17 Oct 2011: SEQ: Go!

[ozbob]

Media release 17 October 2011

SEQ: Go!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has welcomed the changes to the go card fare structure announced by the acting Premier and Minister for Transport (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The authorities have indicated that they intend to stick to the planned fare increases of 15% per annum till 2014 (2). "

"The fare structure changes announced yesterday do allow citizens to use public transport in a smarter way, and in so doing save money directly in fares and in broader costs by choosing to use public transport more often even in the face of the planned fare increases.  To support these fare changes better train service frequency out of peak is needed generally, and some review of bus routes, particularly weekends will also be needed to support the changed fare structure.  This way, the broader economic benefits of increased public transport utilisation will be realised."

"The go card changes mean once the tenth journey in the Monday to Sunday week is achieved on a go card travel then becomes free.  It is important that users understand a journey is a travel leg on a go card that is separated by an hour break.  A journey can actually consist of multiple trips  if transfers are achieved within an hour (3).

"Full time university students, 'learner earners' , do multiple daily journeys as a rule.  The free fares after 10 journeys in the week  will be of significant benefit to them.  An outcome we are grateful for. Others will find that if they now start to plan to change their travel habits in light of the fare structure changes we are certain they can optimise their go card use, personally reduce overall travel expenditure, and contribute positively to broader community economic benefits in assisting to lower road trauma costs, assisting in congestion reduction and better environmental outcomes for all."

"We believe this is not the 'end of the line' with respect to go card fare enhancements. Not all will be happy with these initial changes, but as we have suggested it is now possible to reduce one's travel costs by being smarter and using the new fare structure for maximum benefit for all."

References:

1. http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=77134

2. http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/planned-fares

3. http://backontrack.org/docs/go/smart_go_user_v1.pdf page 6

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6865.0