10 Jul 2008: SEQ: Is the Go card going to be finally going?

[ozbob]

Media Release 10 July 2008

SEQ:  Is the Go card going to be finally going?

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 noted that a position for Operations Manager Go Card has been advertised (1).  Is this a sign that we are finally going to get a go card that goes?

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

?We are delighted to see that a Manager of go card operations has been advertised. It is a very well paid position.?

?Has the go card users concerns finally been heard?  Will the go card become reliable on all modes of transport on the TransLink network?  Will the obvious failings with the marketing campaign, the promotional material and user guides be fixed?  Will a timely refund process of false fares and incorrectly charged penalties be put in place? Will further off peak and incentive fares be forthcoming? Will the go card system be able to tell the time? Will proper go card user education campaigns be put in place??

?If nothing else, the new Manager of go card operations would be well advised to actually listen to go card users? concerns.  Something that Translink failed to do.?

?RAIL Back On Track is a strong supporter of the go card.  Unfortunately, it has been a comic tragedy the roll out to this point in time.  We welcome the recent announcement of frequent user fare mark two, but believe there is still much to be done to get a high uptake of the go card.?

?This evening as I passed through Roma Street Station I was offered a free promotional go card, and at the same time a mX newspaper distributor was thrusting a copy of the day?s paper in my hand with the lead article ?Go soft on fare evaders ? No-fines for empty go cards?(2).?

?It was a very special ?go? moment ?. I touched on with my well charged go card and proceeded to platform 8 for my comfortable ride home!?

References:

1.  http://tinyurl.com/56dx64

2. Brisbane mX 10 July 2008 page 1

Contact:
Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

ABC Radio Brisbane 612 did a short follow up interview today (11th July) on the go card operations manager and some of the go card issues.

Thanks for the opportunity to discuss these matters Spencer.

Regards
Admin