24 Jun 2012: SEQ: Time for paper to go?

[ozbob]

Media release 24th June 2012

SEQ: Time for paper to go?

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 said it is time to consider the removal of the remaining paper single tickets on public transport in south-east Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The cost of single paper ticket fares relative to the go card is excessive.  It is in the best interests of all public transport users to move to a go card, even if they are not doing 9 journeys or more a week.

"By moving to a go card they assist in improving considerably running times for buses. The data generated by the go card system also assists in more focussed public transport planning.

"Paper tickets are at least 30% dearer for the equivalent go card trip (1,2).  There is a time limit on paper single tickets.  For passengers travelling through 10 zones or less this time period is 2 hours from time of purchase,  travelling 11 zones or more 3 hours 30 minutes (3).  The fact there are time limits on the paper tickets is not well understood by many users and could lead to a fare evasion offence in ignorance."

"Off peak discounts, presently at 20%, are only available to go card users.

"Go card users can transfer up three times within one hour for each transfer, this can make travel even more affordable.

"There is little justification to continue a costly duplicate ticketing system.  To allow the withdrawal of paper single tickets, go cards say $10 and $20 value should be available onboard all buses, Brisbane Transport and all other operators. Go cards can already be purchased on the CityCats."

"Bus drivers can also contribute significantly by promoting go card on board the buses as an alternate to costly paper single tickets.  Give the bus drivers educational material to guide new users."

"As go card penetration approaches 100% the number of go card sales on buses will be a lot less than paper tickets.  The money saved by scrapping the paper ticket system together with improved bus running make this final ticketing move essential."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5149.0

2. http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/go-card

3. http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/paper-tickets

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7277.msg102109#msg102109

[ozbob]

Media release 24th June 2012 re-released 8th August 2012

SEQ: Time for paper to go?

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 said it is time to consider the removal of the remaining paper single tickets on public transport in south-east Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The cost of single paper ticket fares relative to the go card is excessive.  It is in the best interests of all public transport users to move to a go card, even if they are not doing 9 journeys or more a week.

"By moving to a go card they assist in improving considerably running times for buses. The data generated by the go card system also assists in more focussed public transport planning.

"Paper tickets are at least 30% dearer for the equivalent go card trip (1,2).  There is a time limit on paper single tickets.  For passengers travelling through 10 zones or less this time period is 2 hours from time of purchase,  travelling 11 zones or more 3 hours 30 minutes (3).  The fact there are time limits on the paper tickets is not well understood by many users and could lead to a fare evasion offence in ignorance."

"Off peak discounts, presently at 20%, are only available to go card users.

"Go card users can transfer up three times within one hour for each transfer, this can make travel even more affordable.

"There is little justification to continue a costly duplicate ticketing system.  To allow the withdrawal of paper single tickets, go cards say $10 and $20 value should be available onboard all buses, Brisbane Transport and all other operators. Go cards can already be purchased on the CityCats."

"Bus drivers can also contribute significantly by promoting go card on board the buses as an alternate to costly paper single tickets.  Give the bus drivers educational material to guide new users."

"As go card penetration approaches 100% the number of go card sales on buses will be a lot less than paper tickets.  The money saved by scrapping the paper ticket system together with improved bus running make this final ticketing move essential."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5149.0

2. http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/go-card

3. http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/paper-tickets

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

They are going cold turkey in Melbourne town, time we did the same?

No myki? No go. Time runs out for Metcard --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=655.msg109125#msg109125

[somebody]

They are going cold turkey in Melbourne town, time we did the same?

No myki? No go. Time runs out for Metcard --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=655.msg109125#msg109125

Not cold turkey, I'd hate to see that happen.  But you can stop offering the paper option where a go card is available for purchase (train ticket windows) and have bus drivers sell go cards.

[Jonno]

Here's an option.  Put high quality/designed bus stops near mixed-use commerical centres/shops and allow the local newsagent, post-office or a vending machine sell them rather than slow a driver.  Having said that a $5, $10, $20 re-loaded card would not take that long to sell. ..but still.

[SurfRail]

The solution is really very simple.

1. Update all AVVMs to the new "Mark 2" machines which can dispense adult go cards.  If you want a concession, you can get your balance transferred to a concession card when you acquire one from an attended reseller.

2. Give drivers go cards to distribute for $5 or $10 only, with no topping up on board.

3. Expand the distribution chain even further.

Simple.

[somebody]

1. Update all AVVMs to the new "Mark 2" machines which can dispense adult go cards.  If you want a concession, you can get your balance transferred to a concession card when you acquire one from an attended reseller.

Then what is to be done with the Mk I AVVMs?  They are still useful for top ups and balance enquiries.

Do we know if it's reasonable to upgrade the Mk I AVVMs in place?

[Jonno]

Put them in shopping centres

1. Update all AVVMs to the new "Mark 2" machines which can dispense adult go cards.  If you want a concession, you can get your balance transferred to a concession card when you acquire one from an attended reseller.

