Are you losing money on your Go Card? Here’s how to claim refunds before the new smart ticketing system comes in
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With the huge amount of discourse around the rising cost of living in Australia, it's become increasingly important for everyone to ensure they get the most bang for their buck.
And that especially applies to public transport users.
In the Sunshine State—if you still have a Go Card that you aren’t using any more, there’s a refund you need to be aware of.
This comes after about $8.6 million was transferred from dormant Go Cards to Translink's coffers last financial year.
The average value of the Go Cards that expired in 2022-2023 alone was $9.29, and some of them allegedly contained the maximum possible amount of credit, which is $250, when they went dormant.
Customers can still claim the money back from Translink, even if the card has gone dormant—which happens after five years of inactivity.
Although, according to Translink's Smart-Ticketing Project Director Sarah Capstick, the best way to get a refund on an unused Go Card is to do it before it expires.
‘There are some steps involved, but it's not huge if you want your money back,’ Ms Capstick explained.
‘It's your money. If you've got your card, whether you stopped using it last week or six years ago, we will refund that money,’ she assured.
Commuters with unused cards can visit a Go Card retailer to ask for a refund. Holders of a dormant Go Card will be asked to fill out a refund form found on Translink’s website.
The company reminded their customers they must still have their Go Cards, or it must be registered with Translink to get a refund.
However, when it comes to getting your money back, we advise everyone to act quickly because the public transport network is transitioning towards a smart-ticketing system that will accept digital payments for fares from credit cards, debit cards and smart devices.
That said, it’s worth noting that Translink isn't completely moving away from the traditional Go Card soon. Smart ticketing is only an optional payment service, and Go Card will remain available.
This means fewer people will be carrying around a Go Card, and the use of physical payment cards will slowly diminish. Ms Capstick mentioned that about 15 per cent of their customers have transitioned to this new system.
‘To date, we've had about eight million trips using credit and debit cards,’ she shared. ‘Some customers only use it once. Other customers are regular users.’
This has been rolled out on light and heavy rail services, but it can currently only be used for full-paying adult fares and not for concession fares.
‘I think at the moment there will always be a need for people to have a reloadable card,’ Ms Capstick claimed.
‘If you think about some of our customers, we have children, we have people who are seniors and may feel more comfortable using a card,’ she added.
If you’re unsure about how to go about reclaiming your lost funds, we suggest you get in touch with your local Translink service provider or call them at 13 12 30.
And if you’re interested in purchasing a Go Card to avail of their concession fares, you may visit Translink’s website here.
What do you think of this story, members? Do you use Go Cards? Let us know in the comments below!
And that especially applies to public transport users.
In the Sunshine State—if you still have a Go Card that you aren’t using any more, there’s a refund you need to be aware of.
This comes after about $8.6 million was transferred from dormant Go Cards to Translink's coffers last financial year.
The average value of the Go Cards that expired in 2022-2023 alone was $9.29, and some of them allegedly contained the maximum possible amount of credit, which is $250, when they went dormant.
Customers can still claim the money back from Translink, even if the card has gone dormant—which happens after five years of inactivity.
Commuters with Go Cards were encouraged to refund their remaining balance. Credit: Translink/Facebook
Although, according to Translink's Smart-Ticketing Project Director Sarah Capstick, the best way to get a refund on an unused Go Card is to do it before it expires.
‘There are some steps involved, but it's not huge if you want your money back,’ Ms Capstick explained.
‘It's your money. If you've got your card, whether you stopped using it last week or six years ago, we will refund that money,’ she assured.
Commuters with unused cards can visit a Go Card retailer to ask for a refund. Holders of a dormant Go Card will be asked to fill out a refund form found on Translink’s website.
The company reminded their customers they must still have their Go Cards, or it must be registered with Translink to get a refund.
However, when it comes to getting your money back, we advise everyone to act quickly because the public transport network is transitioning towards a smart-ticketing system that will accept digital payments for fares from credit cards, debit cards and smart devices.
That said, it’s worth noting that Translink isn't completely moving away from the traditional Go Card soon. Smart ticketing is only an optional payment service, and Go Card will remain available.
This means fewer people will be carrying around a Go Card, and the use of physical payment cards will slowly diminish. Ms Capstick mentioned that about 15 per cent of their customers have transitioned to this new system.
‘To date, we've had about eight million trips using credit and debit cards,’ she shared. ‘Some customers only use it once. Other customers are regular users.’
This has been rolled out on light and heavy rail services, but it can currently only be used for full-paying adult fares and not for concession fares.
‘I think at the moment there will always be a need for people to have a reloadable card,’ Ms Capstick claimed.
‘If you think about some of our customers, we have children, we have people who are seniors and may feel more comfortable using a card,’ she added.
If you’re unsure about how to go about reclaiming your lost funds, we suggest you get in touch with your local Translink service provider or call them at 13 12 30.
And if you’re interested in purchasing a Go Card to avail of their concession fares, you may visit Translink’s website here.
What do you think of this story, members? Do you use Go Cards? Let us know in the comments below!
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