Airport fare potential miscalculation?

[somebody]

How do you plan to get past the person collecting tickets?

[dwb]

How do you plan to get past the person collecting tickets?

Had I wanted to not tag off/on on both my recent trips to and from the airport the person wouldn't have noticed.

[ozbob]

Yes, I could have had a Melbourne tram ticket waltzing through the set up at the Airport this morning. Very slack set up, particularly as more and more using the go ....

I did a single go journey though (Goodna - BNE) and got whacked the fare + ripoff.  Will break on the return journey at Eagle Junction.  Nothing like having the fare facts ... lol

Next train trip on the 5'3" !

[ozbob]

Coming back on the 16th I broke my journey at Eagle Junction, touched off, waited and minute and touched back on. I was debited with the $15 fare for BNE to Eagle Junction, and then was charged the correct fare for the Eagle Junction to Goodna leg when I touched off at Goodna.  This avoided the additional fare rip-off which I was charged with on the my single journey on the 12th.  

Interesting, I noticed an Airline staff member doing the exact same thing ... ie. an 'Eagle Rock' ...  

Rip-off still in place!  World class ticketing rip-offs ...

I did note extra vigilance checking my touch on at BNE.  The staff member actually bothered to stand next to the go card reader and check that I touched on.  Maybe the message was heard?

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

17th August 2011

Airtrain fare rip-off alive and well!

Greetings,

An update on the Airtrain fare rip-off.  This fare anomaly has been highlighted many times.  Platitudes are churned out that it will be fixed.  Well, to add the ongoing ticket issues I can confirm that the fare rip-off is alive and well and has not been fixed up.

On my forward journey on the 12th August I elected to do a single go card journey from Goodna to BNE. On touching off at BNE I was debited a higher fare, than the sum of the individual go card fares, Goodna to CBD and CBD to BNE.  This rip-off can be avoided by breaking one's journey into two trips.  On my return from BNE yesterday, I touched on at BNE and left the Airtrain at Eagle Junction.  I touched off.  Waited a minute and then touched back on and traveled to Goodna where I touched off.  I paid the correct fare for the Eagle Junction to Goodna leg.

This fare rip-off is known by some, but many are still not aware of it.  In my case the money saved is around a dollar.  For journeys to the Gold Coast and so forth the extra fares are significant.  I had to smile to myself as I noted an Airline staff member doing the same thing as myself at Eagle Junction, touching off and then touching back on. Obviously another soul who is aware of the big fiddle.

The ongoing saga of the fare rip-off is detailed here --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1304.0  It is a very long discussion thread.

Another example of our 'world class' ticketing system in action and the failure to do anything about it.

It is little wonder the public has lost confidence.

Best wishes.

Robert

Robert Dow
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Twitter

Airtrain fare rip-off alive and well! --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1304.msg65731#msg65731 @AnnastaciaMP @TheQldPremier @TransLinkSEQ @QueenslandRail

[ozbob]

LOL  ... wasn't it on a fast track last year, and the year before that? 

From the Couriermail 22 August 2011 page 14

Airtrain fare fix put on fast track

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

22nd August 2011

Re: Airtrain fare rip-off alive and well!

Greetings,

I note a short piece in the Couriermail this morning.

From the Couriermail 22 August 2011 page 14

Airtrain fare fix put on fast track



I would like to thank the Minister for Transport for requesting this matter be expedited.

In the mean time any chance of an advisory being placed on the TransLink web site to the effect that if a traveller breaks their travel into two trips rather than a single journey  to BNE they will payer a lesser fare?

Probably no chance but I thought I would suggest it anyway.

Have a nice flight!

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

On 17/08/2011 7:38 AM, RAIL Back On Track Admin wrote:
Greetings,

An update on the Airtrain fare rip-off.  This fare anomaly has been highlighted many times.  Platitudes are churned out that it will be fixed.  Well, to add the ongoing ticket issues I can confirm that the fare rip-off is alive and well and has not been fixed up.

