Go Card free fare loophole closed - after one year!

A loophole in Go Card technology had allowed bus commuters to cancel their fare shortly after boarding.

Translink has moved to close a loophole in its Go Card technology that allowed bus commuters to cancel their fare shortly after boarding.

Last March, brisbanetimes.com.au revealed how commuters were evading bus fares by touching their Go Cards twice, once at the front of the bus and then once at the back to cancel the fare.

More than a year later, Translink chief executive Peter Strachan today announced software had been developed to catch the fare evaders.

"The new software means passengers wishing to touch off immediately after boarding a bus will now need to use the machine at the front of the bus, which will be in full view of the driver," he said.

"Previously, TransLink had a system in place that allowed passengers to immediately touch off at the back door if they had caught the wrong bus.

"Some passengers abused this system and deliberately touched off at the rear door Go Card reader which allowed the passenger to avoid paying a fare."

The new software would apply to all commuter buses, including school routes, Mr Strachan said.

"Fare evasion costs about $18 million a year and is a problem that this government and Translink are serious about tackling," he said.

www.BrisbaneTimes.com.au