Health care cards and concession fares around the nation

[ozbob]

All states/territories with the exception of Queensland, give direct concessions to health care card holders, or in the case of NSW and SA on application.

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

ACT Canberra

Health Care Card

    Issued by Centrelink external link to eligible benifit receipients
    Eligible for concession fares at all times

http://www.transport.act.gov.au/myway/concession.html

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

Tasmania

Concessions also apply if you hold one of the following:

Health Care Card

http://www.metrotas.com.au/tickets-and-fares/concessions

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

Victoria

Holders of a Health Care Card with a Victorian address can travel on concession fares.

http://ptv.vic.gov.au/fares-tickets/concessions/health-care-card/

V/Line

Holders of a concession card below are eligible for concession fares:

    Victorian Health Care Card

http://www.vline.com.au/fares-and-tickets/fares/concession.html


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

NSW

Health Care Card

A Health Care Card provides no entitlement to transport concessions in NSW. Eligible applicants need to apply to Centrelink for a "Half Fare Entitlement" card which can be used for travel concession purposes.

http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/content/travel-concessions-jobseekers

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

Northern Territory

Health Care Card holders are eligible for concession travel on public transport.

http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/public/ticket-fares-concessions-and-free-travel

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

SA

Receive an eligible payment from Centrelink* and hold a Transport Concession Card.

http://www.dcsi.sa.gov.au/pub/tabid/209/itemid/349/default.aspx

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

WA

Health Care Cards are issued by Centrelink. Holders of this card and dependants listed on the card are entitled to concession travel on all Transperth services.

http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/ConcessionPasses.aspx

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

Queensland

Health Care Card holders are not eligible for concession fares on public transport.

http://translink.com.au/resources/tickets-and-fares/fares/110201-concession-policy.pdf

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

1st October 2012

Health Care Cards and Concession fares

Greetings,

Another compelling reason for a fare review

All states/territories with the exception of Queensland, give direct public transport fare concessions to health care card holders, or in the case of NSW and SA on application.

Sign our petition here -->   http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/fare-review-for-translink-south-east-queensland-now.html

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

ACT Canberra

Health Care Card

    Issued by Centrelink external link to eligible benefit recipients
    Eligible for concession fares at all times

http://www.transport.act.gov.au/myway/concession.html

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

Tasmania

Concessions also apply if you hold one of the following:

Health Care Card

http://www.metrotas.com.au/tickets-and-fares/concessions

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

Victoria

Holders of a Health Care Card with a Victorian address can travel on concession fares.

http://ptv.vic.gov.au/fares-tickets/concessions/health-care-card/

V/Line

Holders of a concession card below are eligible for concession fares:

    Victorian Health Care Card

http://www.vline.com.au/fares-and-tickets/fares/concession.html


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

NSW

Health Care Card

A Health Care Card provides no entitlement to transport concessions in NSW. Eligible applicants need to apply to Centrelink for a "Half Fare Entitlement" card which can be used for travel concession purposes.

http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/content/travel-concessions-jobseekers

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

Northern Territory

Health Care Card holders are eligible for concession travel on public transport.

http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/public/ticket-fares-concessions-and-free-travel

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

SA

Receive an eligible payment from Centrelink* and hold a Transport Concession Card.

http://www.dcsi.sa.gov.au/pub/tabid/209/itemid/349/default.aspx

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

WA

Health Care Cards are issued by Centrelink. Holders of this card and Dependants listed on the card are entitled to concession travel on all Transperth services.

http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/ConcessionPasses.aspx

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

Queensland

Health Care Card holders are not eligible for concession fares on public transport.

http://translink.com.au/resources/tickets-and-fares/fares/110201-concession-policy.pdf

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

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Something repugnant to me with respect to with a fare setup that allows the cashed up to rort, but those on newstart for example denied concession fares, a norm in all other states and territories ..

[ozbob]

Concession travel on public transport in Australia - student focus

--> http://www.capa.edu.au/book/export/html/803

International students are eligible for concession PT in Queensland, but not all health care card holders ...

[ozbob]

Twitter

David Marler ‏@Qldaah

#auspol #qldpol #Newmania "QCOSS: Public Transport Fare Rises Will Hurt Job-seekers" - http://ht.ly/gsA11

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

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

Health care cards and concession fares around the nation --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.0 ... #qldpol #farefailinSEQ #auspol #Newmania

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

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

SEQ worlds most expensive fares, no concessions for unemployed (all other states/territories do) ... shocker #qldpol #auspol #Newmania

[ozbob]

Updated ...

