RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Quote from: ozbob on July 26, 2024, 09:24:19 AMhttps://x.com/QueenslandRail/status/1816615259433570693

Ha ha ...

Sent to all outlets:

Some comments re 50 Cent Fares from August 5th

29th July 2024

Good Morning,

In response to numerous media inquiries re the 50 Cent Fares ( https://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/50-cent-fares ) here is a summary of some key considerations from our perspective.

1. Parking:  Park 'n' ride - forget it unless you are very early.  Best to go to and from stations by other means - bus, walking, kiss 'n' ride and so forth.  It is understood that Translink is looking at some additional public transport commuter parking, but it too will be limited.

2. Use a go card or smart ticketing (NOT on buses)  https://translink.com.au/about-translink/projects-and-initiatives/smart-ticketing/customer-trials. 
This helps to get accurate data on passenger numbers etc. and is a lot easier than using paper tickets (although no cost penalty with the 50 cent fares). The SEQ network will remain cashless.

3. Fare evasion - offence can be $322 fine, better to pay the 50 cent fare ( https://translink.widen.net/s/6wjz6rcz9z/240701-public-transport-offences-and-fines-2024 ).

4. If a passenger has a choice between Queensland Rail Citytrain or bus, use the train.  Buses once full will not pick up passengers and intending passengers could be denied boarding.  Although there will be a limited capability for some additional sweeper/standby buses. There is more capacity available on rail presently.

5. Make use of the Translink tools - service capacity tracker and journey planner. Translink web site should have updated information this coming week as well.

translinkSEQ Service Capacity Tracker:  https://translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/capacity-tracker 

Translink Journey Planner: https://jp.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/journey-planner

6.  Present transfer rules will continue to apply.  See https://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares-and-zones/transfers
This means very affordable public transport with up to 4 trips, 3 transfers on journey.  For example after or on August 5th I could board a bus to my local railway station at Goodna.  Catch the train to Helensvale, transfer to the light rail and arrive in Surfers Paradise for a fare cost of 50 cents.

7. Airtrain fares will be reduced, with tickets starting from $10.95 during this time. 

Always happy to discuss further.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

https://x.com/railbotforum/status/1817596092676243902

Government Statement

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100954

One week to go: All hands on deck ahead of 50 cent fares

29th July 2024

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier
The Honourable Steven Miles

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
The Honourable Bart Mellish

. Peek behind the scenes on preparation works underway, ahead of 50 cent fares.

. Queensland Rail's world class Rail Management Centre is the engine room of the South East Queensland Rail network – bringing train control, security and customer communications together.

. All Translink public transport fares will be a flat 50 cents from 5 August 2024, for six months.

Premier Steven Miles and Transport Minister Bart Mellish have today visited Queensland Rail's Rail Management Centre– the engine room of the South East Queensland rail network.

It comes as Queensland counts down to the start of 50 cent fares in just one week.

More than 250 employees are based at the centre, including up to 80 on the operations floor.

These are the train controllers, security personnel, customer communications officers, engineers, timetabling and support staff that ensure the reliable delivery of train services day in, day out.

The Rail Management Centre, the Translink Operations Centre (TOC), and the Brisbane Metropolitan Transport Management Centre (BMTMC) will all keep a close eye on the public transport network during the 50 cent fare trial.

Queensland Rail has set up a special 'engine room' team based out of the Rail Management Centre to ensure the successful rollout of this trial.

Public transport patronage continues to track below pre-COVID levels and sits at about 87 per cent across the SEQ network.

A flat 50 cent fare will be in place for all Translink public transport services statewide from 5 August 2024 for a period of six months.

Travel will be 50 cents no matter how far you travel or the mode, including transfers between services.

Significantly reducing the cost barrier to public transport will encourage more people to leave the car at home, leading to a reduction in road congestion.

Translink estimates show someone travelling from the Gold Coast four days a week (eight trips) could save more than $2,100 over the six months.

A single bus takes 50 cars off the road and a train takes 600 cars off the road.

Customers will still need to 'tap on' and 'tap off' for their journey using Smart Ticketing, a go card, or by purchasing a paper ticket, in order to access the reduced fare.

Additional buses and two trams will be available to respond to increased demand from Monday.

Public transport users can also visit Translink's upgraded Service Capacity Tracker to view a forecast of the space available on each service based on the day and time they are travelling.

The Service Capacity Tracker was first launched in 2020 to help customers view predicted space on board services at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Translink has revamped the tool ahead of the start of 50 cent fares with the tracker based on historical patronage data and forecast changes in travel behaviour to give customers a more accurate insight into capacity availability, displayed in a traffic light system to make it easier for customers.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

"With just one week to go, Queenslanders are ready to jump onboard for just 50 cents.

