1 Jun 2008: SEQ: Go card needs a jump start

[ozbob]

Media Release 1 June 2008

SEQ:  Go card needs a jump start

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 suggested that an urgent recovery program for the go card needs to be implemented.

The public transport community has serious concerns now with the operation of the go card and in some cases commuters are no longer using it because of the hit and miss nature of its operation on some transport modes and the clumsy refund process of incorrectly debited penalties and fares.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

?RAIL Back On Track is a strong supporter of the go card as we believe there are great potential efficiency gains for our Translink transport network with a go card that is reliable and equitable. If this is achieved, we believe go card uptake greater than 95% is possible.  This would have a very favourable impact on the buses and ferries with respect to decreased loading times, and would allow for virtually real time passenger loading data to be monitored and further facilitate the deployment of transport resources.?

?The continuing issues with the go card are raising a lot of doubts with the public transport users and is a marketing disaster.?

?The present administrative practices of poor communication and poor policy with respect to the go card must be turned around.?

?The go card is convenient when it works.  The online management of the go card is very good and is a great benefit to registered card users.  I have been using the go card since early February, mainly on rail and have had no problems on rail but some issues on the buses and ferries (1). Most of the present issues relate to system problems on the buses and ferries.  The other major issue of concern is the nature of the frequent user fare scheme; it is not an incentive for uptake as in many cases it is more expensive for commuters than the present integrated paper ticketing.?

?It is time Translink took notice of commuter feedback on the go card.  RAIL Back On Track members have put forward a number of suggestions to improve the go cards operation (2).  It would be sensible to take these suggestions on board and get the go card really going!

?Here is a summary of key our suggestions to get the go card going:

1.  Reduce the base fares on the go card by 30%.  This would make it essentially cost neutral for all compared to paper ticketing and overall will be revenue neutral as it will help shift people to the card and there will be the same revenue either paper or card essentially. Go card users will be more tolerant of issues as they will not be getting ripped off fare wise.  Keep everything else the same.

2.  Expedite the refund process - two working days maximum. Delay the increase in touch penalties for six months.

3.  Delay the withdrawal of ten trippers on Brisbane Transport buses and ferries for at least another 3 months, to give a window to sort out the GPS issues in the CBD and review the operation of the rear door readers.

4.  Conduct an urgent review of the data tables and code for the system. Incorporate simple logic traps to capture and stop 'double touches', phantom penalties and so forth.

5.  Run a sweep of the user database overnight daily to flag and refund obvious penalties and overcharges without the need for user initiation of refund process.

6.  Once system working introduce further ticketing incentives, capping and off peak.?

?If the system is made reliable there are great potential benefits for our public transport.  We are very supportive of the card, we want it to work and work right!?

References:

1.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=486.0

2.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=810.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]