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

ACT

Health Care Card

Riders issued with pensioner cards issued by the Department of Human Services

http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares/concession_travel

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

Tasmania

Concessions also apply if you hold one of the following:

Health Care Card

http://www.metrotas.com.au/tickets-and-fares/concessions

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

Victoria

Health Care Card

Holders of a Health Care Card with a Victorian address can travel on concession fares.

http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/concessions/health-care-card/

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

NSW

Health Care Card

A Health Care Card provides no entitlement to transport concessions in NSW. Eligible applicants need to apply to Centrelink for a "Half Fare Entitlement" card which can be used for travel concession purposes.

http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/content/travel-concessions-jobseekers

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

Northern Territory

Health Care Card holders are eligible for concession travel on public transport.

http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/public/ticket-fares-concessions-and-free-travel

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

SA

Receive an eligible payment from Centrelink* and hold a Transport Concession Card.

http://www.dcsi.sa.gov.au/pub/tabid/209/itemid/349/default.aspx

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

WA

Health Care Cards are issued by Centrelink. Holders of this card and dependants listed on the card are entitled to concession travel on all Transperth services.

http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/ConcessionPasses.aspx

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

Queensland

Health Care Card holders are not eligible for concession fares on public transport.

http://translink.com.au/resources/tickets-and-fares/fares/130101-concession-policy.pdf

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/Public-transport/Public-transport-concessions.aspx

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

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

4BC News have followed up.  Thanks for the interest!

[#Metro]

"Let them ride segways"

I have to say, living on $35 per day unemployment payments, I go out as little as possible because topping up your go card can eat a $20 or $50 note easy. You want to know why unemployed people stay at home all the time - that's why!!
The requirement is 10 job applications per fortnight, can you imagine all the running around people have to do if they get interviews? Not to mention regular visits to Centrelink and Job Network providers. And legal/medical things if things get complicated? And then get through their first 2-4 weeks of going to work when they haven't got their first paycheque yet? I went to a job interview last week and was told that this particular firm paid their employees monthly!

Thank goodness I have a credit card before I became unemployed. It has been a lifesaver smoothing out payments and giving me backup when I need it. Of course I will have to pay ~ 10% interest for this privilege in the future. Of course only those who had a job before will qualify for a credit card - if you have no money and approach the credit card company they aren't going to give you one.

Not to mention the rubbish Brisbane Transport Bus network supposedly "saved" for the "poor and needy and vulnerable" which is actually discriminating against those least able to afford both in terms of price and network setup that caters to high wage people working in the Brisbane CBD and fails to service areas around Brisbane properly (think Great Circle Line, Tradecoast) where blue collar workers and unskilled would most likely work despite the fact that these areas would be better served under a new network.

[techblitz]

You raise a good point about interviews etc.
An adult unemployed non-student who gets around the city on buses/trains for interviews 5 days per week and travelling 1-4 zones....would be looking at a minimum 30 dollars per week up to as much as 50 dollars before 9 then free kicks in.
This would take a LARGE chunk out of the fortnightly payments.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

18th July 2013

Greetings,

The excessive fare rises, the direct result of rejecting the TransLink bus review and paying to run air all around the city are crushing the family budgets of the poor and unemployed. The current rate for Newstart works out to be around $35 per day. Consider a simple 4 zone return trip for an adult on GoCard - it works out to be $10 per day. We have some of the highest fares in the world and fares are set to rise 7.5% again at the end of 2013.

For people who cannot afford a car, petrol, maintenance, registration and insurance, public transport is very important.

Concessional rates should be extended to health care card holders immediately. These cards are Centrelink means tested so there is little work for the government to do other than advise TransLink.

The bus network as it stands is politically, operationally and financially unsustainable. The TransLink bus review needs to be accepted.  This would drive patronage and efficiency, generating the savings to allow effective fare reform.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Unemployment rate climbs: Job cuts felt in city

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

Letter to the editor Queensland Times

Submitted 22nd February 2014

Dear Editor,

It was with great concern I read the lead article in Saturday's QT ' Unemployment rate climbs: job cuts felt in city '.  Readers might be surprised to learn that Queensland is the only State or Territory in Australia that does not extend concession public transport fares to the unemployed.  This is a double whammy of course in south-east Queensland as the fares on the TransLink network are amongst the most expensive in the world, let alone Australia.  Many employed workers are already struggling with the high cost public transport fares.  How will the unemployed cope, particularly if the Prime Minister introduces a ' work for the dole ' scheme?  How will the unemployed be able to afford to get to the ' work for the dole ' locations?

It is time our local political representatives argued long and hard for concession public transport fares for the unemployed.  This is becoming a critical issue, particularly for Ipswich with our very high unemployment rate.  The silence of our Members for Parliament re the failed fare policy generally for south-east Queensland is very disappointing.

Yours sincerely,

Robert Dow
Goodna

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 25th February 2014 page 9

Fares hit jobless

It was with great concern I read the lead article in Saturday's QT ' Unemployment rate climbs: job cuts felt in city '. 

Readers might be surprised to learn that Queensland is the only State or Territory in Australia that does not extend concession public transport fares to the unemployed.  This is a double whammy of course in south-east Queensland as the fares on the TransLink network are amongst the most expensive in the world, let alone Australia. 

