23 Jan 2010: SEQ: Go card periodical ticketing option required

[ozbob]

Media Release 23 January 2010

SEQ:  Go card periodical ticketing option required

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 called for the addition of a periodical ticketing option for the go card.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The new fare structure was rolled out on the 4th January.  Feedback has been damning and constant concerning the price impacts for paper tickets, and to a lesser extent the go card.  Go card is more affordable than paper and this is the reason for the recent increased uptake of the go card; commuters are attempting to lessen the cost impacts of the fare structure.  The big risk is that public transport commuters may return to cars thereby exacerbating the chronic road congestion issues.  What a perverse outcome."

"Public transport commuters have been given promises of increased services, but there is no sign of this (2,3)."

"It is essential that the basic fare options for the go card be improved.  The addition of a  periodical ticket option based on the daily fare costs of two trips for 20 days for the zones required for each month, would go a long way in encouraging public transport commuters to continue use public transport, and also provide a more equitable fare for the high use commuter. Travel within the zones unrestricted on the periodical go card, travel outside the zones on the periodical go card option would be at normal pay as you go go card fares. Smart cards can easily handle this form of ticketing. Why spend hundreds of million dollars to just duplicate a paper system?  Use the technology in innovative ways."

"Make public transport first choice, not last choice. Time to get with it and GO!"

References:

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

2.   http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3297.0

3.   http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=66877

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org