go card abuse - short trips

[ozbob]

It has been reported and observed by a number of folks that some  people who touch on when entering a bus are then basically touching off when they move down the back, or touch off early.  This is listed as an offence but I am not sure if there is much other than direct observation that can be done to stop it. 

Should TTOs  board the people who have touched off early will probably just get off. 

This can't be done in the same way on rail of course because it means leaving the train and then continuing on the next service.

I have often thought that the problems with the gps and intermittent touch issues including time problems, could be overcome with a zone rationalisation and flat fares on the buses. I understand this is the approach on the London buses.  This would certainly stop this short trip problem that is occurring on the buses.  Be interesting to see if anything is done to address this growing problem.

[Mozz]

I would suggest that where ever there is a system which requires payment, there will be an element of the population which will attempt to exploit it for their benefit and this concept is not a new one. If our gocard system has been implemented successfully in many other places in the world then we should in theory have a world class first rate implementation of the gocard integrated ticketing system.

The simple issues which continue to be highlighted with the Qld implementation of the gocard should have already been resolved elsewhere and if not then it should be a simple matter to locate a solution with other previously successful world wide implementations.

Or put simply "I can't believe that this and many other issues currently being identified, haven't been encountered elsewhere in the world"

[ozbob]

I have contacted the TTA concerning this matter, although I would expect they are already aware of it.

I think the TTA is now trying to sort out the issues they picked up from Translink mark 1.  The fact that the equipment on the ferries is not designed for out door use also suggests a lack of due diligence when this contract was set up.

Question?  Has anyone seen a TTO use a mobile card reader on a bus to check go card status of users cards?

[Emmie]

Question?  Has anyone seen a TTO use a mobile card reader on a bus to check go card status of users cards?

No - and I haven't seen it done on the trains either.  Every time the inspectors have gone through my train carriage checking tickets, I've shown them my GO card and they just nod - it makes me wonder why I bother to touch on and off, when clearly I could just carry it along for showing inspectors.  Damn - it must be my basic honesty.

Emmie

[ozbob]

Hi Emmie,

The TTOs have just been issued with the mobile readers, so expect to see them in use now.

It was rather odd that they weren't available from roll out.

Regards
Bob

[ozbob]

The reason I asked if anyone has seen a TTO use a mobile go card reader on the bus is because that according to some reports the TTOs are not allowed to use them on the buses for safety reasons.  Something to do with not being able to maintain two points of contact. Eg. foot and hand hold whilst using the reader.

Anyone able to confirm this please?  Email me at admin@backontrack.org if necessary.

If they can't use the mobile readers on the buses then this is potentially a rort of major proportions (ie. the early touch off on buses).

Thanks.

Regards
Bob

[GOody]

Question?  Has anyone seen a TTO use a mobile card reader on a bus to check go card status of users cards?

I havn't, but a friend claims to have. He's extremely unlikely to be mistaken!

Apparently the mobile readers are kludgy. Checking involves a couple of taps of the card and pressing some buttons. I can see how this could pose a safety issue as it's a 2 handed affair.

Perhaps the initial checks revealed this issue, and it's now become a WH&S issue?

[ozbob]

Thanks for the feedback GOody. I think you may be right that it is a WH&S issue.

Regards
Bob

[Huggies]

School kiddies use to do a simular sort of thing with the old Weekly & Monthly bus tickets by passing the ticket out the window to their mate for re-use.

[mufreight]

Passing the tickets on out the window was a rort regularly used by kids in one area when I drove, came to an abrupy halt though when we stareted using air conditioned coaches on the runs with sealed windows,
with the Go cards if a registered card is used it would be more than a little dicy and if caught out rather than charge the person concerned with evaging a fare they could be charged with fraud.  Simply not worth it.

[ButFli]

To reduce this method of abuse they could mount the rear go card readers on the outside of the bus.

Given that they can't get outdoor readers for the ferries I'm guessing it's not exactly practical.

[dwb]

This is not a big deal. Translink officers can check you as you get off the bus. You don't have to be on the bus for them to enforce a fine. Just like fare enforcement happens in Melbourne.

[yobborobbo21]

Question?  Has anyone seen a TTO use a mobile card reader on a bus to check go card status of users cards?

I got checked on the Gold Coast line on Sunday and the device looks like it was touchscreen, havent seen them on a bus yet although the checkers have frequented Sunshine Plaza in the last couple of weeks.

[Mozz]

Haven't seen the mobile readers used by TTO's on on buses but don't travel them that much. Saw the first ever TTO's with mobile readers checking gocards on the 3.51pm from Central to Redbank at around Sherwood - good to see the readers finally made it into use.