Article: Train ticket queue chaos at Ekka forces TransLink to change system

[Fares_Fair]

Article: Train ticket queue chaos at Ekka forces TransLink to change system
By Robyn Ironside
From: The Courier-Mail
August 15, 2011 8:27AM

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/train-ticket-queue-chaos-at-ekka-forces-translink-to-change-system/story-e6freoof-1226114983698

TRANSLINK has been forced to make changes to its paper ticket system to try to reduce massive queues forming at the Ekka train station.
With paper tickets expiring after just two hours, Ekka goers have been forced to wait up to an hour to buy another to catch a train home.

The system has resulted in huge queues at train ticket boxes and machines and numerous complaints to the RNA.

Translink has now announced Ekka goers who do not have a go card but want to catch the train will be able to buy a return ticket at the same time as their paper ticket to the Ekka.

The normal two hour expiry time will be waived.

`This will assist to ease congestion at the Exhibition Station during peak exit times,'' said a statement on the Translink website.

Opposition transport spokesman Scott Emerson said the ticket bungling had taken a ``lot of the fun out of the Ekka''.

`I saw frustrated parents struggling with tired, young children at the end of their day at the Ekka being forced to wait in long ticketing queues,'' Mr Emerson said. ``The fun of the Ekka clearly had quickly disappeared for them.''

He called for an urgent overhaul of the go card system, calling it ``too complicated to explain to tourists and not user-friendly''.

[ozbob]

Patience with these fools is wearing rather thin, we have been highlighting this for some time.

It is time that TransLink (and Government) starting to implement policies that are sensible,fair, are truly supportive of encouraging public transport.  I am ashamed and disgusted with the way the public is being treated.

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

Media release 11 August 2011

SEQ: Lack of an integrated ticket option for the Ekka, presents problems for casual public transport users

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has highlighted the lack of an integrated admission and public transport ticket for the Brisbane Exhibition (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"With the loss of seasonal paper tickets, the only option now for casual users without a go card are paper single tickets, which relative to go card fares are very expensive, and have time limitations that casual users may not be aware of. This also means that under some circumstances they may be liable for a fare evasion offence because of this (2)."

"Major public transport jurisdictions such as Sydney and Melbourne provide integrated public transport and admission tickets for the public to their shows.  This is sensible as it reduces the broader cost of congestion and the associated costs of environmental impacts and road trauma."

"Public transport in south-east Queensland is referred to as 'world class'.  A failure to provide an integrated ticketing product for the Exhibition is not consistent with a 'world class' system.  Far from it ..."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5867.0

2. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/how-to/how-to-transfer-between-services

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Twitter

@TransLinkSEQ  read this and please note http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6548.msg65576#msg65576.  I have had enough.  @AnnastaciaMP  @TheQldPremier

[HappyTrainGuy]

Simple. Buy a damn go card or get the RNA to provide free PT to and from the event with a valid ticket. I still think when Indy on the Gold Coast was in full force in the mid 00's it had to be one of the best venues for PT. Nearly 315-330,000 people over 4 days each year had access to parking areas with shuttle busses direct to the venue, direct busses to the train stations at certain times before/during/after, free travel on any translink services the day their ticket was valid which alot took up on. Maybe they should take a note of it.

[Stillwater]

What a wonderful opportunity the Ekka was for many people who had not used public transport, or who use it infrequently, to appreciate the convenience of PT to get about south-East Queensland.  Bear in mind many of the patrons are out-of-towners with no go-card or experience of using them.  What a fiasco Translink made of the potential marketing opportunty.

[O_128]

What a wonderful opportunity the Ekka was for many people who had not used public transport, or who use it infrequently, to appreciate the convenience of PT to get about south-East Queensland.  Bear in mind many of the patrons are out-of-towners with no go-card or experience of using them.  What a fiasco Translink made of the potential marketing opportunty.

Brings the best out of suburbia, I heard a young girl tell her kid to ask grandad who appeared to be about 30  can't wait till the ekka is over/ CRR exhibition station opens

[Fares_Fair]

Twitter

@TransLinkSEQ  read this and please note http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6548.msg65576#msg65576.  I have had enough.  @AnnastaciaMP  @TheQldPremier

+1

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[ozbob]

What a fiasco Translink made of the potential marketing opportunity

It beggars belief!  And we did suggest there would be issues ... another 'world class' effort this one, world class in terms of mediocrity ...

[ClintonL94]

I went to the Ekka yesterday. My parents bought Go Cards(this is the only time they'll use them each year), got to and from the Ekka by steam train 

On the way home, QueenslandRail staff were advising customers not to touch on with their Go Cards and to travel free to your destination except the Airport.

"Do not touch on with your Go Cards, travel free to your destination except the Airport."

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

No return tickets to Ekka, but two singles okay

No return tickets to Ekka, but two singles okay
Georgia Waters
August 15, 2011 - 9:14AM

People without Go Cards travelling to the Ekka by train are being advised to purchase two single tickets in the absence of return tickets.

Earlier this year, the state government scrapped all paper tickets except those for single journeys in a bid to push public transport users onto Go Cards.

However with thousands of out-of-towners - unlikely to be Go Card users - descending on central Brisbane for the Ekka, TransLink has waived the two-hour transfer and expiry time for all paper tickets travelling to and from the Exhibition Station at the RNA Showgrounds.

This means people will be able to buy two single journey tickets to the Ekka at the start of the day, using one to travel to the showgrounds and one to return home at the end of the day.