On my forward journey on the 12th August I elected to do a single go card journey from Goodna to BNE. On touching off at BNE I was debited a higher fare, than the sum of the individual go card fares, Goodna to CBD and CBD to BNE.  This rip-off can be avoided by breaking one's journey into two trips.  On my return from BNE yesterday, I touched on at BNE and left the Airtrain at Eagle Junction.  I touched off.  Waited a minute and then touched back on and traveled to Goodna where I touched off.  I paid the correct fare for the Eagle Junction to Goodna leg.

This fare rip-off is known by some, but many are still not aware of it.  In my case the money saved is around a dollar.  For journeys to the Gold Coast and so forth the extra fares are significant.  I had to smile to myself as I noted an Airline staff member doing the same thing as myself at Eagle Junction, touching off and then touching back on. Obviously another soul who is aware of the big fiddle.

The ongoing saga of the fare rip-off is detailed here -- http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1304.0  It is a very long discussion thread.

Another example of our 'world class' ticketing system in action and the failure to do anything about it.

It is little wonder the public has lost confidence.

Best wishes.

Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[Stillwater]

The Minister wants it fixed 'within six month', ie before the next election.  What other things can be highlighted so that they are fixed before they become an election liability?  Only about 220 sleeps to go.

[dwb]

Presumably Airtrain would want Qld Gov to give something up in negotiations if Airtrain is going to forego profit. What do Qld Gov have to give up?

Thanks be to the previous LNP Gov that badly managed this PPP on behalf of the people of Qld.

If it simply results in Qld Gov subsidizing Airtrain then that sucks.

Surely Airtrain could operate under a similar gate fee system as Sydney?

[somebody]

Fairly sure that the Airtrain deal was signed in Peter Beattie's time.

I'd hope for better operating hours and improved frequency at least between the peaks.  Perhaps I am being optimistic.

[ozbob]

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/travel/travel-news/airtrain-ripoff-a-ticketing-anomaly-20101006-167s6.html

Airtrain rip-off a ticketing 'anomaly' Tony Moore October 7, 2010

TransLink spokesman Andrew Berkman last night said they were working with Airtrain, a private company that has run the airport route since 2001, to fix the "anomaly".

"It is just not good enough that people have to pay the higher fares," Mr Berkman said ....

[dwb]

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/travel/travel-news/airtrain-ripoff-a-ticketing-anomaly-20101006-167s6.html

Airtrain rip-off a ticketing 'anomaly' Tony Moore October 7, 2010

TransLink spokesman Andrew Berkman last night said they were working with Airtrain, a private company that has run the airport route since 2001, to fix the "anomaly".

"It is just not good enough that people have to pay the higher fares," Mr Berkman said ....

They mean it is by design, so it's no accident. Contracts on PPPs aren't adjusted easily!

[dwb]

Fairly sure that the Airtrain deal was signed in Peter Beattie's time.

I'd hope for better operating hours and improved frequency at least between the peaks.  Perhaps I am being optimistic.

All signed under Borbidge, construction finished and operation commenced under Beattie.

http://www.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=6295

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Joan Sheldon

Tuesday, April 21, 1998

Joint Release with Joan Sheldon MLA, Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for The Arts and Vaughan Johnson MLA, Minister for Transport and Main Roads


BRISBANE AIRPORT RAIL LINK DEED SIGNED

The Coalition Government and Airtrain Citylink Ltd have entered into a legal agreement which will lead to the construction and operation of a rail link to Brisbane Airport.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Joan Sheldon, in a joint announcement with Minister for Transport and Main Roads Vaughan Johnson, said today that a deed had been formally signed which would allow Airtrain, a private sector proponent, to finance, design, construct, maintain and operate the Brisbane Airport Rail Link (BARL).

Mrs Sheldon said the execution of the deed would allow Airtrain to begin on-site construction of the rail link by July.

"The construction program allows Airtrain to meet its obligations within two years and allow the rail link to be operational by June 2000, in time for the Sydney Olympics," she said.

Airtrain, whose shareholders are Macquarie Corporate Finance Ltd, Transfield, Reduct Pty Ltd and Clarke and Kann, was awarded an exclusive mandate by the State Government in May 1996 to develop a detailed proposal for a rail link to the Brisbane Airport.