Many employed workers are already struggling with the high cost public transport fares. 

How will the unemployed cope, particularly if the Prime Minister introduces a ' work for the dole ' scheme?  How will the unemployed be able to afford to get to the ' work for the dole ' locations?

It is time our local political representatives argued long and hard for concession public transport fares for the unemployed. 

This is becoming a critical issue, particularly for Ipswich with our very high unemployment rate.

The silence of our MPs re the failed fare policy generally for south-east Queensland is very disappointing.


Robert Dow
Goodna

[ozbob]

Media release 14th May 2014



Queensland: High Cost Public Transport Set To Destroy Needy and Vulnerable

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 calls for the immediate extension of public transport concession fares to all health care card holders.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The 2014 Federal Budget proposes to make the unemployed face a six month waiting period to access payments. And payments will be cut off after six months as well! It can easily take more than six months to find another job, how are these people going to survive or get to job interviews? Why do these people have to pay full fare? They barely have any money to feed themselves!"

"The Newstart eligibility age will rise to 25, this means younger people will have to make do with the lower Youth Allowance payment. People already cannot live on Newstart's $36.46 per day. There is no way these people are going to be able to afford to drive a car or pay for petrol. The high costs of public transport are already slamming this group hard."

"Queensland is the only state or territory in Australia that does not afford concession public transport fares to the unemployed.  A vicious double whammy in south-east Queensland that has some of the highest fares in the world!"

"There are powerful social justice reasons to reduce waste and inefficiencies from both bus and train operators and use this to fund concessions for those on Centrelink payments, those unemployed and doing it tough"

"We estimate train supply costs to be 100% higher than comparable operation in Perth (due to lack of driver only operation and lack of Automatic Train Protection), compounded by the 'taxi style' Brisbane bus network design which has contributed to 'taxi style' fare levels out of reach of many. Savings from these areas should be used contribute to fare concessions for those doing it tough. Fare evasion is already a major issue on the south-east Queensland network, it will only worsen from here."

Contact:

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


References:

1. Health care cards and concession fares around the nation
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.0

2. BCC Bus Cost Explosion Engulfs Community
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10458.0

3. SEQ: "Strong Choices" required for BCC Bus Network
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10641.msg141091#msg141091

4. Federal budget 2014: Young to wait until 25 to get dole http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/federal-budget/federal-budget-2014-young-to-wait-until-25-to-get-dole-20140513-388di.html

[Jonno]

LNP ideology states that no decent person who want to move this great nation forward would even consider using public transport or riding a bike and the only way to show off the new Merc/BMW/... bought under a novated lease is to drive to the local shops!!

[dancingmongoose]

This is an atrocity. He has no idea what it's like to be a young person these days

[ozbob]

Just sent this tweet to 612 ABC Radio, Steve Austin read it out, thanks.  He said they might look into it ..

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

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 1m

@612brisbane Unemployed in QLD no concession on PT (rest of Oz do), double whammy ... fare evasion will continue to climb ...

[techblitz]

This is an atrocity. He has no idea what it's like to be a young person these days

indeed
giving no people the dole for 6 months for 25-30 is pretty harsh. (oh and then the 6 months on 6 months off thing to boot)
definitely wont be something to look forward to when a person approaches 25 in an unstable job market...

lets assume a single person working at bigW/bunnings/coles/kmart/woolies.maccas/subway etc..

Assume Current living weekly expenses of 250 dollars <<< this is for rent,food,transport,insurance etc
Means now these people in employment will not only have to keep on top of thier weekly/daily expenses but will also have to keep thier savings account in the green at all times to the tune of 6500 dollars to last the 6 months should they lose that job.  Uhm part time employment? How are they supposed to achieve this?

For the people who fail to achieve the above scenario....they will have no use but to turn to family for assistance...assuming the same family isnt struggling for finances as well....
Eagerly awaiting the homeless shelter provider responses over all of this....if they actually speak up at all...

[dancingmongoose]

giving no people the dole for 6 months for 25-30 is pretty harsh. (oh and then the 6 months on 6 months off thing to boot)

Don't forget that under 25s now get ~$100 less per week. Which happens to be my generation. For which there are no jobs. I know people who will have to live on the street now just in the hope of having enough money to cover food and transport for the whole year

[ozbob]

Abbott et al are grossly underestimating the effects of this ' fudget ' ....   DMW ...

I was 50/50 about the blue mob getting back in #ausvotes2016, now certain they won't ...

[bcasey]

Should this budget get through as is, I certainly wouldn't want to be a low-income young Australian who's looking to go to uni for a chance to get out of the vicious cycle.

[Stillwater]

This will badly affect youth in peri-urban communities around Brisbane.  First of all, they won't have any spare money.  Those who get into uni or tafe will have to travel long distances (no concessional fares), thus eating up what money they do have.  If they move closer to their education institution, they leave the area and are unlikely to return.  If they stay, it is the dole for them, subject to new stringent conditions.  No chance of a job means poor saving, means no house etc, and a poorer economy.