''One of these tickets will be handed in at the Exhibition Station upon arrival at the Ekka and the other can be used for the customer's travel from the Exhibition Station to their point of origin station any time until the last service that day,'' TransLink advises.

The two-hour expiry on single journey tickets would normally make pre-purchasing tickets in the morning to use at the end of the day impossible.

TransLink is hoping the plan will reduce congestion at the Exhibition Station with visitors leaving the Ekka, having pre-purchased a ticket, not having to line up to buy one as they leave.

All paper tickets were originally to be scrapped but last October the government backed down after deciding tourists and occasional public transport users might be left stranded if they were unable to buy a one-off ticket for a single journey without having to buy a Go Card.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/no-return-tickets-to-ekka-but-two-singles-okay-20110815-1itje.html

Farce.  And Clinton's comments above suggest that there were either problems with go readers at Exhibition or we have a 'fare evasion free for all'.  One would assume the 3.5 hour limit on the commencement for final trip on a paper single ticket from zone 11 or greater is now waived as well ...

[ozbob]

Fools, what is needed is an integrated ticket that includes a PT charge and admission. This what happens in  Brisbane and Sydney.

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Ekka transit costs too much for RNA

Ekka transit costs too much for RNA
Georgia Waters
August 16, 2011

Incorporating the cost of public transport into tickets to the Ekka would cost too much, the RNA says.

The plan is one preferred by TransLink, which would like to see the system used by Brisbane's major sports stadiums extended to the city's annual 10-day show.

For major sporting events at venues including Suncorp Stadium and the Gabba, patrons flash their entry tickets when they board buses or trains to and from the game.
Advertisement: Story continues below

However RNA chief executive Johnathan Tunny said incorporating public transport fares into Ekka tickets would push up the price too much.

"If we just look at a zone one [public transport] fare which as I understand it is about $3.90, that would cost at least by our figures over $1 million that we would have to pay.

"Last year we made just over $400,000.

"The Ekka is a community event, it's a family event, and we want to keep the ticket price as low as we can and that's why this year we raised it by only $1."

His comments came a day after TransLink announced it had waived the usual two-hour transfer and expiry time for all paper tickets travelling to and from the Exhibition Station at the RNA Showgrounds.

Visitors to the Ekka since the show opened last week reported long queues to buy tickets at the station when leaving the grounds.

Earlier this year, the state government scrapped all paper tickets except those for single journeys in a bid to push public transport users onto Go Cards.

TransLink's solution means people would be able to buy two single journey tickets to the Ekka at the start of the day, using one to travel to the showgrounds and one to return home at the end of the day.

The two-hour expiry on single journey tickets would normally make pre-purchasing tickets in the morning to use at the end of the day impossible.

Mr Tunny said it would also be unfair to slug Ekka attendees who didn't use public transport for the extra cost.

A TransLink spokesman said the company had approached the Ekka several times, including in the past year, about incorporating the cost of public transport into entry ticket prices.

"Our preferred solution would be for integrated tickets for the Ekka where the event ticket allows free transport on buses and trains," he said.

"We've approached the Ekka about this in the past and they have chosen not to."

Mr Tunny said that while he thought the Go Card was an excellent option for most public transport users, there were many inter- and intra-state visitors to the Ekka who might use public transport once or twice a year and had no need to buy one.

TransLink should re-instate a daily paper ticket for infrequent public transport users, he said.

"I don't know why they don't do that because I think every major city in the world that I have visited has a paper ticket available to buy for the day."

However he said he appreciated TransLink implementing a solution so quickly after the weekend's delays.

"I'm pleased they acted quickly ... that's a common-sense approach and that's what we were wanting," he said.

All paper tickets were originally to be scrapped but last October the government backed down after deciding tourists and occasional public transport users might be left stranded if they were unable to buy a one-off ticket for a single journey without having to buy a Go Card.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/ekka-transit-costs-too-much-for-rna-20110815-1ium8.html

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

16th August 2011

The fare fiasco

Greetings,

Are TransLink and the RNA fools?  What is needed is an integrated ticket, to include public transport and admission. This is what happens elsewhere. Too late this year despite my attempts for this year leading up to the Ekka and the past three years.  It is clearly time for re-positioning of the overall fare strategy.  It is a massive failure, and no amount of self serving spin statements extolling TransLink's and Government's view of a 'world class system' will cover up this years failure.  Just read the blogs on the various articles published recently.

An integrated ticket could be sold at normal outlets leading up to the Ekka, could be purchased online. Would make the day out at the Ekka a happy one.  How much do they pay senior management in TransLink and the RNA?  Do you think we are getting value??  I don't.

Had a nice time in Melbourne. Back to Brisbane today. I will be breaking my journey from the Airport using my go card at Eagle Junction (touch off and then back on), on my journey to Goodna to avoid the fare ripoff on a single go card journey.  Where else other than Queensland would one have to do this?  How many unsuspecting travellers, visitors and residents are unknowingly being ripped off? Another sign of failure.

Best wishes
Robert

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

===========

Media release 11 August 2011

SEQ: Lack of an integrated ticket option for the Ekka, presents problems for casual public transport users

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has highlighted the lack of an integrated admission and public transport ticket for the Brisbane Exhibition (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"With the loss of seasonal paper tickets, the only option now for casual users without a go card are paper single tickets, which relative to go card fares are very expensive, and have time limitations that casual users may not be aware of. This also means that under some circumstances they may be liable for a fare evasion offence because of this (2)."

