Article: No rise in ticket cost

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mx 8th July 2009 page 9

No rise in ticket cost

Bus, train and ferry users have been given an early Christmas present of sorts, after TransLink decided to hold off on public transport fare rises until next year.

Paper ticket fares have risen each years for the past three years, but Translink will until early 2010 before implementing another increase.

TransLink said fares had risen in line with inflation over the past three years but said no commitment have been made on costings for next year.

A zone 1 adult daily paper ticket costs $4.80, while a zone 1-7 adult daily ticket is $10.40.

[ozbob]

Does this pave the way for a new fare structure on the go card?  

See here -->  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2165.msg10333#msg10333  (copy below)

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From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Cheaper fares proposal by mid-year: Translink

Cheaper fares proposal by mid-year: Translink
Tony Moore
April 21, 2009 - 6:04AM

Proposals for cheaper off-peak fares for trains, buses and ferries using the Go Card will go to Queensland Government by mid-year, a Translink spokesman confirmed last night.

Translink is investigating cheaper off-peak fares for buses, trains and ferries to tackle congestion among a range of incentives for commuters. It must report to government by mid-2009.

Traffic congestion on road, rail, bus and ferry is estimated by Brisbane City Council to cost Brisbane $9 billion each year by 2026.

The government is under pressure to respond to demands to make the Go Card more flexible after a stronger than expected response by Melbourne rail commuters to shift them out of the morning peak hour.

"Off peak fares for Go Cards are one of a range of products being considered by TransLink," the spokesman said.

"TransLink is required to present its preferred options to the State Government for consideration by the middle of the year," he said.

"This will form part of a long-term strategy for fares across South East Queensland."

Public transport lobby group "Rail: Back on Track" has consistently called for cheaper off peak fares on the Go Card to drive changes in commuter behaviour.

There are now 322,300 Go Cards in South East Queensland.

Spokesman Robert Dow last night welcomed Translink's commitment.

"That's good news, that's the first real public announcement we have had," Mr Dow said.

"Rail: Back on Track" has consistently argued that cheaper off-peak fares need to include buses, ferries and trains, rather than simple cut-price rail fares.

"It's a sign they seem to be getting on top of things and we can now look forward to more moves forward, I think."

Last week, Victoria's Transport Department reported on the first 12 months of free early morning train travel to encourage Melbourne's rail commuters to start work before 7am.

It showed the free train travel before 7am was used by 8600 commuters, of which more than 2000 - or 23 per cent - switched from the normal morning peak hour to get to work by 7am.

The Queensland Opposition backs trialling the early morning "free rail" scheme in Brisbane.

However Queensland Transport estimates it would cost $12 million each year.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan yesterday said she would have "a very good look" at the Melbourne experience, though she said providing more trains into the Citytrain rail network would remain Queensland Rail's main thrust.

Queensland Rail have added 81 new carriages to the Citytrain fleet since February 2008 and recently added a further 3750 "sitting and standing" places on five services on the Ipswich and Caboolture lines.

[Derwan]

I dare say that the delay is because the updated Go Card fare structure is not ready - so they've had to hold off until next year.  They make it sound like good news, when really it's because TransLink / Cubic has bungled once again!

[ButFli]

Keeping ticket prices down is great if it doesn't come at the expense of infrastructure improvements.