"Here at the Rail Management Centre, the teams are busy preparing operations ahead of Monday to ensure we are ready to respond to increased demand.

"I really hope my government's landmark 50 cent fares trial gets people back on public transport, saves those who are already catching the bus or the train a bit of money, saves those who are driving a lot of money, and hopefully takes some cars off the road as well.

"Get your 50 cents ready – there's not long to go."

Quotes attributable to Transport Minister Bart Mellish:

"This trial will deliver the cheapest public transport fares in the state's modern history.

"It was great to visit the RMC to inspect the preparation for the trial and get a close look at the real-time monitoring QR uses to keep a close eye on the public transport network every day.

"We expect to see more people on the public transport network during the trial, but Queenslanders can rest assured we'll be monitoring the network closely to ensure a positive experience for both new and existing public transport users.

"Shifting your travel by as little as 15 minutes, if you are able to, can make a big difference when it comes to seating and space availability on services.

"Whether it's going to save someone more than $100 per week on their work commute, or just a few dollars here and there, this trial means money will stay in the pockets of Queenslanders."

CONCESSION CARD HOLDERS

Concession holders currently receive 50 per cent off their fare.

During the initiative, concession holders will receive 50 cent fares as it is cheaper than the current concession rate.

SCHOOL TRAVEL FARES

School travel fares have an ongoing significant investment of $180 million per annum in the School Transport Assistance Scheme meaning many students already travel to school for free each day.

WHAT CONSTITUTES A "TRANSLINK PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE"

A Translink public transport service is one contracted by the government.

A list of the Translink services in your region can be found online.

50 cent fares will not apply to privately operated transport services.

Smart Ticketing is available on all rail, tram and Brisbane City Council ferry services.

Paper tickets can be purchased at fare machines at busway, train or tram stations and major interchanges as well a ticket office at train stations during opening hours.

go Cards can be purchased from a range of locations including go card online, selected retailers, by calling Translink on 13 12 30, many G:link and busway stations and at the ticket office at train stations during opening hours.

ENDS

====

Footnote: " ... Premier Steven Miles and Transport Minister Bart Mellish have today visited Queensland Rail's Rail Management Centre– the engine room of the South East Queensland rail network. ... "

Perhaps ironically, it was an opportune time to visit, there were 50 reported service disruptions on the Citytrain network yesterday!  Hopefully this will not be repeated next Monday, the 5th August.

I contacted Translink early yesterday and asked them to clarify that normal transfer rules apply with the 50 Cent Fares. 
I had picked up some confusion on this. 
Thankfully it was included in the Government Statement later on yesterday 

https://x.com/railbotforum/status/1817930488344113291

HUGE response to our Facebook post, greatest ever reach, nudging 50K  60K  90K + at present 

Some comments re 50 Cent Fares from August 5th

> https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/902492828584240

Updated ... massive response to this Facebook post, obviously a lot of interest in the 50 Cent Fares.

Updated: 50 cent fares are coming

https://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/50-cent-fares

PDF 50-cent-A5-flyer-seq-promtional.pdf


 

Facebook ...

https://x.com/7NewsSC/status/1819281990681501980

Five things Queenslanders need to know before 50c fares begin | 7NEWS

Couriermail --> Transport savings could add up for Queenslanders with 50 cent fares $

QuoteSavvy Queenslanders are set to reap the rewards from the state government's six-month trial of cheap transport tickets.

Savvy Queenslanders stand to save more than $7800 during the state government's 50c public transport trial.

From tomorrow, trips on TransLink services across the state will be slashed to just 50c – no matter how far you travel. ...

Couriermail --> 50c Queensland fare guide: All your questions answered $

QuoteThe Courier-Mail has created a guide with everything you need to about the 50c fare initiative kicking off on August 5.

With 50c fares just around the corner, there are bound to be questions about what will change to Queensland's public transport system. The Courier-Mail has created a guide with everything you need to know to make the most of the 50c fares initiative. ...

ABC News --> Queensland's 50-cent public transport trial raises concerns over access, frequency and connectivity between services

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1819867758802485509

 

Quote from: ABC News"If you can't easily walk to the station, I think it's going to be hard for most people in that situation to end up choosing public transport regularly," she said.

Station access is where you can get to in about 10 min. Walk up has the smallest catchment area, while car has the largest. Bus is in between.

P&R is a taboo access mode for many, but it does have a legitimate place in PT network design precisely because there will always be cases where a TOD or a frequent feeder bus will be less competitive than just parking at the station.

