From August 1, Queenslanders with a disability will no longer have to pay for replacement TransLink Access Pass (TAP) cards, following the state government’s move to drop the charge.
TAP cards provide free travel for those with a permanent physical or mental disability, who can travel independently on the public transport network but may experience difficulty using TransLink’s ticketing system.
Card expiry dates will be extended from one to five years, and those with a permanent disability will no longer have to pay for card renewals. Card users have previously needed to pay $72 each year to renew their card.
Expiry dates will remain for the cards to ensure eligible cardholders can be confirmed as Queensland residents every five years.
State transport minister Mark Bailey said that getting rid of the charges and extending card expiry would help those with a disability access public transport more easily.
“These cards are specifically for people with a significant permanent physical or intellectual disability who can travel independently but may have trouble touching on or off with a go card,” Bailey said.
“We all have costs to manage in our daily lives so getting rid of these fees means one less thing for TAP holders to budget for.”