[Arnz]

All I can say is watch this space with Greens, PuP, other minor parties vowing to block a number of budget initiatives in the senate.  DD anyone? (Brings a new meaning to one term Tony if the minor/micro parties go through with their threats).

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

15th May 2014

Re: Queensland: High Cost Public Transport Set To Destroy Needy and Vulnerable

Greetings,

This is getting very serious.  The other week I was travelling on the western line (Ipswich line) out of peak, and I did some quick counts at a number of stations.  It appeared to me that about 1 in 15 to around 1 in 20   were using a go card.  It beggars belief to think that they are all using extreme cost paper single tickets.  The majority are clearly fare evading.  I regularly observe people boarding buses without valid tickets as well.

The fact that unemployed in Queensland do NOT get concession fares (do in all other states and territories) is alarming.  As their meagre benefits get further cut back, how on earth can they meet the cost of fares in SEQ?  One of the worlds most expensive fare systems.

It really is time that some commonsense was exercised.  Get unemployed at least paying half fares, get them onto go cards.  It is in the best interests of our community to do that.  Turning the unemployed into criminals is clearly counter-productive, and will be very costly in the longer term on many levels.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 14th May 2014



Queensland: High Cost Public Transport Set To Destroy Needy and Vulnerable

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 calls for the immediate extension of public transport concession fares to all health care card holders.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The 2014 Federal Budget proposes to make the unemployed face a six month waiting period to access payments. And payments will be cut off after six months as well! It can easily take more than six months to find another job, how are these people going to survive or get to job interviews? Why do these people have to pay full fare? They barely have any money to feed themselves!"

"The Newstart eligibility age will rise to 25, this means younger people will have to make do with the lower Youth Allowance payment. People already cannot live on Newstart's $36.46 per day. There is no way these people are going to be able to afford to drive a car or pay for petrol. The high costs of public transport are already slamming this group hard."

"Queensland is the only state or territory in Australia that does not afford concession public transport fares to the unemployed.  A vicious double whammy in south-east Queensland that has some of the highest fares in the world!"

"There are powerful social justice reasons to reduce waste and inefficiencies from both bus and train operators and use this to fund concessions for those on Centrelink payments, those unemployed and doing it tough"

"We estimate train supply costs to be 100% higher than comparable operation in Perth (due to lack of driver only operation and lack of Automatic Train Protection), compounded by the 'taxi style' Brisbane bus network design which has contributed to 'taxi style' fare levels out of reach of many. Savings from these areas should be used contribute to fare concessions for those doing it tough. Fare evasion is already a major issue on the south-east Queensland network, it will only worsen from here."

Contact:

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


References:

1. Health care cards and concession fares around the nation
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.0

2. BCC Bus Cost Explosion Engulfs Community
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10458.0

3. SEQ: "Strong Choices" required for BCC Bus Network
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10641.msg141091#msg141091

4. Federal budget 2014: Young to wait until 25 to get dole http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/federal-budget/federal-budget-2014-young-to-wait-until-25-to-get-dole-20140513-388di.html

[ozbob]

Media release 14th May 2014 re-released 25th May 2014



Queensland: High Cost Public Transport Set To Destroy Needy and Vulnerable

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 calls for the immediate extension of public transport concession fares to all health care card holders.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The 2014 Federal Budget proposes to make the unemployed face a six month waiting period to access payments. And payments will be cut off after six months as well! It can easily take more than six months to find another job, how are these people going to survive or get to job interviews? Why do these people have to pay full fare? They barely have any money to feed themselves!"

"The Newstart eligibility age will rise to 25, this means younger people will have to make do with the lower Youth Allowance payment. People already cannot live on Newstart's $36.46 per day. There is no way these people are going to be able to afford to drive a car or pay for petrol. The high costs of public transport are already slamming this group hard."

"Queensland is the only state or territory in Australia that does not afford concession public transport fares to the unemployed.  A vicious double whammy in south-east Queensland that has some of the highest cost fares in the world!"

"There are powerful social justice reasons to reduce waste and inefficiencies from both bus and train operators and use this to fund concessions for those on Centrelink payments, those unemployed and doing it tough"

"We estimate train supply costs to be 100% higher than comparable operation in Perth (due to lack of driver only operation and lack of Automatic Train Protection), compounded by the 'taxi style' Brisbane bus network design which has contributed to 'taxi style' fare levels out of reach of many. Savings from these areas should be used contribute to fare concessions for those doing it tough. Fare evasion is already a major issue on the south-east Queensland network, it will only worsen from here."