Government Statement

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/101015

50 cent Fares – One Day to Go!

4th August 2024

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
The Honourable Bart Mellish

50 cent fares kick off tomorrow and customers are encouraged to follow Translink's public transport tips to make their journey easier.

Public transport users can visit Translink's Service Capacity Tracker to view the predicted patronage on their service based on the day and time they are travelling. 

The best way to plan your journey is by visiting the Translink website or by calling 13 12 30.

Translink has released a range of tips and tricks to assist public transport users with the start of 50 cent fares tomorrow.

For the next six months, all fares on South East Queensland buses, trains (excluding Airtrain), ferries, trams, on demand services, and regional urban bus services will be 50c.

The 50 cent flat rate fares trial will save some customers thousands of dollars during the six-month period.

Whether you frequently catch public transport, are returning to public transport or looking to make the most of the cheapest public transport fares in Queensland's history, below are some tips and suggestions to make your journey easier.

To help ensure a positive experience when using public transport, customers are encouraged to follow the below tips and tricks:

Services in South East Queensland are cashless, so have your go card, contactless card or smart device (for travel on trains, trams and Brisbane River ferries) or valid paper ticket ready.

Arrive at your stop five minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Use the Translink app or journey planner on the Translink website to plan your journey in advance.

To hail a bus, stand in a visible location and raise your hand early to ensure the bus driver can see you and has enough time to safely stop the bus.

To get off a bus, press the stop button well before your stop, to allow the driver to stop smoothly and safely.

Don't forget to tap on and tap off

Treat all public transport staff and other passengers with courtesy and respect (see Passenger Code of Conduct).

If you're transferring to another service, your fare will still be 50 cents, as long as you transfer within the time limit.

Service Capacity Tracker:

South East Queensland public transport users can also use Translink's upgraded Service Capacity Tracker to view a forecast of the space available on each service based on the day and time they are travelling.

Launched in 2020 to help customers predict available space on public transport services during COVID-19 restrictions, the Service Capacity Tracker has been revamped ahead of the launch of the 50c fare trial.

Using a combination of historical patronage data and forecast travel behaviour changes, the tracker provides customers an insight into the likely capacity availability in a simplified "traffic light" display.

Payment options for public transport:

go cards can be used on any Translink bus, train, ferry, and tram services in SEQ.

SEQ customers travelling on an adult fare can also tap on and tap off any SEQ train, tram or Brisbane River ferry service using their contactless debit/credit card or smart device, as well as their go card.

Customers paying for their travel with a go card can buy or top up their go card at more than 680 locations across SEQ including:

Selected retailers where you see the 'buy' or 'top-up' symbol.
Attended Queensland Rail station ticket offices.
Fare machines at train stations, tram stations, busway stations, and selected bus interchanges (adult cards only).
Alternatively, go cards can be purchased or topped up online at the Translink website or over the phone by calling 13 12 30.

The easiest way to ensure you always have enough money to travel is to activate auto top-up on your go card. You can set this up by registering your go card online on the Translink website.

When your go card balance falls below $5, it will automatically top-up with the amount of your choice.

In South East Queensland, paper tickets are available for purchase from on-platform fare machines at major stations and interchanges, as well as ticket offices at attended Queensland Rail train stations.

In regional areas, paper tickets are available for purchase on-board buses.

Park 'n' rides:

Translink provides dedicated parking facilities close to public transport hubs, known as park 'n' rides. These facilities allow customers to 'park' their vehicle and 'ride' public transport to complete their journey.

Modelling indicates the forecast patronage uplift could impact the availability of parking at certain stations, park 'n' ride facilities, and bus interchanges.

These impacts are not dissimilar to what was experienced at these locations prior to COVID, where demand for parking was high but at sustainable levels.

Customers are always encouraged to consider active and alternative transport options, such as walking, cycling, or catching connecting bus services.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Bart Mellish:

"This is a fantastic cost of living initiative by the Miles Labor Government, with Queenslanders set to save hundreds of dollars over the next 6 months.

"We want to make sure it's a positive experience for both new and existing public transport users. 

"It might be a little busier than usual, so remember – be patient, be cool, be safe, and make use of the tips that Transklink have put together to make your journey more comfortable.

"I encourage everyone to jump on board public transport and make the most of these cheap fares to visit some of the great places not only in South East Queensland, but also on our regional bus networks."

Quotes attributable to Department of Transport and main Roads Director General, Sally Stannard:

"It's just one day to go until the cheapest public transport fares in Queensland's modern history.

"We know people are excited for the 50 cent fares trial but we also want to ensure a positive experience for both new and existing public transport users, so it's important to plan your journey in advance and have your preferred payment method ready.

