Linkt is Transurban's e-TAG tolling brand in Australia. Linkt first replaced the Roam Express brand in Sydney in 2017,[1] followed by the go via brand in Queensland in May 2018, and then the Citylink brand (tolling system only) in Melbourne in July that year.[2][3] In August 2020, it also replaced the E-way brand that was used by Interlink Roads, the operator of M5 South-West Motorway and fully-owned by Transurban since October 2019.[4][5]
 | |
| Product type | Tolling system |
|---|---|
| Owner | Transurban |
| Country | Australia |
| Introduced | 2017 (as Linkt) |
| Markets | Queensland, Melbourne, Sydney |
| Website | www |
History
editQueensland
editgo via was the toll payment system introduced by Queensland Motorways as a part of free-flow tolling.[6] It replaced the previous E Toll system in Queensland.[7] The new system was introduced on 1 July 2009 and the "pay-on-the-spot" option was phased out on 22 July 2009, meaning cash was no longer a payment option, and stopping was no longer required. As drivers are no longer able to pay with cash, they need to choose one of the new methods of paying Queensland's toll roads, including Go Via tags, video/vehicle matching of licence plates and other methods.
go via has one million tolling accounts and more than 1.8 million Linkt tags in use as of 2013.[8]
The go via network enables motorists to bypass CBD traffic and use of three Brisbane motorways; the Bruce Highway in the north, the Pacific Motorway to the south and the Ipswich Motorway to the west. There is also the LinktGo app for infrequent toll users but the phone app has higher charges compared to a physical e-tag device.
On 16 May 2018, go via was replaced by Linkt.[2]
Sydney
editUsing the electronic tolling technology it developed for Citylink, Transurban launched the Roam brand in October 2005, two months before the Westlink M7 opened.[9]
In January 2006, Transurban acquired Tollaust, who tolled and operated the M2 Hills Motorway.[10][11] Electronic tolling was introduced on the M2 and Tollaust continued to manage the Roam Express tolling for the M2 motorway.[9][12] Roam Express was rebranded Linkt in 2017.[1]
As a result of Transurban obtaining full ownership of Interlink Roads and its M5 South-West Motorway in October 2019, the E-way brand issued by Interlink Roads was also replaced by Linkt.[4][5]
Tolling types
editTags
editTags are installed inside of a vehicle's windscreen. As a vehicle travels under the toll point the tag will beep and the toll is deducted from the account.[13] Customers have the choice of configuring their account to automatically top up or to manually top-up their account.[13] With the tag, users can use their account on all toll roads in Australia.[14]
Video Tolling
editWith video tolling, users do not need a tag fitted to their vehicle: instead, as they pass under a toll point, a photo is taken of the registration plate and matched to their linkt account.[14] There is a small additional "video/vehicle matching" fee for this service.[14]
Business accounts
editBusinesses can choose to either have a tag account or video tolling account, with a required minimum spending per month.[15]
Passes
editPasses are designed for drivers who only use toll roads occasionally or for those who want to pay for a one-off trip.[16]
Victoria
editLinkt offers three pass types for Victoria:
- 24 Hour Pass
- Weekend Pass
- Melbourne Pass
The 24 Hour Pass splits into two sub pass types, a full pass and a limited pass.
- The full pass allows full travel on the CityLink Toll Road.
- The limited pass allows travel on the Tullamarine Freeway between Bulla Road (Melbourne Airport) and Flemington Road.
All Passes allows access onto the CityLink Tollway with the Melbourne Pass allowing additional access onto the EastLink Tollway.[17]
New South Wales
editLinkt only offers one pass type for New South Wales, which allows access to all toll road within Australia.[18]
Queensland
editLinkt only offers one pass type for Queensland which works on all toll roads in Queensland.[19]
Controversies
editAn online petition to protest toll charges and fines from Go Via (now Linkt) gained thousands of supporters in days, many from the Sunshine Coast.[20]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ a b "2017 Transurban Annual Report" (PDF). Transurban. 2017. p. 9. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
- ^ a b "go via is now Linkt". Linkt. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
- ^ "We're now all Linkt". Transurban. 31 July 2018. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
- ^ a b "Why E-way changed to Linkt". Linkt. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
- ^ a b "Your E-way account has changed". Linkt. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
- ^ "About go via". go via. Archived from the original on 7 December 2016. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
- ^ Need help? One page approach. Queensland Motorways. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
- ^ "Home - go via network" (PDF). Qldmotorways.com.au. Retrieved 30 March 2015.
- ^ a b "History". Transurban. Archived from the original on 13 June 2007.
- ^ "Transurban to acquire Tollaust". Sydney Morning Herald. 4 January 2006. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
- ^ "Transurban Group - acquisition of Tollaust Pty Ltd". ACCC. 15 February 2006. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
- ^ "Transurban Group Appendix 4E Year ended 30 June 2008" (PDF). ASX. Transurban. 2008. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
- ^ a b "Go viatag". Govia.com.au. Retrieved 30 March 2015.
- ^ a b c go viavideo account. Queensland Motorways. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
- ^ go viabusiness. Queensland Motorways. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
- ^ "Go viavideo pass". Govia.com.au. Retrieved 30 March 2015.
- ^ "Where can I travel on a pass? - Linkt". www.linkt.com.au. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
- ^ "What toll roads will my Sydney Pass work on? - Linkt". www.linkt.com.au. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
- ^ "Can I use my pass on interstate toll roads? - Linkt". www.linkt.com.au. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
- ^ "Online toll protest gains thousands of supporters". Sunshine Coast Daily. Sunshine Coast. 13 February 2015. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
External links
editPrevious websites
edit- E-way (April 2020)
- go via (March 2018)
- Roam Express (February 2017)