Article: Opposition wants ACCC inquiry into go cards

[ozbob]

From the Sunday Mail click here!

Opposition wants ACCC inquiry into go cards

Opposition wants ACCC inquiry into go cards
Article from: The Sunday Mail (Qld)

Darrell Giles

January 23, 2010 11:00pm

THE State Opposition has asked the consumer watchdog to investigate the Government's troubled electronic go card public transport scheme.

Liberal National Party transport spokeswoman Fiona Simpson has written to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission requesting an urgent investigation.

"It is my view that the inequitable fare increases on paper tickets and go cards and the off-peak fare discount being exclusively available to the go card breach various sections of the Trade Practices Act," Ms Simpson said.

Fares increased up to 40 per cent on traditional paper tickets this month, while go card fares went up about 15 per cent. Go card users received a 10 per cent discount if they travelled off peak.

Ms Simpson said many public transport users – particularly the elderly and financially disadvantaged – did not have access to computers to top up the go card.

"The limited purchase points for the go card force patrons to purchase travel fares at much higher rates via the paper tickets, thus implying 'exclusive dealing' and the contravention of the act," she said.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan announced this month that an extra 94 southeast Queensland train stations would be equipped to sell go cards following revelations that less than a quarter of stations sold them.

Ms Simpson said an estimated 60,000 commuter trips suffered from go card scanner malfunctions every week.

"Transport sources are reporting that 5 per cent of commuters could be experiencing difficulties with go cards," she said.

"Such a huge number of errors in what is supposed to be a hi-tech system is simply unacceptable."

[ozbob]

Media Release 24 January 2010

SEQ:  The go card crisis is real

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has again called for action to improve support for go card users, and the immediate introduction of a low cost daily fare for Seniors.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track has received considerable feedback from commuters encountering problems with the go card system, and from Seniors struggling with the cost of paper tickets.  Seniors have been promised an integrated Seniors Card with the Go card, but unless they go and purchase a card now are faced with massive 40% fare hikes on their paper ticketing.  Even on the go card many Seniors have highlighted the increase costs of travel as they go about their business - shopping, medical appointments, social engagements.

The introduction of a special Seniors' Daily fare would be of much assistance.  This could be set at the cost of two concession journeys in the desired zones.  This would then allow Seniors to continue to get out and about and not be prisoners in their own homes.  Easily programmed on the go card, a smart card that is kept in a 'dumbed down' state in the smart state."

"Other actions needed for improved go card support include:

1.  Immediate amnesty for new users - no questions refunds for two user failures.

2.  Clarification of when users can travel for free when equipment down at rail stations.  Not practical or safe to expect users to check every reader at a rail station.  We suggest change that to when the equipment is not operational on platform of departure or concourse as appropriate.  It would be a disaster if someone gets a $200 fine as the result of go card equipment failure.

3.  Introduction of a web based form, print version with free post, and a call back service for mobile users, and a free call number for others for reimbursement adjustment claims and so forth.  This would save money for everyone!

4.  A genuine commitment to further fare enhancements publicly spelt out, to include capping and periodical ticketing options.  Myki, Melbourne's smart card ticket is a stand out in this regard. The fare structure for the go card must be improved.

5.  Roll out of additional go card equipment at rail stations and bus stations as needed. Already reports of queuing at rail stations.  As numbers continue to surge this will become a major constant irritant and generate bad publicity unless addressed, and addressed quickly. Equipment also needs to be protected from the weather so that users can read the screens.

6.  A commitment and real policy of failed go card equipment to be fixed same day where possible, certainly within 24 hours at the most. Go card equipment to be clearly signed when not operational.  The message that comes up on many readers 'seek assistance' is just confusing and misleading.

7.  Introduction of much needed rail services, eg. Sunshine Coast, Ipswich Rosewood peak pm gap  More rail sweepers and bus services as well particularly on the busways.  Promises won't do it, the public needs to see immediate improvements.

8.  Immediate distribution of the free go cards promised as part of the new fare strategy.

9.  Proper information and user displays set up where folks can see the equipment that is used and practise.  Similar as the myki displays in Melbourne, but need not be as grand.   Much better customer go card education programs.

"The bumbling roll out and transition to the go card is causing great concern and angst with many.  Something must be done, and done fast."