"It's important to remember this is a trial and Translink will monitor all aspects of it closely to inform future decisions around services and fares.

"Customers are encouraged to plan their journey in advance by visiting the Translink website, using the Translink app or by calling 13 12 30."

For more information on the 50 cent trial, visit the Translink website.

ENDS

https://x.com/railbotforum/status/1819902387039142380

Please post any 50 cent fare observations, comments, other happenings that you may notice on the public transport network from tomorrow in this thread please   

The first person who notes a punter getting on board a SEQ bus and offering the driver a 50 cent piece will get a   

Commuters on Monday: 

I expect a busy day media wise tomorrow (5th August).

Already booked for an interview 4BC ~ 8:10am,  ABC Radio Brisbane ~ 4pm.

Brisbanetimes --> All aboard! 50-cent public transport fares kick off on Monday $

QuoteOne of the state government's most anticipated initiatives is about to get under way, with 50 cent fares on public transport kicking off across Queensland from Monday.

Under the six-month trial, bus, train, ferry and light-rail fares will be slashed to 50 cents per trip as part of a wide range of cost-of-living measures introduced by the Miles government.

Ahead of the introduction, public transport users have been urged to plan their trips and visit the Translink website to view tips and the predicted patronage on their service. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1820122284587434480

Extra buses and drivers on standby as cheap public transport trial begins | 7NEWS

Government Statement

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/101016

Miles Doing What Matters: Commuters set to save $150 million thanks to 50 cent fares

5th August 2024

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier
The Honourable Steven Miles

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment
The Honourable Cameron Dick

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
The Honourable Bart Mellish

. Miles Government landmark 50 cent fares initiative begins today.

. All Translink public transport fares right around Queensland now just 50 cents from today, for a period of six months.

. Airtrain fares will also be cut in half from today, down to about $11.

. The 50 cent fare trial is estimated to save commuters $150 million this financial year.

Miles Government landmark 50 cent fares initiative begins today.
All Translink public transport fares right around Queensland now just 50 cents from today, for a period of six months.
Airtrain fares will also be cut in half from today, down to about $11.
The 50 cent fare trial is estimated to save commuters $150 million this financial year.
Queensland's nation leading 50 cent fares trial has started today, Monday 5 August.

All Translink public transport services – including train, bus, tram, on demand transport and ferry – right around the state will now have a flat 50 cent fare, no matter how far you travel.

It's expected the initiative will save commuters $150 million over the six month trial – putting money back in the pockets of Queenslanders when they need it most.

The major cost of living initiative is part of an over $11 billion package of savings and concessions delivered by the Miles Government.

It builds on $1,000 energy bill rebates for every Queensland household and a 20 per cent cut to rego.

Airtrain fares will also be cut in half from today, down to $10.95 for go card and Smart Ticketing users and $11 for paper ticket customers.

Airtrain's Weekly Worker Ticket will reduce from $43 to $21.50, and the workers Book of 20 tickets will reduce from $120 to $60.

More Queenslanders travelling by public transport will also help bust congestion, particularly across the South East.

Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Rail, Translink and Brisbane City Council will be working closely over the six month trial to monitor the impacts onboard and on our roads.

Customers are encouraged to plan their travel in advance using the Translink Journey Planner.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

"Today, all Queenslanders can take advantage of a flat 50 cent public transport fare, no matter how you travel or how far.

"It's always struck me that we charge the people who travel the furthest the most, when those are likely the people who can least afford it.

"And, those are the long distance travellers that we want to get off our busy roads, like the M1 and Bruce Highway.

"It's my hope that because of my government's nation leading 50 cent fares we can recover to those pre-COVID patronage levels, while also reducing congestion and creating some new travel habits.

"Ultimately, this will save those who are already catching the bus or train a lot of money and save those who are driving even more.

"Your regular bus or train might be a little busier from today, but I want to assure Queenslanders that we will be keeping a close eye on our networks at every step."

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:

"I am so proud to be a part of a Government that is implementing new and exciting strategies to help Queenslanders deal with national and global cost of living pressures.

"We know Queenslanders are feeling the pinch and I see that every day in my electorate and across the entire state.

"By making public transport fares are almost free, families will be able to pay their bills, put food on the table and provide for their families. "

Quotes attributable to Transport Minister Bart Mellish:

"This is a monumental cost of living initiative by the Miles Labor Government.

"There is capacity on the public transport network, with current patronage sitting at around 87 per cent of pre-COVID levels.

"Translink, TMR and Queensland Rail have been working closely with all of our public transport providers, doing everything they can to make this trial run smoothly.