Then what is to be done with the Mk I AVVMs?  They are still useful for top ups and balance enquiries.

Do we know if it's reasonable to upgrade the Mk I AVVMs in place?

[SurfRail]

Do we know if it's reasonable to upgrade the Mk I AVVMs in place?

Does it matter?  If we are seriously asking for a paperless system, stations need go card dispensers, the same way bus drivers need to be issued with them.

The hardware is not greatly different, and the software fix can't be too drastically expensive.

[ozbob]

Media release 24th June 2012 re-released 6th January 2013

SEQ: Time for paper to go?

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 said it is time to consider the removal of the remaining paper single tickets on public transport in south-east Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The cost of single paper ticket fares relative to the go card is excessive.  It is in the best interests of all public transport users to move to a go card, even if they are not doing 9 journeys or more a week.

"By moving to a go card they assist in improving considerably running times for buses. The data generated by the go card system also assists in more focussed public transport planning.

"Paper tickets are at least 30% dearer for the equivalent go card trip (1,2,3).  There is a time limit on paper single tickets.  For passengers travelling through 10 zones or less this time period is 2 hours from time of purchase,  travelling 11 zones or more 3 hours 30 minutes (4).  The fact there are time limits on the paper tickets is not well understood by many users and could lead to a fare evasion offence in ignorance."

"Off peak discounts, presently at 20%, are only available to go card users.

"Go card users can transfer up three times within one hour for each transfer, this can make travel even more affordable.

"There is little justification to continue a costly duplicate ticketing system.  To allow the withdrawal of paper single tickets, go cards say $10 and $20 value should be available onboard all buses, Brisbane Transport and all other operators. Go cards can already be purchased on the CityCats."

"Bus drivers can also contribute significantly by promoting go card on board the buses as an alternate to costly paper single tickets.  Give the bus drivers educational material to guide new users."

"As go card penetration approaches 100% the number of go card sales on buses will be a lot less than paper tickets.  The money saved by scrapping the paper ticket system together with improved bus running make this final ticketing move essential."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5149.0

2. http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/go-card

3. http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/changes-to-fares-and-ticketing-in-2013

4. http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/paper-tickets

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7277.msg116170#msg116170

[ozbob]

Letter to the editor South West News 16th January 2013 page 12

Time to axe single paper ticketing

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

20th January 2013

Removal of paper tickets TransLink SEQ - it's time

Greetings,

It is time to remove paper single tickets in SEQ.  Obscenely priced, the availability of these tickets continues to punish people, generally those least able to afford it.  The efficiency of the public transport would be much improved if all paper is removed.  Melbourne removed their equivalent of paper ticketing on the 29th of December 2012.  They now only have the myki smart card on their extensive public transport network.

The Herald Sun, in an editorial yesterday,  said " ... Myki appears to have got off to a good start and is coping OK on its own, but of course the real test will come when school holidays are over and the system returns to full capacity ... "  http://www.heraldsun.com.au/opinion/myki-system-loses-its-mates/story-e6frfhqo-1226556990512

TransLink had intended to remove all paper tickets by December 2010 (See --> http://backontrack.org/docs/tl/100104_fares.pdf  page 1).  For what ever reason, cold feet ensued, further handicapping our struggling public transport network.

Preloaded go cards should be available on all buses (except prepaid) and it is really the only thing that needs to be directly done to support the paper ticket withdrawal.  Melbourne has available on buses preloaded myki  cards $10 for full fare (incl. $4 credit) & $5 for concession/seniors (incl. $2 credit).

Arguments trotted out by Brisbane Transport that their drivers would have to carry too much cash to support the sale of preloaded go cards is dribble.  The sales of preloaded go cards would be less frequent than paper tickets and the high paper cost fares means they are already carrying large amounts of money.  Bus drivers would generally welcome the withdrawal of paper tickets and have everyone using the go card.  So much more efficient for bus loading and the network generally.

Removing paper tickets would help end these sort of stories in the media as well.

Family's $52 return bus trip from Maroochydore to Noosa  http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/52-bus-fare-shocks/1713714/

These experiences harm public transport, TransLink, the Government and further reinforce the perception that public transport in SEQ is far too expensive.  It is anti-tourism as well.

Time for some courage and remove the remaining single paper tickets don't you think?


http://backontrack.org/images/bold.jpg

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Media release 24th June 2012 re-released 6th January 2013

SEQ: Time for paper to go?

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 said it is time to consider the removal of the remaining paper single tickets on public transport in south-east Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The cost of single paper ticket fares relative to the go card is excessive.  It is in the best interests of all public transport users to move to a go card, even if they are not doing 9 journeys or more a week.

"By moving to a go card they assist in improving considerably running times for buses. The data generated by the go card system also assists in more focussed public transport planning.