"Under the subsequent proposal, Airtrain indicated it would commit $190 million of private sector funds for the construction, operation and maintenance of the rail link.

"Airtrain has told us that the project will provide 400 jobs for its two year construction period and 50 full time equivalent positions for its operational phase."

"The signing of the deed represents a major milestone in the implementation of State policy on Private Sector Involvement in Public Infrastructure and Service Delivery.

"Airtrain has proposed a dedicated rail link joining the existing North Coast line at Eagle Junction," the Treasurer said.

Mr Johnson said that the rail link would transport passengers to two elevated stations one adjacent to the Brisbane International Terminal and the other to the Brisbane domestic terminal.

Under terms of the agreement, Airtrain will transfer the Brisbane Airport Rail Link back to the State Government after 35 years.

Mr Johnson said the Airtrain proposal had been underpinned by detailed engineering and project definition and a financial feasibility study.

"This project will have significant positive ramifications for the people of south-east Queensland, not only in terms of increasing transport options to Brisbane Airport but also environmentally by reducing a large number of road trips," Mr Johnson said.

"Detailed patronage studies have been undertaken for the project by Airtrain, forecasting rail passenger numbers of around 2.3 million for the first year of operation.

"Airtrain has forecast patronage figures to rise to 4.6 million in the fifth year, and eventually to 16.5 million by 2035.

"The obvious positive impact, both environmentally and from a co-ordinated transport perspective, will be enormous," said Mr Johnson.

A draft Impact Assessment Study has been completed and is currently on display at Brisbane City Council and the Department of Environment.

[somebody]

Thanks for digging that up!  I'm pretty sure it was re-announced by Beattie, probably several times.

Must have been one of their last acts.

[ozbob]

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/travel/travel-news/airtrain-ripoff-a-ticketing-anomaly-20101006-167s6.html

Airtrain rip-off a ticketing 'anomaly' Tony Moore October 7, 2010

TransLink spokesman Andrew Berkman last night said they were working with Airtrain, a private company that has run the airport route since 2001, to fix the "anomaly".

"It is just not good enough that people have to pay the higher fares," Mr Berkman said ....

They mean it is by design, so it's no accident. Contracts on PPPs aren't adjusted easily!

touché  Dwb, there in I suggest lies the real issue

And I suggest there is no intention to fix it directly either.  The suggestion that it will be fixed in six months has more to do with the projected fare increases which by a 'bracket creep' effect is narrowing the gap so to speak.  The non airtrain fares are increasing relatively faster than the airtrain fare. This eventually brings it back into the normal fares. Only a theory on my behalf.

[ozbob]

Simon the statements have been posted here before --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4433.msg36541#msg36541
===================

Bit of history ..

==============

http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=3679

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Vaughan Johnson

Tuesday, September 02, 1997

BRISBANE AIRPORT RAIL LINK DEADLINE EXTENDED

State Cabinet has granted Airtrain Citylink Ltd a further extension of time to finalise a detailed proposal on the Brisbane Airport Rail Link Project.

In a joint announcement today with Treasurer Joan Sheldon, Transport and Main Roads Minister Vaughan Johnson said the July sale of Brisbane Airport to the Brisbane Airport Corporation Ltd (BACL) had "added a degree of complexity to Airtrain's original plans".

Mr Johnson said while Airtrain had been diligent in the development of the rail link proposal, there were a number of matters that needed to be finalised such as detailed land requirements and access configuration issues concerning the proposed rail stations at the airport's international and domestic terminals.

The outstanding matters had been beyond Airtrain's control. Consequently, Mr Johnson and Mrs Sheldon successfully recommended to Cabinet that the company be granted an extension of time until the end of the year.

Airtrain was awarded an exclusive mandate by the State Government in May 1996 to deliver and develop a detailed proposal for a rail link to the Brisbane Airport. The proposal was originally due in October 1996 but was extended to June 30, 1997.

Under the comprehensive proposal, Airtrain indicated it would commit $160 million of private sector funds to the construction, operation and maintenance of the rail link without current or future cost to the State Government. Airtrain's proposal included detailed engineering and project definition and a financial feasibility study.

