Carolyn Male MP, State Member for Pine Rivers, said that thousands of Pine Rivers’ residents are embracing the value and convenience of go card. Go cards can be used on trains, buses and ferries across South East Queensland.

Carolyn Male MP said go card usage on Thompson Bus Service routes has risen by more than 250 per cent in the last year to 9099 go card trips a week in late March, up from 2565 go card trips a week in March 2009.

“This increase in go card use represents a potential time saving of more than 20 hours a week on bus services compared to buying a paper ticket on the bus,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“Pine Rivers’ customers continue to use bus services in record numbers and even more of them are now using go cards.”

“People have quickly discovered the go card is a much easier and cheaper option with a go card trip the same price as a single trip paper ticket price in 2007.”

“I have just registered my go card online which gives me added security should I lose my card. By registering my go card, the money I placed on the card from the time I report it being lost or stolen is protected. I can also go online or phone to top up my card, check the balance and transaction history.”

The State Government, through TransLink, spent $30.42 million last financial year to provide bus services in TransLink’s northern district.

In the six months to December, more than 3.2 million passenger trips were made in TransLink’s northern region, an increase of 167,751 trips or 5.5 per cent for the same period in 2008.

Carolyn Male MP said Thompson Bus Service operated six urban routes, seven days a week, in an area from Eatons Hill to Joyner, including Strathpine, Murrumba Downs and Warner.

For more information on public transport throughout South East Queensland, call 13 12 30 or visit www.translink.com.au.