15 Oct 2009: SEQ: Go card is going!

[ozbob]

Media Release 15 October 2009

SEQ:  Go card is going!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has welcomed the new fare strategy for the go card (1).

Robert Dow, spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The introduction of off peak discounts for the go card is a welcome move."

"There have been significant improvements in public transport overall and these improvements do cost.  Fares are to be increased but there are commitments for additional services. Under the new fare structure go card fares will be equivalent to the 2007 paper ticket cost.  Paper tickets will significantly dearer than for the equivalent go card travel under the new fare strategy."

"Cost of public transport is an important factor but frequent accessible services is what will drive change."

"We welcome the go card 'give away' initiative to further encourage commuters to make the change."

"The go card has had a long introduction and clearly has now reached the point to become the ticketing option for public transport in south-east Queensland.  The overall gains for improved efficiency for the entire public transport network are significant."

"We await more detail of the fare strategy but clearly there is now a strong incentive for users to make the change from paper to go card."

Reference:

1.  http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26211617-952,00.html

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org


Discussion thread on the new fare strategy also see here --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2877.0

[beauyboy]

I am disgusted in such a high fare increase for ticketing. Seeing paper tickets and Go Card above CPI is simply disgusting and I will be writing a letter of disgust when the full details are released.

Donald

[david]

I believe the fare increases are quite reasonable, considering the massive upgrades to infrastructure that are happening at the moment - Caboolture to Beerburrum, Varsity Lakes, Richlands, Corinda to Darra, as well as the new trains, extra busways, extra ferries, etc. Plus, the high paper ticket costs are probably just subsidising the lower go card fares. I just hope that the fare increases also translate to more services.

[#Metro]

Wow, this is radical. But good radical. I think they have been listening!

Running duplicate ticketing systems is bizzare, and it will be good to see people move across to go card- faster transport system.
Fare increases above CPI are legitimate in my view. What if government said they would only increase PT investment in line with CPI?
It wouldn't be appropriate as our population and transport usage rises probably grow much faster than CPI.

This will hopefully also mean more money for PT. 5% saving across the network is a massive amount of saving! Let's hope that these savings don't leak away to other areas...

I'm willing to pay more to get more back.

[WTN]

I was shocked and dismayed at such hefty fare increases.  They better bring on much better service or I won't be happy.  Not having fare capping (even if it's just daily) is very disappointing.  That still means paper tickets can be cheaper in some cases.

And with some of the CM comments, while they're decreasing the subsidy on PT, why not decrease it for private transport/roads as well?

[#Metro]

Universal GoCard use will mean that all buses, ferries and trains will be pre-paid by default.  
Way to Go!

I think "reduction in subsidy" is a misleading line- it is more of a re-allocation.
If one looks at the graphs in the .pdf, costs have increased massively while fare box revenue has made a slight growth. Hence full services.

And with some of the CM comments, while they're decreasing the subsidy on PT, why not decrease it for private transport/roads as well?

I would like to see toll roads stay toll roads, and a congestion charge or variable road charge introduced.

[Otto]

I agree with the proposed changes to the fares.

( I hope I dont get any more young ladies throw me a bag of 5c coins for their $3.40 daily ticket.. I made sure I counted every last coin to see that the payment was correct.. The passengers waiting behind the young lady were not impressed , and were telling her so !!! )