"Paper tickets are at least 30% dearer for the equivalent go card trip (1,2,3).  There is a time limit on paper single tickets.  For passengers travelling through 10 zones or less this time period is 2 hours from time of purchase,  travelling 11 zones or more 3 hours 30 minutes (4).  The fact there are time limits on the paper tickets is not well understood by many users and could lead to a fare evasion offence in ignorance."

"Off peak discounts, presently at 20%, are only available to go card users.

"Go card users can transfer up three times within one hour for each transfer, this can make travel even more affordable.

"There is little justification to continue a costly duplicate ticketing system.  To allow the withdrawal of paper single tickets, go cards say $10 and $20 value should be available onboard all buses, Brisbane Transport and all other operators. Go cards can already be purchased on the CityCats."

"Bus drivers can also contribute significantly by promoting go card on board the buses as an alternate to costly paper single tickets.  Give the bus drivers educational material to guide new users."

"As go card penetration approaches 100% the number of go card sales on buses will be a lot less than paper tickets.  The money saved by scrapping the paper ticket system together with improved bus running make this final ticketing move essential."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5149.0

2. http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/go-card

3. http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/changes-to-fares-and-ticketing-in-2013

4. http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/paper-tickets

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

19th February 2013

Removal of paper tickets TransLink SEQ - it's time

Greetings,

Comments yesterday by the Lord Mayor of Brisbane concerning paper ticketing are just political knee-jerk responses.

It is time to remove paper single tickets in SEQ.  Obscenely priced, the availability of these tickets continues to punish people, generally those least able to afford it.  The efficiency of the public transport would be much improved if all paper is removed.  Melbourne removed their equivalent of paper ticketing on the 29th of December 2012.  They now only have the myki smart card on their extensive public transport network.

The Herald Sun, in an editorial,  said " ... Myki appears to have got off to a good start and is coping OK on its own, but of course the real test will come when school holidays are over and the system returns to full capacity ... "  http://www.heraldsun.com.au/opinion/myki-system-loses-its-mates/story-e6frfhqo-1226556990512   This test has been passed.

TransLink had intended to remove all paper tickets by December 2010 (See --> http://backontrack.org/docs/tl/100104_fares.pdf  page 1).  For what ever reason, cold feet ensued, further handicapping our struggling public transport network.

Preloaded go cards should be available on all buses (except prepaid) and it is really the only thing that needs to be directly done to support the paper ticket withdrawal.  Melbourne has available on buses preloaded myki  cards $10 for full fare (incl. $4 credit) & $5 for concession/seniors (incl. $2 credit).

Arguments trotted out by Brisbane Transport that their drivers would have to carry too much cash to support the sale of preloaded go cards is dribble.  The sales of preloaded go cards would be less frequent than paper tickets and the high paper cost fares means they are already carrying large amounts of money.  Bus drivers would generally welcome the withdrawal of paper tickets and have everyone using the go card.  So much more efficient for bus loading and the network generally.

Removing paper tickets would help end these sort of stories in the media as well.

Family's $52 return bus trip from Maroochydore to Noosa  http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/52-bus-fare-shocks/1713714/

These experiences harm public transport, TransLink, the Government and further reinforce the perception that public transport in SEQ is far too expensive.  It is anti-tourism as well.

Time for some courage and remove the remaining single paper tickets don't you think?

Best wishes,
Robert

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

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

Media release 24th June 2012 re-released 6th January 2013

SEQ: Time for paper to go?

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 said it is time to consider the removal of the remaining paper single tickets on public transport in south-east Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The cost of single paper ticket fares relative to the go card is excessive.  It is in the best interests of all public transport users to move to a go card, even if they are not doing 9 journeys or more a week.

"By moving to a go card they assist in improving considerably running times for buses. The data generated by the go card system also assists in more focussed public transport planning.

"Paper tickets are at least 30% dearer for the equivalent go card trip (1,2,3).  There is a time limit on paper single tickets.  For passengers travelling through 10 zones or less this time period is 2 hours from time of purchase,  travelling 11 zones or more 3 hours 30 minutes (4).  The fact there are time limits on the paper tickets is not well understood by many users and could lead to a fare evasion offence in ignorance."

"Off peak discounts, presently at 20%, are only available to go card users.

"Go card users can transfer up three times within one hour for each transfer, this can make travel even more affordable.

"There is little justification to continue a costly duplicate ticketing system.  To allow the withdrawal of paper single tickets, go cards say $10 and $20 value should be available onboard all buses, Brisbane Transport and all other operators. Go cards can already be purchased on the CityCats."

"Bus drivers can also contribute significantly by promoting go card on board the buses as an alternate to costly paper single tickets.  Give the bus drivers educational material to guide new users."

"As go card penetration approaches 100% the number of go card sales on buses will be a lot less than paper tickets.  The money saved by scrapping the paper ticket system together with improved bus running make this final ticketing move essential."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5149.0

2. http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/go-card

3. http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/changes-to-fares-and-ticketing-in-2013

4. http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/paper-tickets

Contact:

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

[somebody]

Godspeed.