2016 fares

[ozbob]

For the states that report fare evasion figures, bus has the highest rates of fare evasion.

I have no reason to doubt that the same pattern is followed here.  Due to the secret state approach of mind-numbed Queensland bureaucracy we can only guess and observe huh?   

[Stillwater]

I wonder whether the fare review will address the anomaly whereby interstate visitors aged 60+ are able to use their interstate-issued Seniors Card to obtain concession fares in Queensland yet Queenslanders aged 60 to 65 and who do not have a Commonwealth Health Card pay full adult fare.  For Queenslanders, their Seniors concessional fares do not kick in until age 65.

[ozbob]

Nope ...

http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/fare-review-ToR

... Items that are out of scope for this review include:

    removing paper tickets
    requiring additional transport services
    broad discounting across all ticket types, without consideration of further structural reforms
    changing eligibility of existing state and federal concessions
    altering specific purpose products for other uses
    changes to fares and ticketing products outside of South East Queensland.
...

[ozbob]

The Observer (Gladstone) --> LETTER: Queensland's public transport is a farce

WHILE Queensland has the most expensive public transport in the nation and possibly the world, the State Government still insists on the annual rise in fares, sooner or later.

As a sweetener, it has "frozen" the fares till July 1, 2016, postponing the inevitable 2.5% rise until then. If Translink is running at a loss, as it is, it would make sense to follow the lead of other states and provide a more affordable service to those dependent upon it. With any increase in patronage, there is more income. Both WA and Victoria allow concession card holders free off-peak travel. NSW has a $2.50 daily card for concession card holders, thus encouraging this demographic to travel and socialise at a minimal charge for the whole day. WA and Victoria have similar. If these states can do this, why is Queensland not on the same page? Is our State Government merely cutting its nose off to spite its face?

Consequently, if you are a low-income individual or elderly on welfare, you are treated differently from other states which accommodate the needs of those who can least afford transport. Those on any welfare card in WA, can access concession travel rates. Not so here, where it must be a pension or seniors card to access concessions. Here, it actually discriminates against those who can least afford the high cost of public transport, discouraging the elderly and the like from a healthier lifestyle. With entertainment and shopping requiring leaving home and journeying to the relevant places, if you have no option but public transport in Queensland, you will pay more for the privilege than in other states, which consider your financial status with empathy and are proactive to ensure the cost is kept to a minimum.

The alternative is to travel in cars, taxis and carpooling. Again the State Government has that tied up! The fuel in Queensland is the dearest in the nation. Motoring has become a luxury for those who need or want the privilege. Registration and licence fees again discriminate against the poor. NSW allows concession card holders free licence and registration. There is no escaping the cost of transport for all demographics here. It has become the goose laying the endless golden eggs for the State Government. The social cost of these continual rises is hidden, impacting citizens who have paid their taxes and are now expecting some concessions in their latter years. For those on limited, fixed incomes or on welfare, the social cost is inestimable.

It is unconscionable that the State Government continually raises the cost of living to offset their budget sinkhole. It is almost an annual event to see the rise in the cost of living in Paradise. Utility and travel charges are the nation's most expensive.

With governments failing their constituents, not reigning in budgets and mismanagement, it befalls our most vulnerable to take up the slack. The proposed GST rise will only exacerbate this pain.

ELOISE ROWE, Tannum Sands

[ozbob]

Discussion thread for fare review is here > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11614.msg168475#msg168475