15 Jun 2014: Queensland: Unemployed need concession public transport

[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

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.msg143091#msg143091

[ozbob]

^ Fairfax radio news have followed up.  Thanks for the interest!   

[ozbob]

Media release 15th June 2014 re-released 30th 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 recently 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