"Major public transport jurisdictions such as Sydney and Melbourne provide integrated public transport and admission tickets for the public to their shows.  This is sensible as it reduces the broader cost of congestion and the associated costs of environmental impacts and road trauma."

"Public transport in south-east Queensland is referred to as 'world class'.  A failure to provide an integrated ticketing product for the Exhibition is not consistent with a 'world class' system.  Far from it ..."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5867.0

2. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/how-to/how-to-transfer-between-services

Contact:

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

===========
From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Ekka transit costs too much for RNA

Quote
Ekka transit costs too much for RNA
Georgia Waters
August 16, 2011

Incorporating the cost of public transport into tickets to the Ekka would cost too much, the RNA says.

The plan is one preferred by TransLink, which would like to see the system used by Brisbane's major sports stadiums extended to the city's annual 10-day show.

For major sporting events at venues including Suncorp Stadium and the Gabba, patrons flash their entry tickets when they board buses or trains to and from the game.
Advertisement: Story continues below

However RNA chief executive Johnathan Tunny said incorporating public transport fares into Ekka tickets would push up the price too much.

"If we just look at a zone one [public transport] fare which as I understand it is about $3.90, that would cost at least by our figures over $1 million that we would have to pay.

"Last year we made just over $400,000.

"The Ekka is a community event, it's a family event, and we want to keep the ticket price as low as we can and that's why this year we raised it by only $1."

His comments came a day after TransLink announced it had waived the usual two-hour transfer and expiry time for all paper tickets travelling to and from the Exhibition Station at the RNA Showgrounds.

Visitors to the Ekka since the show opened last week reported long queues to buy tickets at the station when leaving the grounds.

Earlier this year, the state government scrapped all paper tickets except those for single journeys in a bid to push public transport users onto Go Cards.

TransLink's solution means people would be able to buy two single journey tickets to the Ekka at the start of the day, using one to travel to the showgrounds and one to return home at the end of the day.

The two-hour expiry on single journey tickets would normally make pre-purchasing tickets in the morning to use at the end of the day impossible.

Mr Tunny said it would also be unfair to slug Ekka attendees who didn't use public transport for the extra cost.

A TransLink spokesman said the company had approached the Ekka several times, including in the past year, about incorporating the cost of public transport into entry ticket prices.

"Our preferred solution would be for integrated tickets for the Ekka where the event ticket allows free transport on buses and trains," he said.

"We've approached the Ekka about this in the past and they have chosen not to."

Mr Tunny said that while he thought the Go Card was an excellent option for most public transport users, there were many inter- and intra-state visitors to the Ekka who might use public transport once or twice a year and had no need to buy one.

TransLink should re-instate a daily paper ticket for infrequent public transport users, he said.

"I don't know why they don't do that because I think every major city in the world that I have visited has a paper ticket available to buy for the day."

However he said he appreciated TransLink implementing a solution so quickly after the weekend's delays.

"I'm pleased they acted quickly ... that's a common-sense approach and that's what we were wanting," he said.

All paper tickets were originally to be scrapped but last October the government backed down after deciding tourists and occasional public transport users might be left stranded if they were unable to buy a one-off ticket for a single journey without having to buy a Go Card.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/ekka-transit-costs-too-much-for-rna-20110815-1ium8.html

[ozbob]

http://www.scottemerson.com.au/

Opposition Statement

Public transport ticket frustration takes fun out of Ekka

The Bligh Labor Government's public transport bungling will mean thousands of Ekka visitors will still be forced to wait in long queues for trains despite a so-called two ticket solution, the State Opposition said today.

Shadow Minister for Transport Scott Emerson visited the Ekka on Friday and Sunday and saw firsthand the on-going stress Labor's decision to abolish return paper tickets was causing commuters.

"The Ekka is our chance to showcase Brisbane and our public transport system, yet Labor has made the experience memorable for all the wrong reasons," said Mr Emerson.

"I saw frustrated parents struggling with tired, young children at the end of their day at the Ekka being forced to wait in long ticketing queues.  The fun of the Ekka clearly had quickly disappeared for them.

"Labor's ignorance of the need for short term ticketing options for our public transport system is impacting on one of our major annual tourism events, with People's Day on Wednesday shaping up as a nightmare for train travellers who don't have Go Cards.

"The announcement today that commuters will be able to buy single paper tickets at the start of their journey, to resolve return ticket nightmares, is just a stop-gap solution from a lazy Labor government that always fails to plan ahead and only acts in a crisis," he said.

Mr Emerson said the Opposition's call for a major overhaul of the Go Card system had been backed by Queensland's peak tourism industry body who last week said the Bligh Government's temporary ticketing stuff up had caused too much confusion and inconvenience for visitors to our River City.

"The Bligh Government's Go Card system is too complicated to explain to tourists how to use and is not user-friendly for visitors in Brisbane for one day or two days," said Mr Emerson.

"All Labor has done is jack up public transport fares, and hike up taxes to pay for 20 years of rising debt and waste from a tired Labor Government.

"Worse still, Transport Minister Palaszczuk said in April the government needed to provide tourists with a better public transport ticketing option and promised she would act on commuter concerns before the June state budget but didn't.

"Labor's inaction proves they're only interested in making our fares more expensive, not fixing the ticketing problem.

"Under the Bligh Labor Government, public transport fares have gone up and will continue to rise by 15 per cent each year for the next three years.

"The LNP believes a tourist product that will meet the specific travel needs of short-term visitors needs to be developed in an effort to attract more travellers to the South East corner.