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

The Courier Mail has finally added some blog comments to the article.

--> http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/comments/0,23836,26625692-3102,00.html

[ozbob]

Media Release

Fiona Simpson MP
Shadow Minister for Main Roads and Transport
Member for Maroochydore

24 January 2010

LNP calls for inquiry into unfair fare hikes

The Bligh Labor Government's public transport fare hikes could be the subject of an inquiry by the national competition and consumer watchdog.

The State Opposition has asked the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to investigate the price hikes of up to 40 per cent for commuters saying they're unfair fare increases.

LNP Shadow Transport Minister Fiona Simpson said the Labor Government had changed the prices to blackmail commuters into using Go Cards with even higher fares for paper ticket users, but then had failed to provide an easy and reliable service.

"The elderly and disadvantaged are particularly hard hit. However, even tech-savvy daily commuters have been frustrated with the lack of good customer service for Go Card and the failure rates which see them spending too much time on the phone seeking refunds for overcharging," Ms Simpson said.

"People just want a hassle free, affordable system which works. They don't want to be ripped off and that's what this is."
Paper tickets rose by up to 40 per cent this month, while Go Card fares went up about by up to 20 per cent.

Thousands of people have found they cannot buy Go Cards and top them up in their local communities, making easy purchase and continued use of the system difficult for those who do not want to use phone or internet banking.

For casual users such as tourists, it is also difficult to easily source the alternative to the paper ticket.

Ms Simpson said she had written to the ACCC asking for them to investigate the way the Bligh Labor Government had implemented the unfair fare changes saying she believed it was a contravention of consumer rights.

[ozbob]

I spoke to a number of citizens at the Southern Spirit train event today.  They expressed much concern about matters public transport particularly the roll out of the go card and the fare structures.  A number of senior citizens I met were very informed with respect to the concession travel in other states and highlighted the difficulty many are having with the new prices and systems.

I think it is a constructive development the Opposition contacting the ACCC, that is what oppositions should do in general terms.

I personally have some real concerns with discrimination issues with the go card system and fare structure as it stands.

The government really does need to listen to the community and start sorting out the obvious issues. 

We have highlighted them for some time. Continuing denial is getting no where.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Bligh defends 'faster, smoother' Go Card commuting

Bligh defends 'faster, smoother' Go Card commuting
January 25, 2010 - 5:00AM

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has defended the Go Card system following its referral for investigation to the consumer watchdog.

The state opposition has written to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission asking it to look into recent fare increases across the Translink system.

During the current phase-out of paper tickets across the network, those with Go Cards are paying about 30 per cent less for their fares than those buying paper tickets.

Opposition transport spokeswoman Fiona Simpson said the Government had changed the prices to blackmail commuters into using Go Cards but had failed to provide an easy and reliable service.

She said the elderly and disadvantaged were particularly hard hit by the discrepancies in price.

"People just want a hassle-free, affordable system which works," she said in a statement.

"They don't want to be ripped off and that's what this is."

But Ms Bligh said she was "very confident" that Queensland had some of the lowest fares anywhere in Australia.

"The Queensland public has invested heavily in a fully integrated Go Card ticket system," she told reporters in Brisbane.

"We need to make sure that the public gets the best value for that by making sure as many people as possible are using it."

She said the cards made for faster and smoother transport and Brisbane was one of the few cities in the world to successfully implement such a system.

AAP

[ozbob]

The Premier, is sadly misinformed.

[Nightwriter]

From the Queensland Times
http://www.qt.com.au/story/2010/01/25/seniors-given-help-with-go-card-system/

MEMBER for Ipswich and Transport Minister Rachel Nolan says TransLink's Go Ready education campaign would make it easier for Ipswich seniors to get information about Go Card.

Ms Nolan said TransLink representatives were visiting seniors' groups to answer questions and give away Go Cards.

"One of the Bligh Government's biggest priorities is to help ensure seniors enjoy the safety and convenience of Go Card," she said.

"I encourage seniors groups to phone TransLink on 13 12 30 or my electorate office on 3202 3452 if they would like a representative to visit and provide information about the Go Card."

To buy a Go Card, visit selected newsagents and train stations, 7-Eleven stores, phone 13 12 30 or go to www.translink.com.au.

