14 May 2008: SEQ: Public transport ? largess and contempt!

[ozbob]

Media Release 14 May 2008

SEQ:  Public transport ? largess and contempt!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users has called for a clear statement as to why go card users were not informed of the problems with the time on the go card system on buses and ferries in a prompt manner. During this period, as go card uses often unknowingly copped many excess fares and penalties, deals were being done for ?mates? with special rates for a QR suburban rail tour!

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

?RAIL Back On Track alerted the Minister for Transport and Translink to an issue with the go card system equipment on  buses and ferries that resulted in an incorrect time being used to calculate fares, and users being overcharged on the 10th  April 2008.?

?There was no public statement to alert go card users to the ongoing issue and the fact that they may well be copping extra fares and penalties until the 21st April 2008. This is documented at the RAIL Back On Track web site (1)?

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

?The failure to respond in a timely manner is even more reprehensible when it is now realised that during this period deals were being done for ?mates? to tour the suburban rail network.?

?When RAIL Back On Track members inquired to as to the cost of hiring a train to demonstrate the utility of a commuter service from Gatton to Ipswich we were quoted $20,000 plus!?

?Obviously, we don?t qualify for ?mate rates?!?

?RAIL Back On Track calls on Queensland Government and Translink to treat public transport commuters with courtesy and implement processes that inform commuters in a timely and sincere manner.?

Reference:

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

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org