Getting around by public transport has been made easier since the introduction of plastic travel cards that can be used to tap on/tap off. It is getting even easier with some states now accepting debit and credit cards, including those connected to smart devices, meaning you don’t even need to purchase yet another plastic card for your purse or wallet. 

While using these cards are an easier option than worrying about paper tickets to travel around, every state uses different card systems which makes it difficult to know how to pay for transport when travelling interstate.

The rules are different from state to state, and there are traps if you are unfamiliar with the system. These include:

• While all capital cities issue tap-and-go travel cards, they are not interchangeable. You won’t be able to use your state’s travel card interstate.
• Use of the travel cards can be limited in regional areas.
• Seniors Card holders outside their own state or territory may be treated differently to cardholders from the home state.
• The time of day can make a difference to the fare you pay

Here’s a state-by-state rundown of public transport cards.

The myki card is used on trains, trams and buses in Melbourne, certain V/Line rail services and buses within Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Seymour, and the La Trobe Valley.

Seniors' myki cards are available for Victorian Seniors Card holders, while with Seniors Card holders from other states or territories qualify eligible for a concession card.

Seniors and concession cards cost $3, half the full price of $6, and can be bought and topped up at railway stations and many retailers including 7-Eleven stores. This can also be done online. Travellers with Android phones can download a myki app.

Seniors and concession-card holders receive a 50 per cent discount on fares. There is also a free tram zone in the CBD.

The myki network does not currently accept allow users to tap on and off with credit- cards. payments.

Find out more:

The Opal Card can be used on trains, trams, buses and ferries in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, the Hunter and the Illawarra region.

All seniors are entitled to half-price fares, while a Gold Seniors Opal Card, which is available online, allows Seniors Card holders unlimited travel for no more than $2.50 a day in these regions. 

Standard Opal Cards are available to buy at convenience stores and retailers. 

Passengers can also tap-and-go using debit cards and American Express, Mastercard and Visa credit cards – but senior and other concession fares are not available if you use this method.

Companions and carers can qualify for free travel if accompanying concession card holders.

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The Translink go card is valid for use on trains, trams, buses and ferries in the greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. The top-up card can be bought and recharged at railway stations and some shops, including newsagencies, and online.

A seniors go card is available to those with a valid Seniors Card issued by any state or territory. Seniors, who are exempt from the $5 fee but must load the card with at least $5 on purchase, pay half fare.

Queensland has just introduced Smart Ticketing allowing passengers to can now pay with Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards, bank debit cards, smartphone or smart device. Tap and go credit card payments can only be used on the new smart ticketing terminals, which are coloured bright pink., These machines also accept go cards.

The ability to use tap and go credit card payments is available on most the greater Brisbane train transport network, including the Air Train to the ort. It will eventually be rolled out to bus services in Brisbane and beyond, including major centres such as Cairns, Bowen, Rockhampton, and Bundaberg.

The bad news is that there is no seniors discount on these transactions, so a go card is a far better option.

For one-off trips, passengers can purchase paper tickets, but they are more expensive than those bought on cards or smart devices.

Brisbane City Council offers free off-peak travel for seniors on its bus network.

Find out more:

The rechargeable MetroCARD can be used on trains, trams and buses in city and suburban Adelaide.

The South Australian Seniors Card includes MetroCARD technology, allowing users to travel all day, every day for free.

Seniors Card holders from other states and territories can access a MetroTicket for 14 consecutive days of free off-peak travel during a visit to Adelaide. Details are hereon the SA Government website.

If you don’t qualify for free travel, MetroCARDs are available from selected retailers and vending machines across Adelaide, with concessional fares half the regular price.

Passengers on tram and O-Bahn bus services can tap on and off and pay with their Mastercard or Visa.

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The SmartRider rechargeable card is available for travel on the TransPerth network of trains, trams and buses, and can be purchased at agents, including many newsagencies.

Western Australian seniors qualify for free off-peak travel and concessional fares during peak hours using their state-issued Seniors Card. It is rechargeable with amounts of $10 or more if you want to use it outside of the free period.

Holders of interstate Seniors Cards are eligible for a Concession SmartRider card. Concession fares vary depending on the number of zones travelled, but they are less than 50 per cent of full fare.

TransPerth will introduce credit and debit card tap on and off payments in late 2023.

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The Metro Greencard, which can be purchased at branded Metro Shops, bus depots and Metro shops and agents including newsagencies and convenience stores, is available for bus travel in Hobart. It can be recharged at the same outlets or online.

Holders of a Seniors Card issued in any state or territory, and all people over 70, are entitled to a concessional flat fare of $1.92 per journey using a Metro Greencard or $2.40 if paying cash.

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The MyWay card is available for use on bus and light rail services across the territory. The technology is already included in Australian Seniors Cards issued in the ACT.

Seniors Card holders from elsewhere in Australia can purchase an Interstate Seniors MyWay Card at the 30-plus MyWay agents, including many newsagencies, or on the Transport Canberra website. 

Journeys are free for seniors and other concession-card holders during off peak times, and half price in peak hours, with an upper cap of $4.80 on week days and $2.17 on weekends and public holidays.

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