mayoral candidates on the go card

[Tejas]

with a brisbane city election coming up surely now would be a good time to find out both Cr Newmann and Greg Rowells stance on the current state of the go card and if they support caps. whilst i realize that Translink is a state govt authority, surely having the operator of a major part of the system pushing for caps can't hurt the cause.

[ozbob]

Yes, we plan to write to both candidates re this.  Thanks for your feedback

Cr Newman has previously made some comments about the loss of the 10 trippers, I haven't seen any comments from them re Go Card (there may have been and could have missed).

Once their definitive policies are released will follow up.

Cheers
Ozbob

[ozbob]

Sent 12 Feb 2008

info@candoteam.com.au

Dear Cr Newman,

Our web based community group RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org)  is very concerned with the high cost fare structure on the Translink Go Card.

As the ten trip tickets are going, what is your position with the failure of Translink (and the Queensland Government) to provide an equitable fare structure on the Go Card, and importantly what can be done about it?

Our Go Card forum can be reviewed here --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?board=27.0

We would be very interested in your comments.

Thank you.

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track

[ozbob]

Sent 12 Feb 2008

greg@gregrowell.com.au

Dear Mr Rowell,

Our web based community group RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org)  is very concerned with the high cost fare structure on the Translink Go Card.

As the ten trip tickets are going, what is your position with the failure of Translink (and the Queensland Government) to provide an equitable fare structure on the Go Card, and importantly what can be done about it?

Our Go Card forum can be reviewed here --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?board=27.0

We would be very interested in your comments.

Thank you.

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track

[ozbob]

Sent 12 Feb 2008

jo.bragg@qld.greens.org.au

Dear Ms Bragg,

Our web based community group RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org)  is very concerned with the high cost fare structure on the Translink Go Card.
As the ten trip tickets are going, what is your position with the failure of Translink (and the Queensland Government) to provide an equitable fare structure on the Go Card, and importantly what can be done about it?

Our Go Card forum can be reviewed here --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?board=27.0

We would be very interested in your comments.

Thank you.

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track

[ozbob]

Only response received was from Ms Bragg.  Thanks for your interest.

Cr Newman is probably digging tunnels and/or riding bikes.

Mr Rowell is probably playing cricket and trying to fill in tunnels.

The loss of the 10 trip tickets from Brisbane Transport has upset a significant number of Brisbane residents.
And I am sure when they realise the cost increase of the FU scheme on the Go Card they will be further disillusioned with their representatives.

I know who I won't be voting for.

Cheers
Ozbob

[ozbob]

I have received today by post a very detailed response from Cr Newman to our email of the 12th Feb last.

Suffice to say he has made representations along the lines that we have made to the State Government and in general shares our concerns.

We thank you Lord Mayor for your ongoing concern in these matters.

Admin

[ozbob]

No response from Mr Rowell at this time.  Bit hard for him I guess, Brisbane rate payers particularly hit hard with the loss of ten trippers on the bus and ferry, and the Go Card not providing an equivalent equitable fare,  by the action of a state labor government.  And then we have the other people similarly impacted.

Personally, I think this issue (Go card fare structure)  and public transport generally will be major factors in the Mayoral election.

Both Cr Newman and Ms Bragg have shown their position as one of concern for the community on this issue.

[Fares_Fair]

On 6th February, 2008 I contacted both the Mayoral aspirants for the new
Sunshine Coast Regional Council regarding the 23% price hikes under the GoCard.

Mayoral candidate Cr. Bob Abbott ( current Noosa Shire Mayor ) and Cr. Joe Natoli ( current Maroochy Shire Mayor ) were emailed via their websites, with information on the massive increases.

Mayor Joe Natoli responded the very next morning with a phone call to say that he believes the issue needs to be resolved, especially in the light of increases in electricity, petrol, rents etc. for Sunshine Coast constituents. He said that the GoCard prices should match the paper tickets and that the government should be doing all it can to encourage people to use the GoCard. Not discourage us.
He offered to arrange a meeting with the Minister on the issue of affordability and it's impact on Sunshine Coasters.

Mayoral aspirant Cr. Bob Abbott ...
As you can see there's nothing to report.
Haven't heard a peep out of him, despite sending him 2 emails via his website.
Where are you on this issue Cr. Bob Abbott ?

Which candidate do I think will best represent my case for change ?   hmmm.