15 May 2010: SEQ: 400,000 free go cards, promised but not delivered yet ...

[ozbob]

Media Release 15 May 2010

SEQ:  400,000 free go cards, promised but not delivered yet ...

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 said that the promised distribution of 400,000 free go cards with a bonus $10 on registration is now too late.  Continue the distribution of go cards with bonus dollars to disadvantaged groups such as Seniors and other concession card holders, but the wider general free distribution perhaps should be converted to a bonus $10 to all go card users registered on the 1st July 2010.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Last October a commitment by the Minister for Transport and the Deputy Premier was made to 'issue 400,000 free go cards loaded with $10 credit upon registration to encourage take-up' (1).   It is now too late for most public transport commuters as they have already been forced to take up the go card due to the high fare costs of paper tickets relative to go card fares."

"It would be more efficient to reward the 'go card pioneers' with the bonus $10 credit.  As the original commitment was for a bonus $10 on registration, it would be easy to credit go card registered users with the $10 at a specific date.  For example 1st July could be the target date.  This would further encourage uptake and importantly registration of the go cards."

"There are advantages in registering go cards as it provides a protection for monies should the card be lost and capability if desired to monitor go card history online.  Rather than waste monies on a now unnecessary general free go card distribution, which will just lead to many having multiple cards, just credit registered users with the bonus. This is smart!"

References:

1. http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=66877

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

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