10 Jul 2012: SEQ: Call for review of fare structure for public transport

[ozbob]

Media release 10 July 2012

SEQ: Call for review of fare structure for public transport

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 an immediate review of the fare structure for public transport in south-east Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The latest TransLink Tracker has confirmed that fare affordability is at an all time low (1). The Passenger load survey shows a similar dim picture (2).  Patronage growth is now stunted, with flow on effects for traffic congestion, environmental impacts and trauma costs."

"Further planned fare increases of 7.5% for 2013 and 2014 will just further compound the present unaffordability."

"The fare structure as it is a failure.  Cost of short journeys is relatively too expensive (3). Lack of family tickets as for other states further restricts public transport use as a choice (4)."

"Concession public transport travel should be afforded to all health care card holders, this is done in all states except Queensland.  Queensland is fast becoming unaffordable for many."

"Messing around with journey caps as has been recently implemented doesn't address the fundamental structural failure of the present fare table."

"It is time for the Queensland Government to actually implement the ' passenger focussed ' rhetoric."   

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/2011-12-quarterly-report-jan-to-mar.pdf

2. http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/2012-q1-passenger-load-survey.pdf

3. 1 Jul 2012: SEQ: Reduce or eliminate the fare 'flag-fall'  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8673.0

4. 8th July 2012 Lack of family ticket arrangements public transport in Queensland  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2006.msg103684#msg103684

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8719.0

[Gazza]

Wouldn't you wait tilll the next tracker to do a review, to see the impact of 9 then free?

[ozbob]

Wouldn't you wait tilll the next tracker to do a review, to see the impact of 9 then free?

No, too many issues with it, now is the time to raise issues the budget is around the corner.

[Gazza]

With the budget, what they'll do is have one of those text boxes, in the budget papers, praising 9 then free. They aren't going to program a new fare structure or even review it before September.

I just think its p%ssing into the wind to expect the govt to change an election promise (which was one of the few they had) on PT anyway that they have just implemented.

IMO nothing will change for around 12 months at least.

[ozbob]

I think there is a good chance things will change as the LNP gave a commitment to review the entire fare structure during the election.

So I am optimistic.  So what if nothing happens, better to have tried than sit back with chips of wood on shoulders .. hey?

http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8719.msg103659#msg103659

They did however when in opposition commit to a broader fare review ( eg. Queensland Times --> LNP to review ticket prices )

[HappyTrainGuy]

I want to see the whole of SEQ PT reviewed. Its a mess from the fares to the routes to the operating hours. But you have to start somewhere to get the ball rolling.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

31st July 2012

Call for review of fare structure for public transport

Greetings,

The failing fare structure is concerning.

Couriermail:
Free trips taking toll on State's bottom line
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/campbell-newmans-free-journeys-election-promise-for-public-transport-could-cost-lnp-government-24m/story-e6freoof-1226438930571

It is pointless reviewing the bus and rail system without reviewing the other critical component.  The fare structure.

Having a high price product and then offset it by giving it away for free is silly.

A more uniform approach would be a lot better.

Fare box leakage is going to become a flood that will ultimately have to be plugged.

Either change the structure or keep jacking up the price of fares - excessively.

There will be significant political grief if the 7.5% fare increase (6 times CPI, 75 times DFRDB pension increase of 0.1%) is not off set or wound back.

The LNP gave a commitment to review the entire fare structure during the election. See -->  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8719.msg103659#msg103659

Best wishes
Robert

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


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

Media release 10 July 2012 re-released 31 July 2012

SEQ: Call for review of fare structure for public transport

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 an immediate review of the fare structure for public transport in south-east Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The latest TransLink Tracker has confirmed that fare affordability is at an all time low (1). The Passenger load survey shows a similar dim picture (2).  Patronage growth is now stunted, with flow on effects for traffic congestion, environmental impacts and trauma costs."

"Further planned fare increases of 7.5% for 2013 and 2014 will just further compound the present unaffordability."

"The fare structure as it is a failure.  Cost of short journeys is relatively too expensive (3). Lack of family tickets as for other states further restricts public transport use as a choice (4)."

"Concession public transport travel should be afforded to all health care card holders, this is done in all states except Queensland.  Queensland is fast becoming unaffordable for many."

"Messing around with journey caps as has been recently implemented doesn't address the fundamental structural failure of the present fare table."

"It is time for the Queensland Government to actually implement the ' passenger focussed ' rhetoric."   

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/2011-12-quarterly-report-jan-to-mar.pdf

2. http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/2012-q1-passenger-load-survey.pdf

3. 1 Jul 2012: SEQ: Reduce or eliminate the fare 'flag-fall'  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8673.0

4. 8th July 2012 Lack of family ticket arrangements public transport in Queensland  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2006.msg103684#msg103684

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

3rd August 2012

Call for urgent review of fares for public transport

Greetings,

It is very clear that the fare structure and price levels must be reviewed, urgently.

A poll at Brisbanetimes has confirmed that the public is not really impressed by the free travel after nine (or ten as the case was).