"A CanDo LNP government will save Queenslanders money and deliver more by getting action on the basics," Mr Emerson said.

[Stillwater]

Contrary to the RNA's position, there is fairness in charging everyone a component of their Ekka ticket for public transport to and from the grounds.  For those who use public transport, they pay for what they use.  For those who buy an Ekka ticket, yet don't chose to use public transport to get to the grounds, the public transport component of their ticket is a 'fine', or a disincentive payment, for NOT using public transport.  Think of it this way -- it is a bit like a congestion tax for using private transport and clogging up the streets around the Exhibition grounds.  Also think about this -- make the RNA responsible for housing all those parked cars on the RNA ground itself, rather than spreading the parking problem to areas off-site.  It can't happen, of course, but it illustrates the issue.  The RNA throws its problem (parking) onto others to solve.  As to the $400,000 profit the RNA will make this year and the $1 million cost of public transport, were it included in patron's entry fees, the RNA is about to get a motsa from the redevelopment of the Exhibition grounds.  The shortfall won't apply next year.

[ozbob]

Yes, what happens in Melbourne is the punter can  elect to buy the admission ticket that includes public transport to and from the show, or just an admission ticket. Sydney, the admission ticket includes public transport to and from.  The RNA and TransLink could at a minimum have a normal admission ticket and one that is integrated, that is includes public transport to and from and admission.  What is so hard about that?  It might actually result in more people travelling to the Ekka.  Also the flack from this years debacle will no doubt deter many from attending in the future unless an integrated ticket is available from next year.

It is not rocket science, but transport planning 101 ...

[Stillwater]

Did QR sell Ekka tickets at manned stations this year?  I don't know, but merely ask.  The RNA obviously incurs a cost in having to sell its tickets.  Maybe there is a chance for QR to earn a bit of money from the RNA by way of a ticket handling/management fee - a cost the RNA would have to incur anyway - and use that money to help fund the Ekka trains.  An outcome would be less queues at the Exhibition station.  One thing is for sure - Translink and the RNA are going to have to work out a better deal next year.  There can be no repeat of this year's debacle.

[Fares_Fair]

What a fiasco Translink made of the potential marketing opportunity

It beggars belief!  And we did suggest there would be issues ... another 'world class' effort this one, world class in terms of mediocrity ...

'World Class' fisaco ... and RBoT told them so.
Good to see some very quick response to this situation that should never have occurred in the first place, it's not like they couldn't see it coming.
SW ideas have a sensible merit.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[somebody]

Yes, what happens in Melbourne is the punter can  elect to buy the admission ticket that includes public transport to and from the show, or just an admission ticket. Sydney, the admission ticket includes public transport to and from.  The RNA and TransLink could at a minimum have a normal admission ticket and one that is integrated, that is includes public transport to and from and admission.  What is so hard about that?  It might actually result in more people travelling to the Ekka.  Also the flack from this years debacle will no doubt deter many from attending in the future unless an integrated ticket is available from next year.

It is not rocket science, but transport planning 101 ...

Interesting about the Sydney show, but it should be noted that the majority of events in Sydney do not have this feature.  In fact, I think that most events at Moore Park require many to pay separately for the train, bus and admission.  Open to correction though.  There was some news within the last 12 months that this may catch up to what usually occurs in Brisbane.  Brisbane is usually pretty good here except for events at Boondall and the Ekka, and possibly QSAC.  Why are these exempt?

[SurfRail]

Interesting about the Sydney show, but it should be noted that the majority of events in Sydney do not have this feature.  In fact, I think that most events at Moore Park require many to pay separately for the train, bus and admission.  Open to correction though.  There was some news within the last 12 months that this may catch up to what usually occurs in Brisbane.  Brisbane is usually pretty good here except for events at Boondall and the Ekka, and possibly QSAC.  Why are these exempt?

The legislation allowing TransLink to "declare" events and therefore take over management and seek funding contributions usually will not apply to Boondall because the threshold for likely attendances is 5,000.  They usually do not get that many.

QSAC does normally have this covered, although one of the obvious reasons why it is not used very often is because transport to and from is a pain - it's basically the same as the Gabba without the advantage of being close to the city and the hub of the rail network.

I am not sure if Ekka is declared under section 47 – it appears to meet all the relevant criteria in addition to the likely attendance count.  (It may in fact be declared, but as far as I am aware they never impose a funding condition or agree to bear the transport costs.)

[STB]

Interesting about the Sydney show, but it should be noted that the majority of events in Sydney do not have this feature.  In fact, I think that most events at Moore Park require many to pay separately for the train, bus and admission.  Open to correction though.  There was some news within the last 12 months that this may catch up to what usually occurs in Brisbane.  Brisbane is usually pretty good here except for events at Boondall and the Ekka, and possibly QSAC.  Why are these exempt?

The legislation allowing TransLink to "declare" events and therefore take over management and seek funding contributions usually will not apply to Boondall because the threshold for likely attendances is 5,000.  They usually do not get that many.

QSAC does normally have this covered, although one of the obvious reasons why it is not used very often is because transport to and from is a pain - it's basically the same as the Gabba without the advantage of being close to the city and the hub of the rail network.

I am not sure if Ekka is declared under section 47 – it appears to meet all the relevant criteria in addition to the likely attendance count.  (It may in fact be declared, but as far as I am aware they never impose a funding condition or agree to bear the transport costs.)

Out of curiosity, would there be a 'grandfather clause' to that legislation that exempts the RNA?

