24 Jan 2010: SEQ: The go card crisis is real

[ozbob]

Media Release 24 January 2010

SEQ:  The go card crisis is real

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 again called for action to improve support for go card users, and the immediate introduction of a low cost daily fare for Seniors.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track has received considerable feedback from commuters encountering problems with the go card system, and from Seniors struggling with the cost of paper tickets.  Seniors have been promised an integrated Seniors Card with the Go card, but unless they go and purchase a card now are faced with massive 40% fare hikes on their paper ticketing.  Even on the go card many Seniors have highlighted the increase costs of travel as they go about their business - shopping, medical appointments, social engagements.

The introduction of a special Seniors' Daily fare would be of much assistance.  This could be set at the cost of two concession journeys in the desired zones.  This would then allow Seniors to continue to get out and about and not be prisoners in their own homes.  Easily programmed on the go card, a smart card that is kept in a 'dumbed down' state in the smart state."

"Other actions needed for improved go card support include:

1.  Immediate amnesty for new users - no questions refunds for two user failures.

2.  Clarification of when users can travel for free when equipment down at rail stations.  Not practical or safe to expect users to check every reader at a rail station.  We suggest change that to when the equipment is not operational on platform of departure or concourse as appropriate.  It would be a disaster if someone gets a $200 fine as the result of go card equipment failure.

3.  Introduction of a web based form, print version with free post, and a call back service for mobile users, and a free call number for others for reimbursement adjustment claims and so forth.  This would save money for everyone!

4.  A genuine commitment to further fare enhancements publicly spelt out, to include capping and periodical ticketing options.  Myki, Melbourne's smart card ticket is a stand out in this regard. The fare structure for the go card must be improved.

5.  Roll out of additional go card equipment at rail stations and bus stations as needed. Already reports of queuing at rail stations.  As numbers continue to surge this will become a major constant irritant and generate bad publicity unless addressed, and addressed quickly. Equipment also needs to be protected from the weather so that users can read the screens.

6.  A commitment and real policy of failed go card equipment to be fixed same day where possible, certainly within 24 hours at the most. Go card equipment to be clearly signed when not operational.  The message that comes up on many readers 'seek assistance' is just confusing and misleading.

7.  Introduction of much needed rail services, eg. Sunshine Coast, Ipswich Rosewood peak pm gap  More rail sweepers and bus services as well particularly on the busways.  Promises won't do it, the public needs to see immediate improvements.

8.  Immediate distribution of the free go cards promised as part of the new fare strategy.

9.  Proper information and user displays set up where folks can see the equipment that is used and practise.  Similar as the myki displays in Melbourne, but need not be as grand.   Much better customer go card education programs.

"The bumbling roll out and transition to the go card is causing great concern and angst with many.  Something must be done, and done fast."

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Follow up sent to all outlets:

24th January 2010

Greetings,

I spoke to a number of citizens at the Southern Spirit train event today ( http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3287.0 ).  They expressed much concern about matters public transport particularly the roll out of the go card and the fare structures.  A number of senior citizens I met were very informed with respect to the concession travel in other states and highlighted the difficulty many are having with the new prices and systems, and expressed extreme disappointment concerning the refusal to do anything positive for them here in Queensland.  ( http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3278.0 )

It is a constructive development the Opposition contacting the ACCC about the go card, that is what oppositions should do in general terms we believe.

We also have some real concerns with discrimination issues with the go card system and fare structure as it stands.

The government really does need to listen to the community and start sorting out the obvious issues.

We have highlighted them for some time. Continuing denial is getting nowhere.

A summary of our media releases on the go card  for the last three years can be found here --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=429.0

It is clear what needs to be done.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

Media Release 24 January 2010

SEQ:  The go card crisis is real

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 again called for action to improve support for go card users, and the immediate introduction of a low cost daily fare for Seniors.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track has received considerable feedback from commuters encountering problems with the go card system, and from Seniors struggling with the cost of paper tickets.  Seniors have been promised an integrated Seniors Card with the Go card, but unless they go and purchase a card now are faced with massive 40% fare hikes on their paper ticketing.  Even on the go card many Seniors have highlighted the increase costs of travel as they go about their business - shopping, medical appointments, social engagements.

The introduction of a special Seniors' Daily fare would be of much assistance.  This could be set at the cost of two concession journeys in the desired zones.  This would then allow Seniors to continue to get out and about and not be prisoners in their own homes.  Easily programmed on the go card, a smart card that is kept in a 'dumbed down' state in the smart state."

"Other actions needed for improved go card support include:

1.  Immediate amnesty for new users - no questions refunds for two user failures.

2.  Clarification of when users can travel for free when equipment down at rail stations.  Not practical or safe to expect users to check every reader at a rail station.  We suggest change that to when the equipment is not operational on platform of departure or concourse as appropriate.  It would be a disaster if someone gets a $200 fine as the result of go card equipment failure.

3.  Introduction of a web based form, print version with free post, and a call back service for mobile users, and a free call number for others for reimbursement adjustment claims and so forth.  This would save money for everyone!

4.  A genuine commitment to further fare enhancements publicly spelt out, to include capping and periodical ticketing options.  Myki, Melbourne's smart card ticket is a stand out in this regard. The fare structure for the go card must be improved.

5.  Roll out of additional go card equipment at rail stations and bus stations as needed. Already reports of queuing at rail stations.  As numbers continue to surge this will become a major constant irritant and generate bad publicity unless addressed, and addressed quickly. Equipment also needs to be protected from the weather so that users can read the screens.