See http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/free-fares-not-blowing-hole-in-budget-emerson-20120731-23bdd.html#poll

It is a landslide rejection of a flawed fare paradigm.  The fares are unaffordable for many and  are anti-public transport, as also evidenced in the TransLink Tracker for all to see.

Poll: Would you rather receive free fares after nine trips each week or simply have the cost of public transport reduced?

Free fares - it encourages more use

     18%
Cheaper fares - it's simpler and fairer

    82%

Total votes: 391.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/free-fares-not-blowing-hole-in-budget-emerson-20120731-23bdd.html#ixzz22POjICdQ

Due to an ever escalating fare leakage, the price of fares will have to soar to cover the leakage, unless the flawed fare paradigm is sorted.

How this leakage occurs can be reviewed here ( -->  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8840.msg105980#msg105980 ).

My estimate is that this will soon escalate to at least  $30 million dollars or more per annum.

This means that the base fare price will have to continue to increase many times the rate of CPI and inflation to cover it.  Further compounding the unaffordability of the fares.

The State Government is trumpeting the fact they plan to increase fares by only 7.5%, instead of 15% previously planned.  Come on, you can't be serious?

Public transport fares have already increased 65% over the past 4 years, and 7.5% is around 6 times the CPI.  My DFRDB pension increased by 0.1% this year.  7.5% is 75 times the increase in my DFRDB pension!

The lack of a family / group ticket (as available in other states) is another issue that needs addressing.
( 15 Jul 2012: SEQ:Call for a group/family go card ticket on the TransLink network http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8759.0 )

The mean spiritedness of not extending concession fares to ALL health care card holders (as occurs in ALL other states) needs addressing.

Why is Queensland so backward?

Way forward --> 1 Jul 2012: SEQ: Reduce or eliminate the fare 'flag-fall' http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8673.0

It is time the State Government lived up to its election rhetoric.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

31st July 2012

Call for review of fare structure for public transport

Greetings,

The failing fare structure is concerning.

Couriermail:
Free trips taking toll on State's bottom line
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/campbell-newmans-free-journeys-election-promise-for-public-transport-could-cost-lnp-government-24m/story-e6freoof-1226438930571

It is pointless reviewing the bus and rail system without reviewing the other critical component.  The fare structure.

Having a high price product and then offset it by giving it away for free is silly.

A more uniform approach would be a lot better.

Fare box leakage is going to become a flood that will ultimately have to be plugged.

Either change the structure or keep jacking up the price of fares - excessively.

There will be significant political grief if the 7.5% fare increase (6 times CPI, 75 times DFRDB pension increase of 0.1%) is not off set or wound back.

The LNP gave a commitment to review the entire fare structure during the election. See -->  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8719.msg103659#msg103659

Best wishes
Robert

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


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

Media release 10 July 2012 re-released 31 July 2012

SEQ: Call for review of fare structure for public transport

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 an immediate review of the fare structure for public transport in south-east Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The latest TransLink Tracker has confirmed that fare affordability is at an all time low (1). The Passenger load survey shows a similar dim picture (2).  Patronage growth is now stunted, with flow on effects for traffic congestion, environmental impacts and trauma costs."

"Further planned fare increases of 7.5% for 2013 and 2014 will just further compound the present unaffordability."

"The fare structure as it is a failure.  Cost of short journeys is relatively too expensive (3). Lack of family tickets as for other states further restricts public transport use as a choice (4)."

"Concession public transport travel should be afforded to all health care card holders, this is done in all states except Queensland.  Queensland is fast becoming unaffordable for many."

"Messing around with journey caps as has been recently implemented doesn't address the fundamental structural failure of the present fare table."

"It is time for the Queensland Government to actually implement the ' passenger focussed ' rhetoric."   

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/2011-12-quarterly-report-jan-to-mar.pdf

2. http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/2012-q1-passenger-load-survey.pdf

3. 1 Jul 2012: SEQ: Reduce or eliminate the fare 'flag-fall'  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8673.0

4. 8th July 2012 Lack of family ticket arrangements public transport in Queensland  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2006.msg103684#msg103684

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

8 August 2012

Re: Call for urgent review of fares for public transport

Greetings,

Fare affordability is looming as a major issue.

Much grief about price gouging for electricity.  Public transport fares have increased 65% the past 4 years, with a planned 7.5% increase from January 2013.

"There's been heated debate on the Queensland Rail Facebook page overnight on price and ticketing, garnering nearly 7,000 likes and over 600 comments.  Quite a bit of it being misinformed commuters over who handles the fares and ticketing.*

https://www.facebook.com/QueenslandRail/posts/472931116058587?notif_t=feed_comment_reply  "

*http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8719.msg106453#msg106453

The present fare structure and price levels are simply not sustainable, it is actually costing money. 

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

3rd August 2012

Call for urgent review of fares for public transport

Greetings,

It is very clear that the fare structure and price levels must be reviewed, urgently.

A poll at Brisbanetimes has confirmed that the public is not really impressed by the free travel after nine (or ten as the case was).

See http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/free-fares-not-blowing-hole-in-budget-emerson-20120731-23bdd.html#poll

It is a landslide rejection of a flawed fare paradigm.  The fares are unaffordable for many and  are anti-public transport, as also evidenced in the TransLink Tracker for all to see.

