8 Mar 2010: SEQ: Call for a capped Go card Seniors Excursion Fare

[ozbob]

Media Release 8 March 2010

SEQ:  Call for a capped Go card Seniors Excursion Fare

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 implementation of a daily Seniors Excursion Fare for users of the red go card. Consideration could be given to extending this fare to other concession go card holders.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The recent price increases in the cost of public transport fares has impacted severely on Seniors.  Promised a Seniors Go card combination they were caught short with the 40% price increase in paper tickets.  Feedback we have received has indicated many Seniors have had to restrict their outings on public transport as a result."

"All mainland states have free public transport or special fares for Pensioners above the standard concession fares (1).  NSW has the Pensioner Excursion Ticket which allows Pensioners unlimited daily public transport for $2.50 (2). Seniors in Queensland have access to a red go card, this card could be easily capped to a daily maximum fare of $2.50. In so doing Pensioners would be able to get out and about again, carry out their shopping, visit the doctor, carry out volunteer work without worrying about the high cost of fares.  Pensioners tend to travel in off peak times so there is plenty of capacity, and such a fare would be encouraging to folks to go out. The well being and health of the community is improved overall and this reduces health care costs."

"Other concession go card holders are also suffering from the impact of non capped fares. The failure to offer capping for these disadvantaged groups is restricting their opportunity for travel. Concession cards could also be capped at a nominal daily fare."

References:

1.   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3278.0

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

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

From the Sunday Mail click here!

State reforms kick in from Thursday with new laws on pet registration and speeding reforms

State reforms kick in from Thursday with new laws on pet registration and speeding reforms

    * From: The Sunday Mail (Qld)
    * June 27, 2010 12:00AM

A RAFT of new state laws, concessions and revenue-raisers will kick in from July 1 affecting everyone from pensioners and patients to pooches and punters.

From Thursday, cats and dogs in most regional councils will have to be registered and microchipped, new alcohol and speeding reforms will apply to restricted licence holders, medicos will have to be nationally registered and accredited and motorists will be slugged more at tolling points.

Pensioners and patients will be the winners in the new financial year with increases in concessions for medical equipment and utilities costs.

The rebate for pensioners' power bills will increase from $190 to $216, the reticulated natural gas rebate will rise from $59.43 to $61.21 and the water rebate for South East Queensland pensioners will also increase from $70 to $100 annually.

Older People Speak Out president Val French said the assistance boost would help but only slightly.

"The big gap between what lower income people and pensioners pay and what they get back in rebates still exists," Ms French said.

"While the pension has increased, so has everything else, utilities, public transport fees and people are still suffering."

Patients reliant on kidney dialysis, oxygen support and airconditioning to regulate body temperature will also see some of their rebates and concessions rise.

All new drivers, regardless of age, will also have to stick to a zero blood alcohol limit. Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the tough new laws would remove a major risk factor for inexperienced drivers.

"These new laws will require all learner, provisional, P1 and P2 licence holders, regardless of their age, and all RE motorcycle licence holders in their first year of riding, to drive or ride with a zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC)," Ms Nolan said.

The National Registration and Accreditation for health professionals will also be introduced from July 1.

AMA Queensland president Dr Gino Pecoraro said national registration would make it easier for doctors to practice all around Australia.