Translink has begun a crackdown on commuters using paper tickets to encourage the switch to Go cards.

Irregular public transport users say they still want a choice but Translink says the move to Go cards will combat fare evasion.

Casey Davidson reports.

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TRANSCRIPT

Go Cards – 60 per cent of Brisbane commuters use them.

By next year, Translink wants ALL paper tickets phased out forcing everyone to use Go Cards.

Some public transport users are worried.

Vox 1: “You go somewhere you don’t know how the system works, what do you do? Should be shot.”

Vox 2: “I prefer the old ticket system myself, I think it should be a choice.”

Vox 3: “I think it’s an inconvenience if you’re only travelling once or twice a year on the train to Brisbane.”

But others are embracing the move.

Vox 4: “It’ll be a lot easier than the tickets.”

Vox 5: “I personally don’t have a problem with them, but for travellers coming from overseas it is a bit pointless.”

Go Card uptake has doubled in the last six months.

It’s expected that the $18-million dollars lost every year from fare evasion could be significantly reduced by embracing the Go Card system.

And this money could be put towards bettering public transport.

Miguell Holland, Translink: “we’d be definitely encouraging people to have the right ticket, have the right fair, have enough money on their Go Card, you don’t have to worry about a thing then.”

Translink says go card users are entitled to discounts and auto top ups when they run out.

Miguel Holland, Translink: “Go card is a more secure system.”

A crackdown on paper tickets will continue until the end of the year, persuading commuters to add another card to their wallet.

Vox 6: “You’ve got to use a card for everything else.”

An alternative to Go Cards is being discussed but is yet to be finalised.

Casey Davidson, QUT News.