Tap and Ride card

You can buy weekly or multiple trip Tap and Ride cards.

They are available to buy:

  • on a bus using cash only
  • at Casuarina, Darwin and Palmerston bus interchanges using cash, credit card or EFTPOS.

If you use cash, try to have the correct fare as drivers carry limited change.

The full fare card is green and the concession card is orange. Both are rechargeable.

You can't use your travel card to pay another person's fare at the same time as your own. Each person travelling will need to purchase their own card.

Tap and Ride card

Each time you board a bus tap your card on the card reader next to the bus driver.

Hold the card steady for a couple of seconds until you hear the beep. This tells you the fare has been deducted.

The card reader will not deduct further fares or trips if you tap a few times in a row.

If you board more than one bus before the expiry time of your fare the card reader will automatically acknowledge your fare payment.

The card reader will display a message that this is a 'follow on' trip and will not deduct further funds from your card.

You do not need to 'tap off' when you exit the bus.

The card reader will not deduct further fares or trips if you tap a few times in a row. The first tap will deduct your fare and you will not be charged again if you tap again straight after.

You can top up your card whenever you like at all bus interchanges and on buses.

Buses only accept cash. You can add up to $40 full fare or $14 concession fare.

Each time you tap your card the bus card reader will display:

  • the expiry date of your card if you have a weekly fare
  • or the number of trips remaining if you have a multiple trip fare.

You can ask the bus driver to check the balance on your card.

You can also visit the ticket office at any bus interchange and a customer service officer will check the balance for you.

Your Tap and Ride card is valuable. You should look after it and keep it safe. Lost Tap and Ride cards can't be refunded.

If you have lost your Tap and Ride card you should submit a lost property form. If your card is found it may be returned to you.

If your card is faulty

If your card doesn't work when you tap it on a card reader and you have credit, take it to a ticket office at any interchange, along with evidence of identity and the receipt of your purchase.

The fault will be investigated and you may get a new card.

If your Tap and Ride card shows signs of physical damage it will not be investigated. You can't get a refund for a damaged card.

You can also call 08 8924 7666 to speak to a customer service officer.


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