Bahrain Public Transport Company (BPTC), the operators of the Kingdom’s revamped public bus service, have introduced the GO Card – a pre-paid, re-usable smart card that allows for faster, convenient and versatile travel for public transport users.
Launched to the public during a 5-day campaign held at Bab Al Bahrain, BPTC was available to demonstrate the card’s proper use and answer questions on the new routes and destinations added to the network.
Truly innovative, the GO Card is the first smart ticketing system to be introduced in Bahrain and is only the beginning of a series of new products and services to be gradually added to the new bus network in line with the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications’ (MTT) efforts to upgrade and enhance Bahrain’s public transport system.
According to Mark Kipling, Director of BPTC, “Smart ticketing is a vital component of this project and crucial in elevating Bahrain’s public transport system, and enhancing the passenger journey. GO Cards are a cheaper, user-friendly alternative to the paper tickets and we have made sure they are easily accessible to all passengers across all sectors. The purpose of the GO Card is to facilitate seamless, hassle-free movement across the network at competitive rates, giving customers the option to buy and store credit for flexible journey use”.
With the introduction of GO Cards, passengers now have a re-usable top-up alternative to paper tickets that can be used on any route across the bus network. Go Cards are also available as one-day passes or as cash credit and can be used as per passenger needs and convenience. GO Cards need to be Checked In at the start of each journey and Checked Out before exiting the bus using the special machines available on all buses.
With an initial fee of 500 Fils when first purchasing a GO Card, it can then be reloaded with credit up to BD 50. Credit is available from all bus drivers and cards can also be reloaded at all main bus terminals. GO cards can be purchased from the bus drivers or the Ticket Vending Machines at the main bus terminals in Manama, Isa Town and Muharraq.
The launch of the GO Card coincides with the full implementation of the new Public Transport Network on August 1st where a total 32 routes and new destinations will be serviced by 141 brand new state-of-the-art vehicles, bringing network coverage to over 77% of the Kingdom’s inhabited areas.
The new service promises to significantly improve passenger travel experience and cater to the requirements of all sections of society.
For more information about the GO Card and Public Transport, visit www.bahrainbus.bh