Southern Cross Transit in partnership with transportme have been working very hard to develop our new Tap on Tap off SmartCards. These work very similar to the Go Card in that, clients can add value to the card via the transportme app and students can simply tap on / off, no more cash.
We are very happy to announce that we are now in the testing phase of this development and hope to be rolling out the cards to students throughout this term (term 2). Please take the time to read some important information below -
How will the cards work?
Parents / Students can add funds to their cards via the transportme app found here, when a student boards the bus they will tap the card onto our device and the correct fare will be deducted based on the students circumstances, for example:
If you currently pay a "top of fare" of $0.60, your SmartCard will be set at this value, and this fare will be deducted each time you board the bus
If you are a Full Pass holder that is not required to pay a fare, your card will have no value, but you will still be required to tap on when you board the bus
If you currently have no bus pass, when you board the bus, your fare will be determined based on your boarding to alight point
Existing bus pass holders -
If you currently hold a Southern Cross Transit bus pass (either full or part pass) our intention is to automatically send out replacement passes in the form of the new SmartCard, which will be pre - setup with your current fare type (if applicable), you will receive an information pack with everything you need to know.
Full fare paying students (no bus pass) -
If we have you registered in our system, we will send out a pre setup card with all your information, as well as an information pack with everything you need to know. If you are not registered in our system, you will need to get in touch with our office to receive a card, keep an eye on our website for more information as to when you are able to receive a card.
Existing term passes -
If you have paid for a term pass this term and our roll out schedule finds you before the term ends - As mentioned above, we will send out your replacement pass however, enough funds will be added to see out the remainder of the term
Do the cards cost money?
Students will be given one (1) new SmartCard, free of charge as part of our roll out. Moving forward, replacement cards will come with a fee that is yet to be determined.
Do I have to have a smart card?
Our intention is to become a cashless service, however as we implement this service our drivers will have provisions to take cash. Something to note is our standard fare price will be discounted if you use our SmartCard system.
If you have any questions about this exciting change, please be sure to get in touch with us and our helpful staff will answer everything you need to know.