SEQ Fare Review Taskforce

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard 31st August 2016

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2016/2016_08_31_DAILY.pdf

Public Transport, Fares

Ms LINARD: My question is to the Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games. Will the
minister provide an update on the results of consultation on the government's Fairer Fares package?

Mr HINCHLIFFE: I thank the member for Nudgee for her question and note her very strong
commitment to public transport. From January 2017, the Queensland government's Fairer Fares
package will benefit more than 93 per cent of public transport users and provide real cost-of-living relief
for South-East Queenslanders. Our Fairer Fares package represents the single largest improvement
to public transport fares in a decade.

The community feedback on these changes has been overwhelmingly positive. During the
consultation period, there were 30,756 visits to the Fairer Fares web page on the TransLink website,
with 3,555 customers providing direct feedback via a 10-question survey to inform future fare planning.
Queenslanders have taken the time to evaluate how the Fairer Fares package may change their
fares, with 40,579 calculations being made on the online fare calculator. Impressively, a quarter of all
survey respondents indicated that they would use more public transport as a result of the Fairer Fares
package. Overwhelmingly, the Queensland public responded favourably to the reduction in the number
of zones from 23 to eight, with the lower fares across all of those zones.

However, I am concerned because, as best I can tell, one group has not responded to the
government's consultation process. Despite industry, commuter and community groups welcoming and
supporting the package, there has been a deafening silence from one group in Queensland. The
Queensland LNP has been completely mute on the delivery of the Fairer Fares package to the people
of South-East Queensland.

I hunted for some further information. I reviewed the package of things that happened at the
LNP's state convention over the weekend. I am sorry to report to the parliament that, unfortunately,
there was not a motion—not a peep—about Fairer Fares or public transport. But there still might be
hope. The local LNP branch of the shadow minister for transport, the member for Glass House, had a
helpful idea. Resolution 79 was to establish an ideas office. There you have it—the ideas office for the
brains trust opposite. The Fairer Fare reforms are great news for Queenslanders. They will ease
cost-of-living pressures.

Ms Palaszczuk: Did it get up?

Mr HINCHLIFFE: I do not know whether it got up. I think ideas got voted down. They were not big
on ideas at the LNP convention. There were probably a whole lot of motions against science as well. I
think ideas would be in danger. Fairer Fares is a great package for South-East Queensland. I call on
the LNP to jump in behind it.

Mr SPEAKER: Thank you, members. Question time has expired.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Cheaper fares for job seekers and asylum seekers

Job seekers and asylum seekers will get half-price public transport fares from Monday.

The changes, part of the Fairer Fares package, take effect from today and allow eligible people to access concession rates.

Other elements of Fairer Fares, such as slashing travel zones and extending the off-peak discount, began in December 2016.

It comes as the government announces yet another timetable change for Queensland Rail, with changes to services set for Easter.

Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Jackie Trad said the cheaper fares would increase job prospects for Queenslanders looking for work and new asylum seekers joining the community.

"These fare concessions will encourage travel across the Queensland public transport network connecting job seekers with employment services and job interviews," Ms Trad said.

"Asylum seekers who also rely on public transport to access important services like education and settlement support services will be able to apply.

"We have a responsibility to help those in our community who are often doing it tough while they are looking for work and accessing community services."

Eligible applicants include job seekers on Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance and asylum seekers.

People can apply via the TransLink website and, if eligible, the concession will be applied to their go card within 14 days or a concession card will arrive by mail within 14 business days.

Asylum seekers may also visit their Status Resolution Support Service. ...

[ozbob]

Brisbane public transport: Cheaper fares for job seekers and asylum seekers > https://t.co/Pgr4DsQIVW via @brisbanetimes #qldpol finally!

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 2, 2017

This was promised by @QLDLabor Oct 2014!
Better late than never, bit like @QueenslandRail fail service hey?@jackietrad Thank you.#qldpol https://t.co/UX6KNoqiSH

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 2, 2017

Some good news to counter the #railfail reduced service weekend/Easter timetable shambles & no regard to connections!#qldpol#wearenotdumb https://t.co/9TV8wBsMLm

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 2, 2017

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2017/4/3/vital-public-transport-concessions-for-job-seekers-and-asylum-seekers

Media Statements
Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jackie Trad
Monday, April 03, 2017

Vital public transport concessions for job seekers and asylum seekers

The Palaszczuk Government will drastically reduce public transport fares for job seekers and asylum seekers, improving access to important community services and employment opportunities.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad said the fare concessions would start today and provide eligible applicants with a 50 per cent discount.

