2 Feb 2010: SEQ: Go card - additional ticketing options required

[ozbob]

Media Release 2 February 2010

SEQ:  Go card - additional ticketing options 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 and a Seniors daily fare 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 now 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.  Anecdotal evidence suggests that already some former public transport commuters have returned to cars thereby exacerbating the chronic road congestion issues. This has a flow on effect in terms of increases costs to the community - increased congestion costs, environmental impacts worsened, and increasing health sector costs as road trauma escalates."

"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.

A daily capped fare for Seniors would encourage our Senior Citizens to get and about.   Seniors are reeling from the severe increases in fare costs. 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."

"New South Wales has recently announced a revised fare structure that encourages public transport use, fares are unchanged or cheaper (4). Contrast that to the Queensland. Melbourne has a fare structure on their myki smart card system that includes capping and periodical options and encourages public transport (5).  Queensland has a punitive fare structure that is driving commuters back to cars."

"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

4.   http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw-act/new-structure-means-cheaper-fares/story-e6freuzi-1225825502035

5.   http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/fares-tickets/victorian-fares-and-ticketing-manual-myki/

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

13th February 2010

Greetings,

The Opposition has  highlighted the continuing disruption on the rail network ( http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3432.0 ).  This disruption is not confined to the rail network, constant problems on the bus network; late or no shows and overloading still is a major issue.  The changes finally announced for the bus with effect 22nd February are a great start to address some of these constant problems.  But a lot more is needed.  Least of which is some dramatic and rapid improvement in ticketing options for the go card.

Our group is very concerned with the recent cost increases and its effect on Seniors.  Already struggling, we have feedback that has indicated that many Seniors have had to restrict their travel since the 4th January as a direct result of the changes.  The promised combo Senior Card/ Go card is not available. We would like the promised free go cards to be made available as free Seniors (Red) go cards to all Seniors now.  Additionally the introduction of a Seniors Daily Excursion Fare on the red go card as a matter of urgency.  All other mainland states have very significant public transport initiatives for Seniors ( http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3278.0 ), additional to the concession fares. They recognise the problems for Seniors accessing public transport, something really needs to be done in Queensland in our opinion.

A periodical option on the go card should be introduced for the remainder of commuters.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org


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

Media Release 2 February 2010

SEQ:  Go card - additional ticketing options 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 and a Seniors daily fare 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 now 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.  Anecdotal evidence suggests that already some former public transport commuters have returned to cars thereby exacerbating the chronic road congestion issues. This has a flow on effect in terms of increases costs to the community - increased congestion costs, environmental impacts worsened, and increasing health sector costs as road trauma escalates."

"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.

A daily capped fare for Seniors would encourage our Senior Citizens to get and about.   Seniors are reeling from the severe increases in fare costs. 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."

"New South Wales has recently announced a revised fare structure that encourages public transport use, fares are unchanged or cheaper (4). Contrast that to the Queensland. Melbourne has a fare structure on their myki smart card system that includes capping and periodical options and encourages public transport (5).  Queensland has a punitive fare structure that is driving commuters back to cars."

"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

4.   http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw-act/new-structure-means-cheaper-fares/story-e6freuzi-1225825502035

5.   http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/fares-tickets/victorian-fares-and-ticketing-manual-myki/

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org