Free transport smartcards "scalped" on Ebay

An Ebay seller has apparently been busted scalping transit smartcards that were reportedly gained from an under-subscribed giveaway of the cards in Queensland.

The state's shadow minister for transport and main roads, Fiona Simpson, said the cards - which were pre-loaded with a $10 credit - were being offered on the auction site for $10 each, despite the fact they were being given away by the transit operator for free.

An ebay listing - which had since expired - appeared to show the seller had managed to scalp five cards, and had two left by about midday today.

"The fact that someone has acquired seven of the ‘free' go cards and is hawking them on ebay demonstrates that the Bligh government can't even manage to give away go cards without bungling it," Simpson said.

The Queensland Government had hoped to give away up to 400,000 ‘go' transport smart cards loaded with $10 free credit.

But less than a third had been distributed just days before the promotion was due to end.

Simpson has long criticised the go card scheme over distribution issues that made the cards hard to find for commuters.