"This project has substantial potential benefits for travellers, the private sector and State Government alike," Mr Johnson said. "We want to maximise those benefits for all concerned, and if that means granting an extension of time to Airtrain to do so, well then so be it."

He said Queensland Rail, Brisbane City Council and BACL all supported the proposal and had been working closely with Airtrain to finalise the submission.

A Project Advisory Group comprising officers from Queensland Transport and Treasury has been overseeing the project on behalf of the State Government.

=================
http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=6295

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Joan Sheldon

Tuesday, April 21, 1998

Joint Release with Joan Sheldon MLA, Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for The Arts and Vaughan Johnson MLA, Minister for Transport and Main Roads

BRISBANE AIRPORT RAIL LINK DEED SIGNED

The Coalition Government and Airtrain Citylink Ltd have entered into a legal agreement which will lead to the construction and operation of a rail link to Brisbane Airport.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Joan Sheldon, in a joint announcement with Minister for Transport and Main Roads Vaughan Johnson, said today that a deed had been formally signed which would allow Airtrain, a private sector proponent, to finance, design, construct, maintain and operate the Brisbane Airport Rail Link (BARL).

Mrs Sheldon said the execution of the deed would allow Airtrain to begin on-site construction of the rail link by July.

"The construction program allows Airtrain to meet its obligations within two years and allow the rail link to be operational by June 2000, in time for the Sydney Olympics," she said.

Airtrain, whose shareholders are Macquarie Corporate Finance Ltd, Transfield, Reduct Pty Ltd and Clarke and Kann, was awarded an exclusive mandate by the State Government in May 1996 to develop a detailed proposal for a rail link to the Brisbane Airport.

"Under the subsequent proposal, Airtrain indicated it would commit $190 million of private sector funds for the construction, operation and maintenance of the rail link.

"Airtrain has told us that the project will provide 400 jobs for its two year construction period and 50 full time equivalent positions for its operational phase."

"The signing of the deed represents a major milestone in the implementation of State policy on Private Sector Involvement in Public Infrastructure and Service Delivery.

"Airtrain has proposed a dedicated rail link joining the existing North Coast line at Eagle Junction," the Treasurer said.

Mr Johnson said that the rail link would transport passengers to two elevated stations one adjacent to the Brisbane International Terminal and the other to the Brisbane domestic terminal.

Under terms of the agreement, Airtrain will transfer the Brisbane Airport Rail Link back to the State Government after 35 years.

Mr Johnson said the Airtrain proposal had been underpinned by detailed engineering and project definition and a financial feasibility study.

"This project will have significant positive ramifications for the people of south-east Queensland, not only in terms of increasing transport options to Brisbane Airport but also environmentally by reducing a large number of road trips," Mr Johnson said.

"Detailed patronage studies have been undertaken for the project by Airtrain, forecasting rail passenger numbers of around 2.3 million for the first year of operation.

"Airtrain has forecast patronage figures to rise to 4.6 million in the fifth year, and eventually to 16.5 million by 2035.

"The obvious positive impact, both environmentally and from a co-ordinated transport perspective, will be enormous," said Mr Johnson.

A draft Impact Assessment Study has been completed and is currently on display at Brisbane City Council and the Department of Environment.

================

http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=25119

Premier
The Honourable Peter Beattie

Thursday, February 11, 1999

Brisbane Airport rail link to go ahead

The State Government has finalised arrangements for a privately-funded $200 million rail line to link Brisbane's central business district with the international and domestic airport terminals by 2001, Premier Peter Beattie announced today.

"An airport-city train link is essential if Brisbane is going to rank as a major international city and I congratulate all those who have played a part in making this link a reality," said Mr Beattie.

"Such a link is one of the few assets that Brisbane has been lacking and I am proud that once again we are demonstrating that Queensland is the action state. We're making things happen."

Making the announcement with the Premier were Airtrain Citylink Limited Chair James Cutts, Transport and Main Roads Minister Steve Bredhauer and Brisbane Lord Mayor Jim Soorley.

"This multi-million dollar rail link will bring enormous economic, employment and public transport benefits to Brisbane," said Mr Beattie.

"We expect the project to provide the equivalent of more than 500 full-time jobs during the 27-month design and construction period."