"Don't forget to tap on and tap off if you are using a go card – and remember, be patient, be cool and be safe."

ENDS

https://x.com/railbotforum/status/1820196619440316626

Quote from: #Metro on August 04, 2024, 10:03:27 AM

Quote from: ABC News"If you can't easily walk to the station, I think it's going to be hard for most people in that situation to end up choosing public transport regularly," she said.

Station access is where you can get to in about 10 min. Walk up has the smallest catchment area, while car has the largest. Bus is in between.

P&R is a taboo access mode for many, but it does have a legitimate place in PT network design precisely because there will always be cases where a TOD or a frequent feeder bus will be less competitive than just parking at the station.

I think most people agree there is a legitimate place for some P&R, particularly at outer stations with very low density housing etc.
Where most people get their back up regarding P&R is when it is used as the main option of station access rather than last resort, which is precisely what has been happening for years in QLD and much of Aus.
You yourself have argued plenty against P&R up until relatively recently.
P&R has no place in the inner city areas with a properly connected network (something we desperately need).

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1820205553693671782

Please post any 50 cent fare observations, comments, other happenings that you may notice on the public transport network from today in this thread please   

The first person who notes a punter getting on board a SEQ bus and offering the driver a 50 cent piece will get a   

Even outer cbd has access issues if you want to use a bus feeder. Take Albion-Eagle Junction. Albion has no true feeder. It has the 306/322 but the timetabling is very inconsistent (check peak hour and you have anything from a 1 minute wait between services right up to 62 minute gaps). The 320 bypasses Albion inbound. West of the station there's nothing. Easier to drive. Wooloowin is the same. Hilly elevation with no feeders on either side. Easier to drive. Eagle junction is a bit better but in some instances some prefer to drive there instead of catching a local train ie Doomben Line. Go further north and you have other problems such as network zone. Using a bus + train in Northgate-Toombul is a 2 zone trip. Catching the train only is a 1 zone trip. No feeders in Nundah so easier to drive. Since you are driving and zone 1 goes to Northgate you can then choose to drive further and get home quicker because you are travelling anti peak direction. And you can repeat the process going north. Its just a sh%t show and shows how much we need a network and station access review. By station access I mean the individual access to each platform ie wooloowin P1 and P4. 50 cent fares might reduce some issues but can also contribute to more issues as peoples modes change.

Real-time bus tracker on the Translink app working for anyone? No buses in my area showing bus location?

Edit:  Bus turned up.  Load pretty much the same -212.

Late: Edit.  Inner City stops (Stanely Street) had more people than usual but that could easily be a timing thing as well.

My observations from Loganholme were basically "All quiet on the Western Front."

We arrived at Loganholme's notoriously small Park n Ride at 7:15ish and the carpark was maybe a few cars more full than usual for that time, but we still got a park easy enough. Mick De Brenni and team were there handing out survey flyers, and there was an on-station transport officer as well (the type with a clipboard and radio that you get when organising large scale events or rail buses), but the crowds were no heavier than normal for a Monday (Monday's being fairly light in the era of work from home). We jumped on a 555 that arrived just as we got there, but I did note that the queue for the express buses was pretty well as per normal.

Beyond Loganholme, crowds were little changed at Springwood, but a bit heavier at 8 Mile Plains (the latter having Translink-branded Transport Officers on platform too). To give you an idea, 8MP's crowd was akin to what you get if a 111 had been missed or was running late - not quite Suncorp game day or anything. I did see some more BCC-branded radio staff along the way in (Griffith Uni I think it was), but no tidal wave of passengers. I was on one of Clarks' artics, and had the two seats to myself the whole ride in.

I think tomorrow might be the better day to gauge - Tuesdays often have heavier traffic than Mondays. Also, while I kept an eye out for any Brisbane Metro buses in revenue service, I didn't spot any.

 

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1820229879432192393?t=lFVk2Rr2RNcmaVrR2DxzXQ&s=19

Yes, Mondays lot quieter post pandemic. Presently on 528, following on from 527. Usual light pax loading. Missus was on peak down train from Goodna to Central said heavy loading.

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1820240015768879322?t=F6BShAxCLcKbbPV1R7oH4A&s=19

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1820252499368165602?t=TBfet2_IrJ2v7FVV7PnxZw&s=19

I'm not expecting some giant flood.  Very much business as usual this morning on the way in.

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1820262597431824828?t=iiEl7e3eUfun85IwdbO5Dw&s=19

I'm not on PT today but I swung past EMP on my way home this morning. Carpark absolutely packed all the way through to the back of the satellite carpark. Moreso than I've seen for a Monday post-pandemic