[ozbob]

I think Seniors should be given free public transport till the end of February to enable them to obtain go cards and be trained properly in the use and in the go card system overall.

The so called education campaigns should have been well in place last year prior to the fare increases.

Helping hands - hired temps who in many cases probably haven't even used the go card is better than nothing.

Yes, Premier, a lot to do.

[Nightwriter]

I agree that the Govt/Translink have really botched this rollout - all of the measures they are taking now, should have been done last year.  Idiots.

The 'helping hands' - are they the Translink reps who, for example, stand at Roma St handing out brochures?

[ozbob]

Yes, the 'helping hands' are just the temps around place handing out the brochures, better than nothing.  We need proper user education displays like they have for the myki in Melbourne.  Folks can see the equipment and practise.

[O_128]

Yes, the 'helping hands' are just the temps around place handing out the brochures, better than nothing.  We need proper user education displays like they have for the myki in Melbourne.  Folks can see the equipment and practise.

How about a Go shop in central. Maybe where the shoe mender is??

[#Metro]

Isn't the transport shop in King George Square or the Queen St Mall info centre utilised for this kind of thing?

[Paul.Zenon]

I agree that the Govt/Translink have really botched this rollout - all of the measures they are taking now, should have been done last year.  Idiots.

Well I think we now have our answer for why this has been such a botched public relations disaster.

Did anyone else watch Channel 9 News tonight and the interview with Translinks CEO?

It was pathetic, I have never seen an interview with a CEO so guarded and so coy, he had no idea and couldn't answer the question why concession go cards were not available from 100 agencies.

He kept on repeating himself like a parrot and not answering the journos question.  It was shameful.


If this is the person making the decisions in Translink, we now know why everything they do regarding go card is a botched mess.

The premier needs to demonstrate some leadership here and make sure heads roll over this disgraceful rollout and PR disaster.

Makes you embarrassed to say you're a Queenslander.   

[O_128]

I agree that the Govt/Translink have really botched this rollout - all of the measures they are taking now, should have been done last year.  Idiots.

Well I think we now have our answer for why this has been such a botched public relations disaster.

Did anyone else watch Channel 9 News tonight and the interview with Translinks CEO?

It was pathetic, I have never seen an interview with a CEO so guarded and so coy, he had no idea and couldn't answer the question why concession go cards were not available from 100 agencies.

He kept on repeating himself like a parrot and not answering the journos question.  It was shameful.


If this is the person making the decisions in Translink, we now know why everything they do regarding go card is a botched mess.

The premier needs to demonstrate some leadership here and make sure heads roll over this disgraceful rollout and PR disaster.

Makes you embarrassed to say you're a Queenslander.   

Id be happy I can start Next Month for 1 quarter of the salary he is on

[#Metro]

Why don't they just get out the metaphorical gun and start firing agency heads.
Why is it so hard to sack people?

People in the upper echelons of Translink earn in excess of $100 000 easily.
If this were a stockholder company, greenmailers would be on to it. If it were a charity, people wouldn't donate to it...

[Otto]

Here is the link for Nines GoCard story.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/video.aspx?tab=7&videoid=c9131cae-4e16-4c34-96a2-7a41f0abd609

[Paul.Zenon]

Here is the link for Nines GoCard story.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/video.aspx?tab=7&videoid=c9131cae-4e16-4c34-96a2-7a41f0abd609

Thank you for posting this.

I couldn't believe the poor interview skills the CEO has last night when I watched it. Now I see also arrogance in his refusal to answer the question also.

Now we know why we are in this mess.

The CEO has no idea and the Minister thinks this time of year (with all the changes we have seen) is a great time to go on holidays.

May god help us all.

Will the premier please show some leadership and remove the person or persons responsible for this public transport debarcle.

[ozbob]

I think the reason is those places that issue the concession cards must have the ability to enter the details of the concession entitlement on the system when the card is issued.  Some places have been given the preloaded cards for sale and don't have go card point of sale facilities, that is access to the system.  Just guessing ... we weren't told in the interview.

Some sort of explanation would have been better than just a repeated fact.

[ozbob]

Further advice from TransLink indicates that the reason some outlets have not got the concession cards is due to contract issues. Once that is sorted the remaining 100 or so  outlets will have all cards.

Thanks.

[Derwan]

In other words, TransLink missed the boat again.