Mr Bredhauer said the link was a great boost for public transport in South-East Queensland, where it was important to promote public transport as a viable alternative to using cars.

"One of the best ways to successfully improve public transport usage is to provide infrastructure providing reliable, comfortable and easy travel such as the new rail link," he said. "It is significant that the project has attracted private funding because it shows the private sector has the confidence to invest in public infrastructure in Queensland."

Mr Cutts said it would take just over two years to build the link, with construction due to start later this year. Design work would start this month.

Airtrain would build 8.5 km of new rail, linking the existing Queensland Rail network near Toombul to the Airport, said Mr Cutts.

Most of the link would be elevated and feature two stations - one at the international terminal, the other at the domestic terminal.

Passengers would be travelling to the Airport by train by mid-2001, Mr Cutts said.

"Services will run directly from the Airport to the City and to the Gold Coast by linking into the Citytrain network run by Queensland Rail," Mr Cutts said.

Mr Beattie said the State Government had finalised agreement on the basis that Airtrain would build and operate the rail link to the airport at the company's expense.

The project had been approved on the basis that Airtrain would pay for the project in return for the right to operate the rail link for 35 years.

After 35 years, it would be turned over to the State Government.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Jim Soorley said Brisbane City Council had played a key role in bringing Airtrain to fruition.

"Council, as a major land holder along the route, gave the project full support because we recognised the significant benefits of Airtrain to the city," Cr Soorley said.

"We receive a valuable rail corridor for residents and tourists linking the city and the Gold Coast to the airport," he said.

"At the same time it will help reduce traffic congestion and assist in maintaining our city's air quality," Cr Soorley said.


==================

http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=26750

Premier
The Honourable Peter Beattie

Wednesday, July 14, 1999

Work starts on 200m airport rail link

Brisbane will join the great cities of the world with direct rail access from the central business district to the domestic and international airport terminals, Premier Peter Beattie said today.

Speaking at the official start of work on the $200 million rail link, Mr Beattie said the project would also set new standards for co-operation between the public and private sectors in the delivery of infrastructure.

Mr Beattie said that the rail link would be built, owned and operated by private consortium Airtrain Citylink Ltd and transferred to the State after 35 years.

The Premier noted that the rail link was the second major project announced for Queensland in the past 24 hours. The State Government yesterday gave the go ahead for a $1.4 billion power station to be built by the Millmerran Power Project consortium.

"Queensland is the engine room of economic development in Australia," the Premier said.

"This project brings Brisbane into line with developments across the world, where accessibility to rail links is an essential feature of the strategy for growth of a major airport."

The Premier said Airtrain Citylink also marked the revival of private infrastructure investment in Queensland.

"Importantly, it also means jobs. The Millmerran power station will generate 1300 jobs, and Airtrain Citylink will create a further 300 constructions jobs, and 100 operational jobs," Mr Beattie said.

"It also enhances the development of infrastructure in support of the Brisbane Gateway Ports area development which will create even more jobs."

Mr Beattie said the rail link would be completed by mid-2001, providing a "four trains an hour, seven days a week, 16 hours a day world class rail service".

That would be of benefit to the 10.3 million passengers a year who use Brisbane Airport.

"This is forecast to grow to 33 million in 20 years, so the need for increased public transport to the airport is obvious," the Premier said.

=================

there is more --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4433.msg36544#msg36544

[dwb]

touché  Dwb, there in I suggest lies the real issue

And I suggest there is no intention to fix it directly either.  The suggestion that it will be fixed in six months has more to do with the projected fare increases which by a 'bracket creep' effect is narrowing the gap so to speak.  The non airtrain fares are increasing relatively faster than the airtrain fare. This eventually brings it back into the normal fares. Only a theory on my behalf.

Yes I thought of that myself, but that is mostly a paper ticket issue yeah, and they're getting rarer. Perhaps though it is getting close to the point where they're willing to spend some of that extra revenue from the general rises getting rid of the quirk?