In general, the solution is just for the RNA to pay for the supply of public transport and that cost is incorporated into the cost of the admission ticket, or is given as part of a deal with the admission ticket, ie: you can choose if you wish to add that cost on to your entry ticket at the time of purchase.

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail click here!

Train ticket queue chaos at Ekka forces TransLink to change system

Train ticket queue chaos at Ekka forces TransLink to change system

    Robyn Ironside
    From: The Courier-Mail
    August 16, 2011 12:00AM

TRANSLINK has put the RNA on notice over public transport tickets for the Ekka after throngs of people had to be given free train travel at the weekend.

With queues at the Exhibition Station's ticketing machines threatening to become a safety issue on Friday and again on Sunday, police ordered officials to "open the gates" and let them board.

The problem arose because of the scrapping of "daily tickets" and the requirement that paper ticket holders travel within two hours of buying their fare.

Yesterday RNA chief executive Jonathan Tunney said the association raised concerns about ticketing before the show.

"We said to QR 'we think we're going to have some problems here', and they had already raised these concerns with TransLink," Mr Tunney said. "TransLink obviously had to see it in action before they reacted."

Early yesterday, TransLink announced it would allow Ekka-goers to buy their to and from tickets for the train in one go, so they would not have to queue at the end of the day.

TransLink spokesman Andrew Berkman denied the overcrowding was anything out of the ordinary, saying it had happened in previous years.

He said it would be helpful if the Ekka offered an integrated ticket.

"Most major sporting and cultural events in southeast Queensland have an integrated ticket - where your event ticket allows free public transport," Mr Berkman said.

"This is the case for major events at Suncorp Stadium, the Gabba, Skilled Park, Metricon Stadium and the Queensland Tennis Centre."

But Mr Tunney said TransLink had only approached the RNA once, in May 2009, about integrated ticketing, which he maintained would be too costly.

"About 30 to 35 per cent of our patrons travel by train and we don't think it's fair the other 65 per cent should have to subsidise their trips," Mr Tunney said.

"We reckon it would be at least an extra $1 million to have the cost of public transport included. Last year we made just a tad over $400,000 so if we had to pay another $1 million it wouldn't be economical."

"We said to QR 'we think we're going to have some problems here', and they had already raised these concerns with TransLink," Mr Tunney said. "TransLink obviously had to see it in action before they reacted."

In other words, lets see the punters suffer and try to drag the RNA to account.  A proactive customer focus organisation would have ensured that conditions were fair, safe and encouraging for public transport.  What a disgrace ... no other word can describe this fare-fester-folly ...

[ozbob]

Here are some of our attempts to have a sensible outcome, for the record.  To pretend all is well to set up the public is shocking.

==========

11/08/2011 3:38 AM

Greetings,

Just to further highlight the absurdity and stupidity of the ticketing failure.

Can you imagine the wide eyed children, shepherded along by the dollar-shocked carers, paying very expensive paper single tickets and then forking out for the admission tickets?

And should they not be able to start the final trip of their journey within 3.5 hours for journey from zones 11 or more having to buy multiple paper tickets???  And how is the once-a-year punter expected to know these bizarre rules??

So they are being set up for possible fare evasion fines??

Many people who go to the Ekka are not regular travellers.  They will not have a go card.

In short, a major failure ...

Ho hum ...

Cheers
Robert


On 10/08/2011 6:48 AM, RAIL Back On Track Admin wrote:
Greetings,

EKKA time again, begins tomorrow. One has to laugh at the suggestions by various commentators on the radio for people to use public transport.  No integrated Ekka and  public transport ticket that is routine in other states.  Additional rip-off rail fare for rail passengers to the Exhibition station, which although in zone one is declared a special zone and an additional fare levied.

Queensland, a public transport backwater ...

Do you think it would be reasonable for the Brisbane Exhibition to be billed for the congestion costs, the pollution costs, and the cost of the road trauma health sector costs for their failure to contribute to sensible transport arrangements?

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org


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

Media Release 29 April 2011 re-released 22 July 2011 re-released 2 August 2011 re-leased 10 August 2011
 
SEQ:  Will the 2011 Ekka be a public transport enlightenment?

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 highlighted for a number of years the failure of the Brisbane Exhibition to properly support public transport travel to and from the Exhibition (1).  Travel by bus has in the past incurred no extra fare for public transport commuters transferring but rail passengers have been required to pay an additional fare to travel from the CBD to the Exhibition station as well as the normal fare to and from the CBD (2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Shows in Melbourne and Sydney, the equivalent of the Brisbane Exhibition include public transport travel to and from the shows as part of the admission ticket.  This is sensible and actually encourages more patrons to attend the shows.  This is a lesson that the Brisbane Exhibition organisers fail to grasp.  No doubt the car parking 'gouge' has something to do with it."

"For the past years, rail passengers have been slugged an extra fare, bus passengers were not (1).  We have suggested in the past that  rail passengers, if able, detrain at Fortitude Valley or Bowen Hills railway stations and walk to the Exhibition.  The active transport does them good and passengers will have the satisfaction of not having to pay the additional fare costs.  Alternatively they detrained at Central or Roma St and made use of the buses."

