8 Jan 2008: Go Card base fare discounts needed

[ozbob]

Media Release 8 January 2008

Go Card base fare discounts needed

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport has again called for bulk discounts to be applied to all TransLink fares for users of the Go Card.  These discounts would mean the base fares for Go card users reflect the savings made in terms of not having to handle cash and ticket sales on a regular basis, and the improvements in efficiency of public transport such as quicker loading on buses that will be achieved if Go Card uptake is maximised.  Commuters who use the Go Card should be rewarded.

Robert Dow said:

?The only fare structure outlined for the Translink Go Card offers little or no incentive for the weekly or other seasonal ticket holders to use the card.?

?Users of the SmartRider smart card ticket in Perth WA have a fixed 15 or 25% discount relative to cash fares depending on how they charge their cards (reference 1).  This is an ideal way to encourage uptake and provide equitable fare outcomes.?

?The frequent user discount scheme on the Go Card (50% fare reduction after the first 6 trips in a Monday to Sunday to period) will in fact result in many commuters paying more for their travel relative to the present paper seasonal ticketing.?

?It is bewildering for commuters of SEQ to observe Translink and Queensland Transport squandering the opportunity to really sell the Go Card and get it the ticket of choice by all commuters, particularly in view of the huge capital investment by the taxpayers of Queensland,? said Robert Dow, spokesman for RAIL Back On Track.

Reference:

1. http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/SmartRider/WhatisSmartRider/tabid/237/Default.aspx

Contact:

Robert  Dow

Administration
admin@backontrack.org RAIL Back On Track
http://backontrack.org