6.  A commitment and real policy of failed go card equipment to be fixed same day where possible, certainly within 24 hours at the most. Go card equipment to be clearly signed when not operational.  The message that comes up on many readers 'seek assistance' is just confusing and misleading.

7.  Introduction of much needed rail services, eg. Sunshine Coast, Ipswich Rosewood peak pm gap  More rail sweepers and bus services as well particularly on the busways.  Promises won't do it, the public needs to see immediate improvements.

8.  Immediate distribution of the free go cards promised as part of the new fare strategy.

9.  Proper information and user displays set up where folks can see the equipment that is used and practise.  Similar as the myki displays in Melbourne, but need not be as grand.   Much better customer go card education programs.

"The bumbling roll out and transition to the go card is causing great concern and angst with many.  Something must be done, and done fast."

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[Otto]

Now that the Go has been virtually forced on the population, I have been approched by many senior cits with horror storys about their GoCard experiences. One poor old lady just last week came on board to tell me she had lost a sizeable sum of money on her GoCard and was just too frightened to use it now. She was nearly in tears with the thought of no longer being able to buy paper tickets in the future. This lady had no way of checking her card transactions as she does not understand computers, internet or most any modern electronic device. I would estimate her age as about 80ish and she just can not grasp how to use the GoCard correctly. She is typical of many seniors I have chatted with during the last few weeks.
I just try to put myself in her shoes and wonder, Where is she supposed to get proper tutoring on the use of GoCard.
For me it is no problem, as I can get everything online including Videos and How To's on the TL site.

I do feel for our seniors and I just can't help but wonder if Minister Nolan or TL have any compassion for our Seniors..

[#Metro]

Yes, they have no idea!
There is a brochure, but that is simply too much information.
They get to the swipe machine and they don't know how to swipe. They don't realise the big swirly thing is not just a pretty logo but the detector pad!

The info should consist of just 4 pictures:
1. Do this (image split into 4 of a person topping up at AVVM/Newsagent/phone/internet)
2. Do this (image of person swiping on)
3. Do this (image of person swiping off)
4. Do this is there is a problem (image of person calling 13 12 30)

[ozbob]

Open Letter to the Premier of Queensland

25th January 2010

Dear Premier,

There is a public transport ticketing crisis.  Senior citizens are in serious trouble.  Education campaigns on how to use the go card should have been in place last year.

Please introduce some immediate travel options for Seniors.  They are struggling with the high cost of fares, particularly paper as many have not made the change to go card and will not unless helped.  Many have lost their precious funds already in their attempts to use the go card.

Every mainland state EXCEPT Queensland has some positive public transport initiatives for their senior communities.

I doubt whether you are aware of the considerable community anger and resentment that is now in place, otherwise you would have acted.
Have you been talking to the seniors?  We have, and we are alarmed.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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

Media Release 13th January 2010 re-released 25th January 2010

SEQ:  Call for free Sunday TransLink travel for Seniors on Go Card and a weekend 'family' ticket!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users has previously called for free Sunday public transport travel for Senior Citizens (1, 2, 3).  Senior citizens have access to a special seniors Go Card (a red Go Card), and as a further incentive for uptake of the card and to encourage senior citizens to get out and about, it would be a simple matter to program the smart card system to allow seniors free travel on Sundays.  In these difficult times a further initiative with positive community benefits would be the re-introduction of a family ticket arrangement for weekends.  Allow up to three children to accompany a fare paying adult for free on weekends. This is done in other states (4).  The recent price increases for public transport are impacting on seniors and families particularly.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Free travel for Senior citizens on Sundays was introduced by the Victorian Government on the 27 August 2006 in Melbourne. This worthwhile initiative has been a huge success and when on visits to Melbourne it has been encouraging to hear senior citizens comment on how helpful it has been to them."

"Western Australia also has free travel for seniors. WA Seniors, Aged and Disability Support Pension cardholders are entitled to travel for free on all Transperth services between 9.00am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday, as well as public holidays (5)."

"South Australia has free travel for seniors between 9.01 am to 3 pm weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays (6)."

"NSW has Pensioner Excursion Tickets, unlimited daily public transport for $2.50 (7)."

"Public transport in south-east Queensland has some slack on weekends, and it will be no additional load for our public transport generally to make these ticketing concessions available.  It will assist families and senior citizens to get out and about, visit family and friends, and have more healthy life styles. It will assist them in this time of financial stress."

"Other Australian state governments get on with positive community initiatives, why are we marking time in Queensland? Lets move forward with smart moves that encourage utilisation of our public transport network and improve efficiency with the reduction in congestion costs, reduced environmental impacts and less expenditure for our health system."

References:

1.   http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=52.

2.   http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=567.0

3.   http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1982.0

4.   http://www.vline.com.au/fares/concessionfares/familytraveller.html

5.   http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/FreePublicTransportTravelEntitlements/tabid/400/Default.aspx

6.   http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/publish_article/Seniors_free_travel.html

7.   http://www.sydneybuses.info/tickets/combined-tickets/pensioner-excursion.htm

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

26th January 2010

Greetings,

I note the 'amnesty' give for school children chasing go cards  --> http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26634156-3102,00.html )

How about an 'amnesty' for our  seniors struggling to use the go card, let alone obtain one?

Give seniors free public transport till the end of February.  This would allow time for user education and distribution of go cards.  It would turn a negative situation into a positive one.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org