"The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association was slammed by TransLink in 2009 (3) for the failure to support proper public transport arrangements, and for the 2010 the Brisbane Exhibition it was still in a state of denial. It would be the benefit to all if Exhibition railway station was treated as a normal zone one station and ticketing was made seamless.  This would encourage maximum utilisation of public transport to and from the Ekka, and in so doing actually saving the community in terms of reduced congestion and less road trauma. Attendance at the Exhibition would also be improved no doubt.  As it is, the travel arrangements in the past for the Ekka have been absurd and anti-public transport. Contrast this to the public transport arrangements for the recent 2011 Sydney Royal Easter Show (4) "

"Will there be a public transport enlightenment for the 2011 Ekka? Or will south-east Queensland remain as a public transport backwater?"

References:

1.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2316.0

2.  http://www.translink.com.au/ekka2010_fares.php#addon

3.  TransLink slams Ekka rail shame Brisbane mX 17th July 2009 page 4 http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2316.msg12161#msg12161

4.  2011 Sydney Royal Easter Show http://www.eastershow.com.au/Plan/public-transport.html

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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

On 2/08/2011 2:54 AM, RAIL Back On Track Admin wrote:
Greetings,

I might be on a losing battle here, but it is worthwhile noting what more enlightened jurisdictions are doing public transport wise.  Just further reinforcement of the public transport backwater we are in south-east Queensland ...

Enjoy the Ekka in your cars cars and cars ...

From the Herald Sun click here!

I'm not following your train of thought


http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2011/08/01/1226106/186806-show-horse.jpg

Jessica Jafer tries to get a reluctant pony on a train. Picture: Bruce Magilton Herald Sun

Quote
I'm not following your train of thought

    Staff Writer
    From: Herald Sun
    August 02, 2011 12:00AM

YOU see plenty of sights at Flinders St station, but yesterday some more unusual passengers were roped into promoting a new ticket to this year's Royal Melbourne Show.

The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria waltzed on to a Metro train to promote the new value ticket packages.

The ticket is designed to encourage people to take public transport to the event and for the first time includes entry and travel-saver pass in one.

The $79 package includes all-day zones 1 and 2 travel on tram, train and bus as well as show admission, saving $24.60 on a family ticket for two adults and two children.

The 156th Royal Melbourne Show will be held at the Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale from September 24 to October 4.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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

Media Release 29 April 2011 re-released 22 July 2011 re-released 2 August 2011
 
SEQ:  Will the 2011 Ekka be a public transport enlightenment?

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 highlighted for a number of years the failure of the Brisbane Exhibition to properly support public transport travel to and from the Exhibition (1).  Travel by bus has in the past incurred no extra fare for public transport commuters transferring but rail passengers have been required to pay an additional fare to travel from the CBD to the Exhibition station as well as the normal fare to and from the CBD (2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Shows in Melbourne and Sydney, the equivalent of the Brisbane Exhibition include public transport travel to and from the shows as part of the admission ticket.  This is sensible and actually encourages more patrons to attend the shows.  This is a lesson that the Brisbane Exhibition organisers fail to grasp.  No doubt the car parking 'gouge' has something to do with it."

"For the past years, rail passengers have been slugged an extra fare, bus passengers were not (1).  We have suggested in the past that  rail passengers, if able, detrain at Fortitude Valley or Bowen Hills railway stations and walk to the Exhibition.  The active transport does them good and passengers will have the satisfaction of not having to pay the additional fare costs.  Alternatively they detrained at Central or Roma St and made use of the buses."

"The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association was slammed by TransLink in 2009 (3) for the failure to support proper public transport arrangements, and for the 2010 the Brisbane Exhibition it was still in a state of denial. It would be the benefit to all if Exhibition railway station was treated as a normal zone one station and ticketing was made seamless.  This would encourage maximum utilisation of public transport to and from the Ekka, and in so doing actually saving the community in terms of reduced congestion and less road trauma. Attendance at the Exhibition would also be improved no doubt.  As it is, the travel arrangements in the past for the Ekka have been absurd and anti-public transport. Contrast this to the public transport arrangements for the recent 2011 Sydney Royal Easter Show (4) "

"Will there be a public transport enlightenment for the 2011 Ekka? Or will south-east Queensland remain as a public transport backwater?"

References:

1.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2316.0

2.  http://www.translink.com.au/ekka2010_fares.php#addon

3.  TransLink slams Ekka rail shame Brisbane mX 17th July 2009 page 4 http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2316.msg12161#msg12161

4.  2011 Sydney Royal Easter Show http://www.eastershow.com.au/Plan/public-transport.html

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[petey3801]

Yes, what happens in Melbourne is the punter can  elect to buy the admission ticket that includes public transport to and from the show, or just an admission ticket. Sydney, the admission ticket includes public transport to and from.  The RNA and TransLink could at a minimum have a normal admission ticket and one that is integrated, that is includes public transport to and from and admission.  What is so hard about that?  It might actually result in more people travelling to the Ekka.  Also the flack from this years debacle will no doubt deter many from attending in the future unless an integrated ticket is available from next year.

It is not rocket science, but transport planning 101 ...

Interesting about the Sydney show, but it should be noted that the majority of events in Sydney do not have this feature.  In fact, I think that most events at Moore Park require many to pay separately for the train, bus and admission.  Open to correction though.  There was some news within the last 12 months that this may catch up to what usually occurs in Brisbane.  Brisbane is usually pretty good here except for events at Boondall and the Ekka, and possibly QSAC.  Why are these exempt?

I went to one of the Bon Jovi concerts in Sydney, held at Moore Park. We had already bought a MyMulti Daily ticket for PT that day, but had to pay for another return ticket (over $5 each) to travel to Moore Park on the buses provided.