Contact:

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


References:

1. Health care cards and concession fares around the nation
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.0

2. BCC Bus Cost Explosion Engulfs Community
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10458.0

3. SEQ: "Strong Choices" required for BCC Bus Network
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10641.msg141091#msg141091

4. Federal budget 2014: Young to wait until 25 to get dole http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/federal-budget/federal-budget-2014-young-to-wait-until-25-to-get-dole-20140513-388di.html

5. Fare evasion - articles discussion  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9539.msg142358#msg142358

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

13th June 2014

Unemployed ... SEQ: Fare evasion crisis on public transport in SEQ

Greetings,

How are unemployed in Queensland going to cope?  Denied concessions on public transport their only option will be to run the gauntlet of fare evasion?  Every other state and territory of Australia gives concession public transport to the unemployed.  Other jurisdictions can manage it, what is the problem in Queensland?  Incompetence or just cruelty?

Fares in south-east Queensland are amongst the worlds most expensive.  A vicious double whammy.

Crazy sad state.



Enjoy your day rorting the go card system ..

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 1st June 2014 re-released 10th June 2014

SEQ: Fare evasion crisis on public transport in SEQ

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 a failure to address the unaffordability and system weaknesses with the fare system for public transport in south-east Queensland has lead to a fare evasion crisis.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The April 2014 TransLink data confirms that fare unaffordability is at its worst levels ever."

"Observations by RAIL Back On Track Members around the network on all modes suggest that fare evasion is now out of control.  This is no great surprise with the high cost fares and failing fare system - two very different fare technologies that allow the system to remain wide open. Paper single tickets are now at obscene cost levels - $5.20 for a one zone paper adult ticket!"

"If you think that fare evasion does not occur on buses or ferries think again. Both Sydney and Melbourne fare evasion rates are highest on buses (2, 3, 4). We don't know what the exact situation is in south-east Queensland as data is not published as for other jurisdictions, but it would be naive in the extreme to think it is not much different. Sadly, bus drivers particularly are increasingly being subjected to fare-rage and other unacceptable behaviours. People threatening bus drivers should be sanctioned legally.  High cost fares that many cannot afford to pay does not help at all."

"Compounding the fare evasion crisis is the fact that Queensland is the only state or territory of Australia that does not extend concession public transport fares to the unemployed (5).  Regular commuters in employment are struggling to pay high cost fares in south-east Queensland, how on earth can the unemployed?  They have few options, and now are being forced into criminal behaviours. What a sad outcome for our society, this will be very costly in the longer term."

"What should happen now? Get rid of paper single tickets. Give go cards to the unemployed and grant them concession fares. Reset the base fare costs, increase the off peak discount.  Allow children to travel free with a fare paying adult on weekends and public holidays. Get rid of the free after 9 paid journeys in a week and re-introduce 50% fares after this cap.  This will stop the massive fare rorting and fare box leakage by cashed up 'suits' which further reinforces a ' fare-evasion  culture '."

"Commensurate with these fare system changes, fix the poor network design. Take over network planning from BCC and put in place a proper connected, frequent network that uses all modes optimally for all of south-east Queensland. The failure to support TransLink in 2013 with the proposed network changes is now costing our community on many levels."

References:

1. Fare evasion costs public transport users millions, Rail Back on Track says it's time to scrap paper tickets
http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/south/fare-evasion-costs-public-transport-users-millions-rail-back-on-track-says-its-time-to-scrap-paper-tickets/story-fni9r1nj-1226927178393

2. Don't pay the ferryman? Actually, the moochers are on the buses
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/dont-pay-the-ferryman-actually-the-moochers-are-on-the-buses-20140530-399n3.html

3. Victorian Official Fare Evasion Series: October 2013
http://ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/NewFolder-2/Report-Victorian-Offical-Fare-Evasion-Series-October-2013-FINAL.PDF

4. Fare failure SEQ http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9539.msg139720#msg139720

5. Health care cards and concession fares around the nation http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.0

Contact:

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

[kazzac]

I agree,give the unemployed  half priced fares

[ozbob]

Fairfax radio news has run this as a news item in some bulletins today.  I was quoted as saying Queensland is the only state or territory that does not give concession fares to the unemployed.

Transport Minister commented that the state cannot afford to extend concession fares to the unemployed, he says it would cost $23Million.

With some of the highest cost up front fares in the world for SEQ, it is a vicious double whammy of course.

Good that it has made the news. The LNP don't really care are great deal about the battlers do they?  This will be costly come #qldvotes politically.

I am sure opposition political forces will bring this on as an election issue, particularly as the the unemployed will be months without any incomes.  Fare evasion will continue to escalate.   Fools ...

[ozbob]

Media release 15th June 2014

Queensland:  Unemployed need concession 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 again called for concession fares to be made available to the unemployed in Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Queensland is the only state in Australia that does not extend concession fares on public transport to the unemployed (1)."

"For south-east Queensland this is a vicious double whammy for these disadvantaged citizens.  Fares in south-east Queensland are amongst the worlds most expensive, particularly paper tickets. How are the unemployed expected to be able to attend job interviews, get out and look for jobs if they are unable to access public transport?"