[somebody]

touché  Dwb, there in I suggest lies the real issue

And I suggest there is no intention to fix it directly either.  The suggestion that it will be fixed in six months has more to do with the projected fare increases which by a 'bracket creep' effect is narrowing the gap so to speak.  The non airtrain fares are increasing relatively faster than the airtrain fare. This eventually brings it back into the normal fares. Only a theory on my behalf.

Yeah, I've thought about that, but as the general TL fares have risen, so has the discrepancy between the CBD Airtrain fares, and the suburban Airtrain fares.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

23rd August 2011

Re: Airtrain fare rip-off alive and well!

Greetings,

I note a letter to editor in today's Couriermail calling for Queensland Rail to take over Airtrain.

The core issue is that Airtrain needs to lift their game.  Billions wasted on roads and congestion can be saved overnight with extended hours of operation and improvements in frequency.

It is a NO BRAINER!  Sydney is waking up! (see below).

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

From the Daily Telegraph click here!

Scrap airport rail toll, report says


Scrap airport rail toll, report says

   Simon Benson
   From: The Daily Telegraph
   August 23, 2011 12:00AM

NEW direct buses to Sydney Airport should be introduced and the $11.80 access fee for the airport rail link scrapped, according to a scathing report into traffic congestion by the Productivity Commission.

A toll could also be placed on the M5 to reduce traffic in and around the airport.

In a draft report into economic regulation of airports released yesterday, the commission called for the O'Farrell government to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of abolishing the access charge on rail ticket prices to the airport.

It claimed that the currently poor patronage figures of 11 per cent could be increased to 26 per cent simply by removing the prohibitive charge which adds $11.80 to a $3.20 train ticket for anyone using the airport link to the city.

It claimed the cost of funding the abolition of the charge, estimated to be about $40 million and which is retained by the private rail operator under its contract, could be offset by reducing the need to build more road infrastructure.

It said congestion could also be reduced by additional direct bus services to the airport.

The report was scathing of successive state governments' under-investment in access infrastructure to Sydney Airport and the rail link deal which prohibits competitive bus services from being introduced without the potential of compensation to the rail operator. "At one level the congestion on roads to and around Sydney Airport can be seen at least in part as suggestive of insufficient investment in road capacity by the responsible governments," the report said.

"However, as many participants emphasised, the problems evident on the roads to and around the airport can also be seen partly as a reflection of insufficient support for alternatives such as rail and buses. Roads in and around Sydney Airport are often heavily congested with airport and non-airport traffic."

The Tourism & Transport Forum welcomed the report and called on Barry O'Farrell's government to adopt the recommendations.

"There is no doubt that increasing rail patronage to the airport can play a significant role in reducing congestion to and in the vicinity of Sydney Airport," TTF chief executive John Lee said.

"The access charge is a considerable deterrent for many travellers and airport employees to use the rail link and reducing or removing the charge would be a positive outcome for Australia's gateway airport."

The report criticised the federal government for not investigating if major airports were misusing their market power. The commission called for the ACCC to be given powers to conduct "forensic" price investigations into the airports.

Productivity Commission also called for the Federal Government to investigate whether the airports were using market power to restrict competition for airport parking.


Read more: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-nsw/scrap-airport-rail-toll-report-says/story-e6freuzi-1226120040081

[frereOP]

Best place to break journey is Bowen Hills... Only a few steps to the Go reader..

Best trick is to by a new go card and put $5 on it. throw away the card at the airport and it only costs $10 

Ha, brilliant!    That would work for any fare in excess of $10!

I picked up an unregistered GoCard in a shop once and when I reported it to Translink (only to find out it was unregistered), I decided to keep it and register it.  I did that and found out it was $1.87 in debit which I obviously had to pay.

[frereOP]

In comparing the Airtrain and Translink fares, it should be kept in mind that the Airtrain fare also has restrictions that the Translink fare doesn't:

the Airtrain tickets are endorsed rail/railbus ONLY

http://www.railpage.com.au/f-p1174807.htm

That is, with the Translink fare (or GO Card), you can continue your journey by transferring to a bus or ferry, whereas with an Airtrain fare, you'd have to pay the fare to start a new journey.

Combined with the other benefits of the GO Card (possible frequent user discount, as well as the flexibility of being able to change your destination after boarding), it is clear that the GO Card is better value than Airtrain fares for the "non-Airtrain" portion of your journey.