[ozbob]

I was referring to the Royal Easter Show (Sydney).  Tickets include public transport.

[Stillwater]

The most telling aspect of the above information is that authorities acted only when police said there was a public safety issue.  Does not QR keep telling us that public safety is the No.1 priority?  A public safety issue was not anticipated or explored and authorities only acted when the situation reached a critical point.  Is that 'world class' corporate behaviour?

[somebody]

I went to one of the Bon Jovi concerts in Sydney, held at Moore Park. We had already bought a MyMulti Daily ticket for PT that day, but had to pay for another return ticket (over $5 each) to travel to Moore Park on the buses provided.

There were plans to change this from Nov 2010, but I'm not sure if anything came of it: http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4915.msg40451;topicseen#msg40451

[petey3801]

The most telling aspect of the above information is that authorities acted only when police said there was a public safety issue.  Does not QR keep telling us that public safety is the No.1 priority?  A public safety issue was not anticipated or explored and authorities only acted when the situation reached a critical point.  Is that 'world class' corporate behaviour?

How is it QRs problem? They can't authorise a fare free day, nor free travel to Ekka or anything to do with fares. It is all up to Translink.

There were plans to change this from Nov 2010, but I'm not sure if anything came of it

The concert was held in December last year, so it wasn't implemented at that stage! Hopefully something has been done about it now though. An extra $1.20 ($2.40 return) for the Ekka is bad enough, let alone over $5 return!

[somebody]

The concert was held in December last year, so it wasn't implemented at that stage! Hopefully something has been done about it now though. An extra $1.20 ($2.40 return) for the Ekka is bad enough, let alone over $5 return!

If you had a MyMulti and were that worried about it you could have use one of the regular buses which aren't that far away. 391, 393, 395, M50 to Central on Anzac Pde, 392/4/6/7/9 to City/Quay on Anzac Pde.  372/4/6 to Central on the Moore Park bus road, 373/7 to City/Quay on the bus road.  I believe this is the only 2km or so in Sydney which suffers from the Brisbane disease in the bus system.  I don't see an easy fix, but in Brisbane it is.  Heading O/B, Elizabeth St or Eddy Av (Central).

[petey3801]

The concert was held in December last year, so it wasn't implemented at that stage! Hopefully something has been done about it now though. An extra $1.20 ($2.40 return) for the Ekka is bad enough, let alone over $5 return!

If you had a MyMulti and were that worried about it you could have use one of the regular buses which aren't that far away. 391, 393, 395, M50 to Central on Anzac Pde, 392/4/6/7/9 to City/Quay on Anzac Pde.  372/4/6 to Central on the Moore Park bus road, 373/7 to City/Quay on the bus road.  I believe this is the only 2km or so in Sydney which suffers from the Brisbane disease in the bus system.  I don't see an easy fix, but in Brisbane it is.  Heading O/B, Elizabeth St or Eddy Av (Central).

Yeah, unfortunately we had no idea of the Sydney bus system (nor exactly where Moore Park actually was in reality), so we begrudgingly paid for the extra ticket.

[somebody]

I for one have little sympathy for those that refuse to get a Go Card.  It pays for itself in a few uses.  I can't see how adding periodical options to the Go Card would have helped here? I suppose having some ticket sellers like what used to apply in the CBD in the PM peak could have been done.  Or am I missing something?

[O_128]

I for one have little sympathy for those that refuse to get a Go Card.  It pays for itself in a few uses.  I can't see how adding periodical options to the Go Card would have helped here? I suppose having some ticket sellers like what used to apply in the CBD in the PM peak could have been done.  Or am I missing something?

exactly the casual market is so small that there is no point, if they are only travelling on PT once a year buy 2 singles, why is it so hard

[SteelPan]

It is beyond belief that in 2011 this is what the management of public transit is capable of producing.

A few questions:

1) How many years has the Ekka been running for? (I believe this is not its first year of operation)

2) In "World Class" QLD, ultimate responsibility for the provision of PT ticketing/services etc rests with:
  A) The Qld Police Service
  b) Translink (hint hint)
  c) RNA
  d) Krazzy the Clown entertaining the kids in sideshow alley?  (<< probably would do a better job)
(obviously the pollies and senior govt boffins don't know - seriously, they don't know the answer to this question)

3) How many generations of Qld'ers went to and from the show in days-of-old and never gave getting train tickets a second thought?

I cannot, I simply cannot, believe the management of Qld Govt instrumentalities is as self-evidently USELESS as it is!  Where was the Minister when all this nonesense was going on?  Why does Translink not have Day Tickets - why not a Show Ticket!  This one surely puts the utter incompentance of Translink management beyond any doubt!
They've only got a year between shows for planning!

God help us all.....

[ozbob]

Media release 17 August 2011

SEQ: Urgent actions are needed to restore confidence in public transport ticketing system

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has called for urgent action to address the loss of public confidence in the ticketing systems for public transport in south-east Queensland (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"This past week has seen the result of inaction and a lack of attention to detail concatenate into a loss of confidence by many in the go card system, and the Great Ekka Ticket Meltdown of 2011 has not helped!  Further, the lack of positive initiatives for tourists and visitors has also been highlighted (2)"

"Many go card users are now in a further heightened state of anxiety that they will be next for a fare evasion offence through no fault of their own."

"RAIL Back On Track has long sought proper written clarification of when go card users are permitted to travel for free as a result of not being unable to touch.  For example, if readers are out on the platform of departure or concourse as appropriate it is reasonable to expect hundreds of commuters to run from platform to platform in a desperate search to find a functional go card reader?  No, it is not!"