"The Palaszczuk Government is committed to increasing job prospects for Queenslanders who are looking for work and new asylum seekers joining our community," Ms Trad said.

"Affordable and easy travel is vital to achieve this, that's why these fare concessions will be provided from today.

"These fare concessions will encourage travel across the Queensland public transport network connecting job seekers with employment services and job interviews.

"Asylum seekers who also rely on public transport to access important services like education and settlement support services will be able to apply.

"We have a responsibility to help those in our community who are often doing it tough while they are looking for work and accessing community services.

"By reducing the cost of public transport for job seekers and asylum seekers, we are delivering on a promise made under the Fairer Fares package."

Eligible applicants include job seekers on Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance and asylum seekers.

People will be able to apply via the Translink website and, if eligible, the concession will be applied to their go card within 14 days or a concession card will arrive by mail within 14 business days. Asylum seekers may also visit their local Status Resolution Support Service.

For further information visit: www.translink.com.au (external site)

ENDS

[verbatim9]

That's​ good news for job seekers! Was a long time in waiting. This government needs to be congratulated on reform. Hopefully people who fare evade will start paying, as it will be quite affordable for all.

Sent from my XT1562 using Tapatalk

[SurfRail]

Focus now moves to HCC holders.

[Derwan]

Focus now moves to HCC holders.

There was me thinking that this would be the eligibility criteria.  But no - we have to go and add additional categories - each of which will have to be checked and verified.

It'd be made a hell of a lot simpler by just having health care cards as the eligibility criteria.

[ozbob]

Been booked for an interview later this morning by 7 News re new fare structure.

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> Fare concessions for jobseekers and asylum seekers

The Queensland government has reduced public transport fares for jobseekers and asylum seekers as part of its Fairer Fares package.

Announcing the change, the transport minister and deputy premier, Jackie Trad, said that those eligible — asylum seekers, and individuals on Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance — would receive a 50 per cent discount.

"These fare concessions will encourage travel across the Queensland public transport network connecting job seekers with employment services and job interviews," the minister said.

"Asylum seekers who also rely on public transport to access important services like education and settlement support services will be able to apply."

The new concessions, applicable from early April, form part of the government's Farer Fairs program which started in December 2016 across South East Queensland.

Minister Trad stated that these latest additions focused on providing better access to employment and services for eligible groups.

"We have a responsibility to help those in our community who are often doing it tough while they are looking for work and accessing community services.

"By reducing the cost of public transport for job seekers and asylum seekers, we are delivering on a promise made under the Fairer Fares package."

Applications are to be made through the Translink website and eligible individuals will receive the concession on their go travel card within 14 days. Asylum seekers looking to apply may also do so through the Status Resolution Support Service.

[ozbob]

Been booked for an interview later this morning by 7 News re new fare structure.

Completed!  Might make the cut for this evening's bulletin, could be later in the week. 

[ozbob]

24th April 2017
   
Media Release
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jackie Trad

Free travel extended for Veterans

The Palaszczuk Government is extending a pass for Queensland veterans to travel free on public transport as well as providing free transport for veterans andtheir families to ANZAC Day services.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad today announced validity of the Totally and Permanently Incapacitated and Extreme Disablement Adjustment (TPI/EDA) Pass would be extended from five to 10 years.

"In recognition of their service to our country and to assist their mobility and participation in the community veterans are eligible for unlimited free travel on public transport services throughout Queensland," the Premier said.

"By extending the validity period of the pass to 10 years we are reducing the amount of time, effort and cost for our veterans and helping them to feel confident accessing and using public transport in Queensland."

Queensland TPI Association President Chris Richards said the extended 10-year validity for TPI/EDA veterans was great news for veterans.

"The Association appreciates this valuable contribution to its members who are able to access public transport services," Mr Richards said.

To be eligible for a TPI/EDA Pass, applicants must be Queensland residents and hold a Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card that is embossed TPI or EDA.

Ms Trad said veterans and their families would also be able to travel to services on ANZAC Day.

