Ministerial Statement: Opposition puts foot in it by taking swipe at go card

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
02/02/2009

Opposition puts foot in it by taking swipe at go card

Criticism of the go card by the Liberal National Party Opposition reveals its lack of understanding of crucial aspects of the card's operation and performance, Transport Minister John Mickel said today.

Mr Mickel said the Opposition's transport spokesman Mr Tim Nicholls had paraded his ignorance when he talked about "commuters having problems swiping on and swiping off" with the go card.

"If Mr Nicholls had even a basic grasp of how the go card works, he would know that swiping the card is definitely not the way to use it.

"All of the publicity and information around the use of go card has emphasised the need to touch on and off with the card, and not swipe it.

"Mr Nicholls is the last person that go card users should be listening to. If they heeded his advice, then there's every chance their go card would not work properly.

"If Mr Nicholls wants to have any credibility at all, he should inform himself about some of the basic features of the go card system, including how it operates by users touching on and touching off."

Mr Mickel said the go card had marked its first anniversary with an impressive uptake and usage of the cards across the TransLink network, and substantial falls in enquiries and complaints.

"We will soon reach a quarter of a million go cards in circulation. We are now at 234,000 cards sold, about 17.4 million trips taken, and approximately $47 million loaded onto the cards.

"This strong debut by go card has been in part due to a education and awareness campaign, which has familiarised the public with the card and its benefits since last October.

"By December, the go card had already surpassed the sales target set for June 2009.

"The doom and gloom merchants like Mr Nicholls should familiarise themselves with these facts about the go card's performance, instead of trying to mislead people into believing it is beset by problems.

"People are telling us what they think of the new go card ticketing system the only way that counts - by buying it and using it."

Mr Mickel said TransLink closely monitored feedback from its customers and this feedback was used to continually enhance the go card system.

Customer feedback and queries - including complaints - regarding the go card system had decreased every month since its launch in January 2008 and were now at record low levels of 16 queries per 10,000 trips.

"As patronage and go card use has soared, the level of feedback and queries are a tenth of what they were in February 2008.

"This reflects users' growing familiarity with how to use the card, the education and awareness campaign and also the reliability of the system."

Mr Mickel said the go card made using public transport quicker and easier, with passengers no longer needing to carry change or waste time queuing for tickets.

"Our aim is to educate new users about the new technology, dispel the myths and to demonstrate how the go card is a truly integrated, flexible ticket - allowing travel across bus, train and ferry services on the TransLink network.

"The go card has transformed public transport use in south east Queensland. This is a world class system which puts the TransLink network at the forefront of public transport ticketing technology."

The go card was initially rolled out to Caboolture, Redcliffe and Sunshine Coast commuters on January 29, 2008. go cards were introduced into the greater Brisbane area and the Gold Coast (rail) in February 2008, and on Airtrain and Surfside services in June 2008.

The most recent patronage figures show that more than 137,000 trips were undertaken by go card users last Thursday, 29 January.

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[dwb]

Mickel does have a few good points here, the system really has improved drastically and is performing generally well a short period after its launch. I really wish they'd push it a bit harder though as I'm sick of waiting of all those people wanting to pay for the bus with coins.

Looking nationally and internationally despite some remaining flaws Go is delivering a fantastic system for SEQ. If the beeps, rail reader screens, gate speed and GUI of AAVMs are fixed and the web interface prettied up a bit, I'll be happy.  Monthly caps and a post-paid option would also suit me along with further integration - think Gabba/Suncorp/Skilled stadium entry for events, newspaper stands and vending machines.

Just think, compared to Sydney and Melbourne we're years ahead of their game!

[GOody]

I can smell an election in the air with the cheap shots taken at the opposition.

Mickel has spun a story that is not entirely true. The go card is not ready for mass consumption, and Translink do not listen to complaints.