Protecting the personal information of Tcard users is a priority for the Public Transport Ticketing Corporation ("Tcard"). This statement covers privacy for School Tcard, Commuter Tcard, and Transport Operator Employee Tcard. It outlines the type of information collected by Tcard, how it is used in the operation of the Tcard Ticketing System, and how the privacy rights of individuals are protected.
Privacy rights
The privacy rights of individuals are protected NSW through the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 and by Commonwealth legislation through the Privacy Act 1988.
Tcard is committed to operate the Tcard Ticketing System in accordance with the law to ensure the privacy rights of individuals are respected.
Personal information
Personal information is any information or an opinion (including information or an opinion forming part of a database and whether or not recorded in a material form) about an individual that can be used to identify or be linked to that person. This includes information such as a cardholder's name, date of birth, address and contact details.
Tcard will only collect personal information supplied directly by cardholders (or someone authorised to do so on their behalf - eg parents and guardians in the case of school students).
Personal information will only be held by Tcard where it is directly related to the Tcard Ticketing System.
Instances where personal information will be collected and held include:
Personal information may be used to:
Privacy legislation restricts the collection of sensitive personal information. Tcard will not collect information relating to religious or philosophical beliefs, ethnicity, political opinions, trade union membership, criminal record, sexuality or any similar subjects.
Remaining anonymous
A cardholder can remain anonymous (not provide any personal information) by using an unregistered Tcard.
The only instance where a person will be required to provide personal information and register their Tcard is if an adult wishes to claim a travel concession or if they are a school student travelling by means of the SSTS.
Travel information
Travel information is collected when a Tcard is tagged at a Tcard Reader. This information is used to:
Aggregated travel data may also be used to assist with providing cardholder services for transport planning. Individual travel data may be used to fulfil legal obligations.
A registered Tcard user will be able to arrange access to their information through an online account.
Protecting information
Personal information and travel data is stored in secure computer systems which have security features compliant with legislative requirements and Australian Standard AS/NZS 17799 Information Security Manangement, Code of Practice for information security manangement.
Where information is transmitted, dedicated telecommunication lines are used and information is encrypted.
Contained in the computer chip on the Tcard is the concession status of the cardholder (if applicable), the Tcard number and the value of any money or tickets loaded on the card. This information does not identify the cardholder, and is protected by a system of encryption keys unique to each card.
Generally Tcards have no personal information printed on them, however, School Student Transport Scheme Tcard users will have their name and date of birth printed on the Tcard. Tranport Operator Employee Tcards may also have personal information printed on the Tcard.
Access to personal information is limited to the individual concerned, Tcard staff or contractors who are authorised to access the specific information necessary to carry out their specific duties. Tcard employees are bound by the PTTC Code of Conduct and confidentiality requirements in employment agreements. Contractors are also bound by confidentiality agreements.
Access to information
Registered Tcard users can access their personal information and travel data held by Tcard.
Information can also be corrected or updated if cardholder details have changed.
Cardholders wishing to access your personal information held by Tcard should contact:
The Privacy Contact Officer
Tcard
PO Box Q1619 - QVB Post Office
Sydney NSW 1230