4 Jan 2010: SEQ: Go day is here, more fare options needed!

[ozbob]

Media Release 4 January 2010

SEQ:  Go day is here, more fare options needed!

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 previously called for a number of immediate improvements to the go card ticketing system (1). From today many users will be taking up the go card as they attempt to avoid the punitive fare increases on paper tickets (2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Government and TransLink are committed to the introduction of the go card with the eventual removal of all paper tickets. The issue is then one of having to start using the go card for all commuters.  Presently around 33% of all public transport trips are on the go card, this will start to rise significantly and rapidly as the fare costs for paper impact as commuters return from holidays and resume their regular commutes."

"From today, off peak fares will be available on the go card. This is a very welcome move but in order to further drive go card uptake and maximise utilisation of public transport further fare options for the go card to include capping and periodical options are needed."

"A monthly periodical travel option for example would allow a user unrestricted travel in their zones, and if they subsequently travel outside their nominated zones normal go card fares would apply.  This is smart and seamless.  It encourages commuters to make use of public transport as first choice. This saves the community money overall as congestion is reduced, environmental impacts lessened and there is less road trauma;  reduced deaths and injury impacting on the health sector."

"A lot of users will be moving to the go card in the coming weeks and months. Community education for new go card users needs to be stepped up.  TransLink has extensive web resources on the go card, but not everyone has access to the web (3).  Information booths at key rail and bus stations are needed, as well as targeted information sessions for various community groups would be worthwhile."

"RAIL Back On Track has compiled a list of Go card survival tips for new users! This is based on user experience over the past two years and is accessible at http://backontrack.org/ "

"In view of the considerable increase in fare costs from today, community expectations for improved frequency of bus, rail and ferry services and better customer support is high and justified.  Time to GO!"

References:

1.   27 Dec 2009: SEQ: Go day looming, support and actions needed now
     http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3198.0

2.   New fare structure   http://www.translink.com.au/fares2010.php

3.   http://www.translink.com.au/go.php

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org