"Fare evasion is already a major problem on the public transport network in south-east Queensland. Minister Emerson said yesterday on Fairfax Radio News that the state cannot afford to give concession fares to the unemployed. The real question is can the State not afford to give concession fares to the unemployed?"

"Hundreds of millions of toll road dollars are being lost because of blunders by TMR (2). If unemployed had concession fares and a go card, they might actually be able to pay a fare.  This will actually help improve the fare box, rather than just lose revenue via fare evasion."

"Transport in Queensland is a major concern.  It might be time for an inquiry into the governance of transport, it is a failure on so many levels."

"South-east Queensland fare failure (3), bus review failure (4), now toll road fee collection failure!"

"This is gross incompetence, and needs to be sorted before more costly damage is done."

References:

1. Health care cards and concession fares around the nation http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.msg143040#msg143040

2. Queensland Opposition Leader attacks tollway revenue bleed http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-opposition-leader-attacks-tollway-revenue-bleed-20140614-zs848.html

3. Queensland: High Cost Public Transport Set To Destroy Needy and Vulnerable http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10720.0

4. BCC Bus Cost Explosion Engulfs Community http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10458.0

Contact:

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

[Derwan]

Just did this up.

Like the photo on Facebook: http://4nd.de/1q7qKeq

Download the PDF Version: http://goo.gl/DwZg4U?gdriveurl

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

18th June 2014



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



Media release 15th June 2014

Queensland:  Unemployed need concession 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 again called for concession fares to be made available to the unemployed in Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Queensland is the only state in Australia that does not extend concession fares on public transport to the unemployed (1)."

"For south-east Queensland this is a vicious double whammy for these disadvantaged citizens.  Fares in south-east Queensland are amongst the worlds most expensive, particularly paper tickets. How are the unemployed expected to be able to attend job interviews, get out and look for jobs if they are unable to access public transport?"

"Fare evasion is already a major problem on the public transport network in south-east Queensland. Minister Emerson said yesterday on Fairfax Radio News that the state cannot afford to give concession fares to the unemployed. The real question is can the State not afford to give concession fares to the unemployed?"

"Hundreds of millions of toll road dollars are being lost because of blunders by TMR (2). If unemployed had concession fares and a go card, they might actually be able to pay a fare.  This will actually help improve the fare box, rather than just lose revenue via fare evasion."

"Transport in Queensland is a major concern.  It might be time for an inquiry into the governance of transport, it is a failure on so many levels."

"South-east Queensland fare failure (3), bus review failure (4), now toll road fee collection failure!"

"This is gross incompetence, and needs to be sorted before more costly damage is done."

References:

1. Health care cards and concession fares around the nation http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.msg143040#msg143040

2. Queensland Opposition Leader attacks tollway revenue bleed http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-opposition-leader-attacks-tollway-revenue-bleed-20140614-zs848.html

3. Queensland: High Cost Public Transport Set To Destroy Needy and Vulnerable http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10720.0

4. BCC Bus Cost Explosion Engulfs Community http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10458.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Media release 1st June 2014 re-released 10th June 2014 re-released 19th June 2014



SEQ: Fare evasion crisis on public transport in SEQ

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 a failure to address the unaffordability and system weaknesses with the fare system for public transport in south-east Queensland has lead to a fare evasion crisis.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The April 2014 TransLink data confirms that fare unaffordability is at its worst levels ever."

"Observations by RAIL Back On Track Members around the network on all modes suggest that fare evasion is now out of control.  This is no great surprise with the high cost fares and failing fare system - two very different fare technologies that allow the system to remain wide open. Paper single tickets are now at obscene cost levels - $5.20 for a one zone paper adult ticket!"

"If you think that fare evasion does not occur on buses or ferries think again. Both Sydney and Melbourne fare evasion rates are highest on buses (2, 3, 4). We don't know what the exact situation is in south-east Queensland as data is not published as for other jurisdictions, but it would be naive in the extreme to think it is not much different. Sadly, bus drivers particularly are increasingly being subjected to fare-rage and other unacceptable behaviours. People threatening bus drivers should be sanctioned legally.  High cost fares that many cannot afford to pay does not help at all."

"Compounding the fare evasion crisis is the fact that Queensland is the only state or territory of Australia that does not extend concession public transport fares to the unemployed (5).  Regular commuters in employment are struggling to pay high cost fares in south-east Queensland, how on earth can the unemployed?  They have few options, and now are being forced into criminal behaviours. What a sad outcome for our society, this will be very costly in the longer term."

"What should happen now? Get rid of paper single tickets. Give go cards to the unemployed and grant them concession fares. Reset the base fare costs, increase the off peak discount.  Allow children to travel free with a fare paying adult on weekends and public holidays. Get rid of the free after 9 paid journeys in a week and re-introduce 50% fares after this cap.  This will stop the massive fare rorting and fare box leakage by cashed up 'suits' which further reinforces a ' fare-evasion  culture '."

