20 Apr 2008: SEQ: Go card problems continue, ?cone of denial? firmly in place!

[ozbob]

Media Release 20 April 2008

SEQ:  Go card problems continue, ?cone of denial? firmly in place!

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 said that there is an issue with the go card system equipment on some buses that has resulted in an incorrect time being used to calculate fares, and users being overcharged.

This was identified by RAIL Back On Track on April 9th.  There has still not been a public statement to alert go card users to the ongoing issue and the fact that they may well be copping extra fares and penalties.

The failure to alert go card users is further evidence of the contempt public transport commuters suffer from Translink.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

?We have received feedback the indicates there is a major issue on some of the buses with respect to the system time for the Go card onboard equipment (1,2).  Some of system clocks on the buses appear to be running an hour ahead.  It is possibly related to an incorrect time zone setting or similar issue on the software.?

?The effect of this is that go card users who transfer to or from a bus with the incorrect system time are being debited with incorrect fares, and sometimes penalties.?

?There is no mention of this issue on the Translink website at the moment.?

?We wish to alert go card users to check carefully the transaction history for their cards, particularly if they have been travelling on bus since April 6.?

?Translink has failed to publicly alert commuters or indicate that the problem is resolved (3).?

?Refunds of incorrect charges can be claimed by ringing Translink on 131230.?

?To stop being hit with extra fares and penalties go card users may be better off using cash or paper ticketing options on buses until Translink publicly indicate the problems have been fixed.?

?A time based, location based ticketing system needs to be able to reference the correct time.  Ongoing problems with the GPS location system of buses is also compounding problems for go card users. It is farcical!?

?Apparent secret plans to replace paper integrated ticketing with the presently unreliable go card are in tatters.?

References:

1.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=516.msg3215#msg3215

2.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=432.msg3053#msg3053

3.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=743.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Quote:

TransLink is aware of an issue with some buses' internal clocks being out by one hour under certain conditions. This issue may affect transfers for both paper tickets and go cards.

Cubic Transportation Systems have identified a solution to this issue and is progressing it as a matter of urgency.

Passengers who feel they may have been affected by this issue should call TransLink on 13 12 30.

From http://www.translink.com.au/  21 April 2008

Thanks Translink!  At least go card commuters will now be better informed.