The only situation I can see where the Airtrain fare could be better value would be if you were to take advantage of the "Airtrain Shopper Special" to DFO (free return trip offer).  (Note that this is only available for paper tickets - not GO Card)
http://www.airtrain.com.au/dfo.php

And Airtrain fares provide free transport for ALL children being accompanied by a fare-paying adult and that adult doesn't have to a be a relative or guardian and the number of children is unlimited.  Hence, a whole school can go on an excursion to and from the airport for the cost of single adult return fare.

[ozbob]

Media release 6 Oct 2011

SEQ: BNE Airtrain

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers welcomes today's announcement of increased hours of operation of the Airtrain services to and from Brisbane Airport (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track has long highlighted that the restricted hours of operation of the Airtrain service to and from the Brisbane Airport has disuaded many potential passengers (2).  Extending the services from 8pm to 10pm is a huge improvement."

"This improvement alone will drive a significant patronage increase during the present service period as well as during the proposed extended hours of operation. Overwhelming feedback received over a long period confirms this."

"The fare anomaly that arose when the integrated TransLink fare structure was implemented has also been addressed and we welcome that.  Further innovative fare products will cement Airtrain as the preferred method of travel to and from the airport."

"Catch the train, make the plane!"

References:

1.  7 Sep 2011: SEQ: BNE Airtrain - returns a profit but service can be improved http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6682.0

2.  5 Nov 2007: Airtrain key to easing congestion on roads to Brisbane Airport http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=289.msg987#msg987

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

I have received further advice that the fare anomaly will be resolved next time the software is updated, and this is planned at this time to be January 2012.

[mufreight]

I have received further advice that the fare anomaly will be resolved next time the software is updated, and this is planned at this time to be January 2012.

There is no credible reason why this ANOMALY can not be remedied NOW, this delay is now simply another continued money grab by Translink and Airtrain condoned by an inept money grubbing Government.
The previous Transport Minister Nothing Nolan was going to resolve this when she was in office but the rip off has continued and now it is being dragged out for another three months.            

[ozbob]

The system software has to be upgraded and that is next planned in January 2012 AFAIAA.

Spencer Howson 612 ABC Brisbane just conducted a short interview on the fare anomaly.   Hopefully will be on the blog later this morning.

Online tickets are available direct from Airtrain for $13.50, and by breaking the journey the anomaly can be avoided.

Some examples from the journey planner today:

Nerang to BNE Adult paper single $29.70  

Nerang to Central Adult paper single $12.90  Central to BNE $15.00 = $27.90

Go card

Adult peak Nerang to BNE $25.66

Nerang to Central $8.86  Central to BNE $15.00 = $23.86

The cheapest way.

Go card to Central, then use a pre-purchased Airtrain ticket  cost then $8.86 + $13.50 =$22.36  (which is a lot less than a paper single at $29.70)

[ozbob]

From 612 ABC Brisbane Breakfast with Spencer Howson --> here!

Airtrain anomaly fixed - resulting in slightly lower ticket price

Airtrain anomaly fixed - resulting in slightly lower ticket price

07 October 2011 , 9:51 AM by Spencer Howson

Airtrain will run till 10pm from December.

As Rail Back on track's Robert Dow explains, a ticket anomaly has also been fixed, making travel to the airport slightly cheaper in many cases:

[dwb]

I have received further advice that the fare anomaly will be resolved next time the software is updated, and this is planned at this time to be January 2012.

Interesting. Good work Bob this is testament to your dog at a bone work.

I have received further advice that the fare anomaly will be resolved next time the software is updated, and this is planned at this time to be January 2012.

I wouldn't want them to go just touching anything and destabilising the programming. It sounds like it will go live with the next fare rise. We've waited long enough I think this is fine (as long as it does actually happen!)

There is no credible reason why this ANOMALY can not be remedied NOW, this delay is now simply another continued money grab by Translink and Airtrain condoned by an inept money grubbing Government.
The previous Transport Minister Nothing Nolan was going to resolve this when she was in office but the rip off has continued and now it is being dragged out for another three months.