"The ticketing fiasco at this years Ekka was predictable (1).  RAIL Back On Track and others suggested to TransLink that this would occur but our pleas were ignored."

"It is essential that improvements to the go card fare structure, improved communication concerning conditions of use of the go card, and pro-active public transport management is implemented forthwith.  The travelling public is fed-up with the gut-full of failure.  Spin, blunder and bluster won't do it, what will, is direct positive action to restore confidence."

References:

1. 29 Apr 2011: SEQ: Will the 2011 Ekka be a public transport enlightenment? http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5867.0

2. 9 Jan 2011: SEQ: Fare changes impact on tourists http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5215.0

Contact:

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

[O_128]

It is beyond belief that in 2011 this is what the management of public transit is capable of producing.

A few questions:

1) How many years has the Ekka been running for? (I believe this is not its first year of operation)

2) In "World Class" QLD, ultimate responsibility for the provision of PT ticketing/services etc rests with:
  A) The Qld Police Service
  b) Translink (hint hint)
  c) RNA
  d) Krazzy the Clown entertaining the kids in sideshow alley?  (<< probably would do a better job)
(obviously the pollies and senior govt boffins don't know - seriously, they don't know the answer to this question)

3) How many generations of Qld'ers went to and from the show in days-of-old and never gave getting train tickets a second thought?

I cannot, I simply cannot, believe the management of Qld Govt instrumentalities is as self-evidently USELESS as it is!  Where was the Minister when all this nonesense was going on?  Why does Translink not have Day Tickets - why not a Show Ticket!  This one surely puts the utter incompentance of Translink management beyond any doubt!
They've only got a year between shows for planning!

God help us all.....

Steelpan, If I ever get my dream job of CEO of translink I will walk in, fire about 5000 useless bureaucrats, tell the minister of the day to get ...... and have proper timetables out within a week and a "world class" ticketing system, It really isn't that hard, why can every other city in the world do it.

[SteelPan]

O_128
Good luck meeting the probably 10 page long "selection criteria" that usually keeps govt positions away from people who actually want to "do things"!   

[BrizCommuter]

It is beyond belief that in 2011 this is what the management of public transit is capable of producing.

A few questions:

1) How many years has the Ekka been running for? (I believe this is not its first year of operation)

2) In "World Class" QLD, ultimate responsibility for the provision of PT ticketing/services etc rests with:
  A) The Qld Police Service
  b) Translink (hint hint)
  c) RNA
  d) Krazzy the Clown entertaining the kids in sideshow alley?  (<< probably would do a better job)
(obviously the pollies and senior govt boffins don't know - seriously, they don't know the answer to this question)

3) How many generations of Qld'ers went to and from the show in days-of-old and never gave getting train tickets a second thought?

I cannot, I simply cannot, believe the management of Qld Govt instrumentalities is as self-evidently USELESS as it is!  Where was the Minister when all this nonesense was going on?  Why does Translink not have Day Tickets - why not a Show Ticket!  This one surely puts the utter incompentance of Translink management beyond any doubt!
They've only got a year between shows for planning!

God help us all.....

Steelpan, If I ever get my dream job of CEO of translink I will walk in, fire about 5000 useless bureaucrats, tell the minister of the day to get ...... and have proper timetables out within a week and a "world class" ticketing system, It really isn't that hard, why can every other city in the world do it.

Hmmm, you have a lot to learn about reality!

[somebody]

O_128
Good luck meeting the probably 10 page long "selection criteria" that usually keeps govt positions away from people who actually want to "do things"!   

Now, now.  Like any organisation the public service has a mix of highly competent go getters down through to dead wood. The problem is that the dead wood tends to remain in the public service, and in some cases can remain in important positions.

[dwb]

I suppose having some ticket sellers like what used to apply in the CBD in the PM peak could have been done.  Or am I missing something?

If Translink were smart they'd have gotten a bunch of their friends from BT to sell tickets from those portable machines they wear around their waist. But then its not really got much to do with BT and I can see BCC having a laugh by not onselling ticket selling services.

Honestly though, there is only so much Translink can do, the event manager (ie RNA) really needs to be held to account. I highly doubt TL charge the full ticket price to the event organiser.

[somebody]

I suppose having some ticket sellers like what used to apply in the CBD in the PM peak could have been done.  Or am I missing something?

If Translink were smart they'd have gotten a bunch of their friends from BT to sell tickets from those portable machines they wear around their waist. But then its not really got much to do with BT and I can see BCC having a laugh by not onselling ticket selling services.

Honestly though, there is only so much Translink can do, the event manager (ie RNA) really needs to be held to account. I highly doubt TL charge the full ticket price to the event organiser.

Hmm, reverting to Translink fan boy-ism?

There is nothing that they actually did do, and there was plenty that they could have done.  And that's the defining sentence of TTA's existence.

[mufreight]

Ok, so we all know that Translink provides a WORLD CLASS public transport system, now this must be true because Anna B Liar tells os so, what they conveniently failed to tell us is that it is a FOURTH WORLD CLASS system.
A rethink of this schomozle is long overdue and since the corhent circus management has proven itself both incapable of coherent thought and unwilling to sort the failings of the system out it becomes obvious that new public transport management will be required to resolve the failings and in all probability new government with the resolve to actually do something other than produce more glossy brocures and spin and raise fares to pay for their self promotion.