"As a mark of respect to the men and women who have served our country, veterans wearing their uniform or service medals can travel for free across all TransLink bus, train, ferry and tram services in South East Queensland," Ms Trad said.

"Accompanying family members wearing service medals and children participating in ceremonies representing scouts, girl-guides and military associations will also be able to travel free while wearing their official uniform.

"We will be offering increased and earlier services across the network to assist people to get to dawn services and the ANZAC Day March.

"Extra train services will arrive at Central station between 3am and 3:50am giving customers time to make their way from the station to Anzac Square by dawn at 4:28am.

"We will also have additional bus services and CityCat services in both directions to take passengers attending the service to and from the city.

"Like all public holidays we encourage people to plan their journey ahead of time by heading to translink.com.au or calling 13 12 30."

For more information about TPI/EDA Pass holders entitlements, please contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads at translink@translink.com.au, visit www.translink.com.au or telephone 13 12 30.

[ozbob]

Been booked for an interview later this morning by 7 News re new fare structure.

Completed!  Might make the cut for this evening's bulletin, could be later in the week. 

How to cut travel costs on public transport. @LauraDymock #7News pic.twitter.com/X8Rbg1TogH

— 7 News Queensland (@7NewsQueensland) April 24, 2017

[ozbob]

Exclusive: Government ad campaign to push Brisbane commuters to take advantage of travel discounts. @SimoLove #7News pic.twitter.com/dFqA0aMLMm

— 7 News Queensland (@7NewsQueensland) April 26, 2017

[ozbob]

The new fare structure is a success @jackietrad
Why? Govt listened.
Time you all started to listen again .. we are not mad.#qldpol pic.twitter.com/bxFrhenbUk

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 26, 2017

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2017/2017_08_08_DAILY.pdf

Ministerial Statements

Fairer Fares

Hon. JA TRAD (South Brisbane—ALP) (Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport and Minister for
Infrastructure and Planning) (9.47 am): The Palaszczuk Labor government's Fairer Fares policy has
made public transport cheaper and helped ease the cost-of-living pressure for many people right across
South-East Queensland. I am pleased today to be able to provide an end of financial year analysis for
our Fairer Fares policy. I am delighted to be able to report that the Palaszczuk Labor government's
Fairer Fares package has helped save more than $34 million for South-East Queenslanders since its
introduction in December last year. More than 80 million passenger trips have benefitted from the
reduced fares, with customers on average saving 43 cents per trip. By reducing the travel zones—
Mr Crandon interjected.
Mr SPEAKER: Member for Coomera, if you persist you will be warned under standing order
253A. You have had a pretty good go.
Ms TRAD: Over 80 million passenger trips have benefited from reduced fares, with customers
saving on average 43 cents per trip. By reducing the travel zones from 23 to eight wider zones, Fairer
Fares has succeeded in making public transport more affordable and it has simplified the TransLink
network, making it cheaper and easier to use than ever before.
Passengers throughout the south-east, on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast and at Ipswich,
Logan and Brisbane, are now benefiting from this government's investment in Fairer Fares. Fairer Fares
is helping everyday Queensland commuters and families save on the daily cost of public transport. It is
also making it easier for those who need it the most. Through the new concession fares this government
introduced in April 2017, Fairer Fares is giving a much needed break to jobseekers receiving the
Newstart Allowance or youth allowance as well as to asylum seekers who reside in Queensland. Fairer
Fares not only helps the unemployed and asylum seekers access the job market; it also helps connect
them to health, education and vital support services.
Fairer Fares is also helping families get out and about to visit friends and families and access the
many great leisure activities on offer in the beautiful South-East Queensland region. The 'free weekend
go card travel for kids' initiative is proving hugely popular, with families saving more than $400,000 and
taking more than 807 extra trips per day compared to the same time last year. Regular users and
commuters are also reaping the rewards of Fairer Fares through the 'eight trips and half price' initiative.
Almost six million passenger journeys have benefitted from the 'eight trips and half price' initiative, with
customers saving more than $7.5 million since the introduction of Fairer Fares. Fairer Fares is putting
money back into the pockets of South-East Queenslanders and I know that commuters, families and
concession card holders appreciate this very practical cost-of-living relief

[ozbob]

Public Transport Fares Advisory Panel > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=13503.0