday 1 June.