Poll: Would you rather receive free fares after nine trips each week or simply have the cost of public transport reduced?

Free fares - it encourages more use

     18%
Cheaper fares - it's simpler and fairer

    82%

Total votes: 391.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/free-fares-not-blowing-hole-in-budget-emerson-20120731-23bdd.html#ixzz22POjICdQ

Due to an ever escalating fare leakage, the price of fares will have to soar to cover the leakage, unless the flawed fare paradigm is sorted.

How this leakage occurs can be reviewed here ( -->  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8840.msg105980#msg105980 ).

My estimate is that this will soon escalate to at least  $30 million dollars or more per annum.

This means that the base fare price will have to continue to increase many times the rate of CPI and inflation to cover it.  Further compounding the unaffordability of the fares.

The State Government is trumpeting the fact they plan to increase fares by only 7.5%, instead of 15% previously planned.  Come on, you can't be serious?

Public transport fares have already increased 65% over the past 4 years, and 7.5% is around 6 times the CPI.  My DFRDB pension increased by 0.1% this year.  7.5% is 75 times the increase in my DFRDB pension!

The lack of a family / group ticket (as available in other states) is another issue that needs addressing.
( 15 Jul 2012: SEQ:Call for a group/family go card ticket on the TransLink network http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8759.0 )

The mean spiritedness of not extending concession fares to ALL health care card holders (as occurs in ALL other states) needs addressing.

Why is Queensland so backward?

Way forward --> 1 Jul 2012: SEQ: Reduce or eliminate the fare 'flag-fall' http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8673.0

It is time the State Government lived up to its election rhetoric.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

31st July 2012

Call for review of fare structure for public transport

Greetings,

The failing fare structure is concerning.

Couriermail:
Free trips taking toll on State's bottom line
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/campbell-newmans-free-journeys-election-promise-for-public-transport-could-cost-lnp-government-24m/story-e6freoof-1226438930571

It is pointless reviewing the bus and rail system without reviewing the other critical component.  The fare structure.

Having a high price product and then offset it by giving it away for free is silly.

A more uniform approach would be a lot better.

Fare box leakage is going to become a flood that will ultimately have to be plugged.

Either change the structure or keep jacking up the price of fares - excessively.

There will be significant political grief if the 7.5% fare increase (6 times CPI, 75 times DFRDB pension increase of 0.1%) is not off set or wound back.

The LNP gave a commitment to review the entire fare structure during the election. See -->  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8719.msg103659#msg103659

Best wishes
Robert

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


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

Media release 10 July 2012 re-released 31 July 2012

SEQ: Call for review of fare structure for public transport

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 an immediate review of the fare structure for public transport in south-east Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The latest TransLink Tracker has confirmed that fare affordability is at an all time low (1). The Passenger load survey shows a similar dim picture (2).  Patronage growth is now stunted, with flow on effects for traffic congestion, environmental impacts and trauma costs."

"Further planned fare increases of 7.5% for 2013 and 2014 will just further compound the present unaffordability."

"The fare structure as it is a failure.  Cost of short journeys is relatively too expensive (3). Lack of family tickets as for other states further restricts public transport use as a choice (4)."

"Concession public transport travel should be afforded to all health care card holders, this is done in all states except Queensland.  Queensland is fast becoming unaffordable for many."

"Messing around with journey caps as has been recently implemented doesn't address the fundamental structural failure of the present fare table."

"It is time for the Queensland Government to actually implement the ' passenger focussed ' rhetoric."   

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/2011-12-quarterly-report-jan-to-mar.pdf

2. http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/2012-q1-passenger-load-survey.pdf

3. 1 Jul 2012: SEQ: Reduce or eliminate the fare 'flag-fall'  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8673.0

4. 8th July 2012 Lack of family ticket arrangements public transport in Queensland  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2006.msg103684#msg103684

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

12th September 2012

2012 State Budget - fare review needed

Greetings,

The 2012 State Budget has highlighted how urgently a review of TransLink's SEQ public transport fare system is needed.

Stalled patronage levels is costly in terms of congestion costs, road trauma costs and environmental impacts.

The present fare structure for the go card is in my opinion the worlds worst.   Excessive base fare cost with considerable fare box leakage due to an easily manipulated fare structure.

An urgent review of the fare system is needed.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[somebody]

World's worst?  No way!

Sydney is worse
Auckland is worse
Wellington is worse
Atlanta is worse
London is worse
Melbourne is worse (IMO)

[ozbob]

A fare structure that can be rorted as can the go card as now is absurd.

Others don't have that massive structure failure, do they?

We all have our opinions, thankfully.

[somebody]

All of Sydney, Auckland, Wellington and London (in some cases) charge a penalty for transferring.  That's a much bigger limitation than the rorting potential of Go Card.  Indeed the rorting really only affects longer distance commuters in the sense that they can access unreasonable discounts which are applied in Sydney and Atlanta without effort by the commuter. EDIT: Actually add V/Line (Melbourne) to that last list. /EDIT