"Commensurate with these fare system changes, fix the poor network design. Take over network planning from BCC and put in place a proper connected, frequent network that uses all modes optimally for all of south-east Queensland. The failure to support TransLink in 2013 with the proposed network changes is now costing our community on many levels."

References:

1. Fare evasion costs public transport users millions, Rail Back on Track says it's time to scrap paper tickets
http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/south/fare-evasion-costs-public-transport-users-millions-rail-back-on-track-says-its-time-to-scrap-paper-tickets/story-fni9r1nj-1226927178393

2. Don't pay the ferryman? Actually, the moochers are on the buses
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/dont-pay-the-ferryman-actually-the-moochers-are-on-the-buses-20140530-399n3.html

3. Victorian Official Fare Evasion Series: October 2013
http://ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/NewFolder-2/Report-Victorian-Offical-Fare-Evasion-Series-October-2013-FINAL.PDF

4. Fare failure SEQ http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9539.msg139720#msg139720

5. Health care cards and concession fares around the nation http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.0

Contact:

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

Sent to all outlets:

18th June 2014



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



Media release 15th June 2014

Queensland:  Unemployed need concession 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 again called for concession fares to be made available to the unemployed in Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Queensland is the only state in Australia that does not extend concession fares on public transport to the unemployed (1)."

"For south-east Queensland this is a vicious double whammy for these disadvantaged citizens.  Fares in south-east Queensland are amongst the worlds most expensive, particularly paper tickets. How are the unemployed expected to be able to attend job interviews, get out and look for jobs if they are unable to access public transport?"

"Fare evasion is already a major problem on the public transport network in south-east Queensland. Minister Emerson said yesterday on Fairfax Radio News that the state cannot afford to give concession fares to the unemployed. The real question is can the State not afford to give concession fares to the unemployed?"

"Hundreds of millions of toll road dollars are being lost because of blunders by TMR (2). If unemployed had concession fares and a go card, they might actually be able to pay a fare.  This will actually help improve the fare box, rather than just lose revenue via fare evasion."

"Transport in Queensland is a major concern.  It might be time for an inquiry into the governance of transport, it is a failure on so many levels."

"South-east Queensland fare failure (3), bus review failure (4), now toll road fee collection failure!"

"This is gross incompetence, and needs to be sorted before more costly damage is done."

References:

1. Health care cards and concession fares around the nation http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.msg143040#msg143040

2. Queensland Opposition Leader attacks tollway revenue bleed http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-opposition-leader-attacks-tollway-revenue-bleed-20140614-zs848.html

3. Queensland: High Cost Public Transport Set To Destroy Needy and Vulnerable http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10720.0

4. BCC Bus Cost Explosion Engulfs Community http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10458.0

Contact:

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

[SurfRail]

Have the press shown any interest in this?

[ozbob]

Yes, has been well promoted on Fairfax radio news.

[ozbob]

Media release 12th July 2014

Queensland:  Unemployed need concession 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 again called for concession fares to be made available to the unemployed in Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Queensland is the only state in Australia that does not extend concession fares on public transport to the unemployed (1)."

"For south-east Queensland this is a vicious double whammy for these disadvantaged citizens.  Fares in south-east Queensland are amongst the worlds most expensive, particularly paper tickets. How are the unemployed expected to be able to attend job interviews, get out and look for jobs if they are unable to access public transport?"

"Fare evasion is already a major problem on the public transport network in south-east Queensland (2). Minister Emerson said  on Fairfax Radio News that the state cannot afford to give concession fares to the unemployed. The real question is can the State not afford to give concession fares to the unemployed?"

"Hundreds of millions of toll road dollars are being lost because of blunders by TMR (3). If unemployed had concession fares and a go card, they might actually be able to pay a fare.  This will actually help improve the fare box, rather than just lose revenue via fare evasion."

"Transport in Queensland is a major concern.  It might be time for an inquiry into the governance of transport, it is a failure on so many levels."

"South-east Queensland fare failure (4), bus review failure (5), now toll road fee collection failure! To these failures we can now add Tertiary Transport Concession Card failure! (6).

"This is gross incompetence, and needs to be sorted before more costly damage is done."

"The LNP seem to not understand. A failure to sort the obvious issues such as the failing fare system is what is causing much public disenchantment and loss of support."


References:

1. Health care cards and concession fares around the nation http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.msg143040#msg143040

2. SEQ: Fare evasion crisis on public transport in SEQ http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10749.0

3. Queensland Opposition Leader attacks tollway revenue bleed http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-opposition-leader-attacks-tollway-revenue-bleed-20140614-zs848.html

4. Queensland: High Cost Public Transport Set To Destroy Needy and Vulnerable http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10720.0

5. BCC Bus Cost Explosion Engulfs Community http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10458.0

6. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10520.msg144064#msg144064

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Letter to the editor published Queensland Times 14th July 2014 page 21

LNP fails to understand state's jobless need concession fares

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

27th July 2014

Queensland:  Unemployed need concession public transport

Greetings,

Abbott Government to make most jobseekers participate in work for the dole programs from 2015

> http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/abbott-government-to-make-most-jobseekers-participate-in-work-for-the-dole-programs-from-2015/story-fnihsrf2-1227002703245

This will be great for the unemployed, how will they participate?  Queensland is the only state or territory that does NOT extend concession public transport fares to the unemployed.

In south-east Queensland fares are very expensive.  Fare evasion and 'struggle street'?

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 12th July 2014

Queensland:  Unemployed need concession 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 again called for concession fares to be made available to the unemployed in Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Queensland is the only state in Australia that does not extend concession fares on public transport to the unemployed (1)."

"For south-east Queensland this is a vicious double whammy for these disadvantaged citizens.  Fares in south-east Queensland are amongst the worlds most expensive, particularly paper tickets. How are the unemployed expected to be able to attend job interviews, get out and look for jobs if they are unable to access public transport?"

"Fare evasion is already a major problem on the public transport network in south-east Queensland (2). Minister Emerson said  on Fairfax Radio News that the state cannot afford to give concession fares to the unemployed. The real question is can the State not afford to give concession fares to the unemployed?"

"Hundreds of millions of toll road dollars are being lost because of blunders by TMR (3). If unemployed had concession fares and a go card, they might actually be able to pay a fare.  This will actually help improve the fare box, rather than just lose revenue via fare evasion."

"Transport in Queensland is a major concern.  It might be time for an inquiry into the governance of transport, it is a failure on so many levels."

"South-east Queensland fare failure (4), bus review failure (5), now toll road fee collection failure! To these failures we can now add Tertiary Transport Concession Card failure! (6).

"This is gross incompetence, and needs to be sorted before more costly damage is done."

"The LNP seem to not understand. A failure to sort the obvious issues such as the failing fare system is what is causing much public disenchantment and loss of support."


References:

1. Health care cards and concession fares around the nation http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.msg143040#msg143040

2. SEQ: Fare evasion crisis on public transport in SEQ http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10749.0

3. Queensland Opposition Leader attacks tollway revenue bleed http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-opposition-leader-attacks-tollway-revenue-bleed-20140614-zs848.html

4. Queensland: High Cost Public Transport Set To Destroy Needy and Vulnerable http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10720.0

5. BCC Bus Cost Explosion Engulfs Community http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10458.0

6. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10520.msg144064#msg144064

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

4KQ News have followed up.  Thanks for the interest .. 

[ozbob]

Media release 9th August 2014

Queensland:  Unemployed need concession 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 again called for concession fares to be made available to the unemployed in Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Queensland is the only state in Australia that does not extend concession fares on public transport to the unemployed (1)."

"For south-east Queensland this is a vicious double whammy for these disadvantaged citizens.  Fares in south-east Queensland are amongst the worlds most expensive, particularly paper tickets. How are the unemployed expected to be able to attend job interviews, get out and look for jobs if they are unable to access public transport?"

"Fare evasion is already a major problem on the public transport network in south-east Queensland (2). Minister Emerson said  on Fairfax Radio News that the state cannot afford to give concession fares to the unemployed. The real question is can the State not afford to give concession fares to the unemployed?"

"Hundreds of millions of toll road dollars are being lost because of blunders by TMR (3). If unemployed had concession fares and a go card, they might actually be able to pay a fare.  This will actually help improve the fare box, rather than just lose revenue via fare evasion."

"Transport in Queensland is a major concern.  It might be time for an inquiry into the governance of transport, it is a failure on so many levels."

"South-east Queensland fare failure (4), bus review failure (5), now toll road fee collection failure! To these failures we can now add Tertiary Transport Concession Card failure! (6).

"This is gross incompetence, and needs to be sorted before more costly damage is done."

"The number of unemployed in Queensland continues to worsen (7). The LNP seem to not understand. A failure to sort the obvious issues such as the failing fare system is what is causing much public disenchantment and loss of support."

Contact:

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


References:

1. Health care cards and concession fares around the nation http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.msg143040#msg143040

2. SEQ: Fare evasion crisis on public transport in SEQ http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10749.0

3. Queensland Opposition Leader attacks tollway revenue bleed http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-opposition-leader-attacks-tollway-revenue-bleed-20140614-zs848.html

4. Queensland: High Cost Public Transport Set To Destroy Needy and Vulnerable http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10720.0

5. BCC Bus Cost Explosion Engulfs Community http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10458.0

6. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10520.msg144064#msg144064

7. http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/6202.0Main%20Features2Jul%202014?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=6202.0&issue=Jul%202014&num=&view=

[ozbob]

Letter to the editor Queensland Times 9th August 2014 page 23

Fair go, mate