Article: High public transport fares drive us onto roads

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail click here!

High public transport fares drive us onto roads

High public transport fares drive us onto roads

    Robyn Ironside
    The Courier-Mail
    August 16, 2012 12:00AM

THREE years of consecutive 15 per cent fare hikes have forced commuters back into their cars, with public transport patronage sinking to a four-year low in 2011-12.

Figures obtained exclusively by The Courier-Mail show 178.3 million public transport journeys were taken in the year to June 30, down from 178.6 million the previous year when the January floods were blamed for falling numbers.

The downturn comes despite the addition of 308,000 extra weekly seats on public transport as a result of a new timetable introduced last year.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the result was a clear indication of the level of dissatisfaction with fare hikes, which have taken the price of a single two-zone trip from $2.32 to $3.58 in three years.

"For more commuters to use public transport, we need to make it more affordable, but passengers also need to have confidence in the reliability of services," Mr Emerson said.

However, the LNP remains committed to increasing fares by 7.5 per cent a year for the next two years, which will lift the cost of a two-zone go card trip to $4.15 by 2014.

    Fares might be high, but is it worth abandoning public transport and heading back out on the roads? Read this article first.

Commuter advocacy group RAIL Back on Track has repeatedly called for a review of the fare structure  to make shorter trips cheaper.

But Mr Emerson said he had reviewed fares while in opposition and no further reviews were planned.

He said the Government's "nine journeys a week then free" initiative was saving commuters a significant amount, with a million trips now taken without charge since the scheme's introduction in late June.

"The number of free trips has almost doubled since June 25 to 200,000 last week, which shows Queenslanders want cost-of-living savings," he said.

The decline in public transport is also contributing to data showing Brisbane is suffering from worsening traffic gridlock.

Mr Emerson said addressing the flaws in public transport was needed to tackle congestion.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

16th August 2012

Government and TransLink Delusional

Greetings,

According to the Courier Mail High public transport fares drive us onto roads http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/high-public-transport-fares-drive-us-onto-roads/story-fndo1yus-1226451259430

'But Mr Emerson said he had reviewed fares while in opposition and no further reviews were planned.'

We would like to remind you all that the LNP during the election campaign made this committment: '
LNP to review ticket prices  http://www.qt.com.au/story/2012/03/09/lnp-offers-free-travel-in-ticket-price-review/

'THE LNP has promised to review the ticket pricing policy of public transport.

Speaking outside the Ipswich train station, the LNP shadow public transport minister Scott Emerson said if elected to government the LNP would give commuters free trips after taking nine journeys.

Currently the State Government offers a free trip after 10 journeys.

"We've announced our nine journeys as a first step and we've committed to reviewing fares going forward," Mr Emerson said. " '

Fare affordability is a major issue.

The family/group ticketing is also missing in Queensland.

A failure to extend concession travel to all health care card holders in Queensland as for other states is also very mean spirited.

The Government and TransLink are delusional to think that the public is going to accept further fare increases, on top of the past 65% over the past 4 years, with a further 7.5% increase for the next two years.  7.5% is 6 times the CPI.,  Public transport on the TransLink network is poorly integrated, has poor frequency and is now the dearest for the worst in Australia.

Again we call for an immediate review of the fare structure and affordability.  The nine journey cap is a massive rort and is simply not sustainable, it is driving these obscene fare increases.

Best wishes
Robert

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

===================================================

Media release 10 July 2012 re-released 16 August 2012

SEQ: Call for review of fare structure for public transport

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 called for an immediate review of the fare structure for public transport in south-east Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The latest TransLink Tracker has confirmed that fare affordability is at an all time low (1). The Passenger load survey shows a similar dim picture (2).  Patronage growth is now stunted, with flow on effects for traffic congestion, environmental impacts and trauma costs."

"Further planned fare increases of 7.5% for 2013 and 2014 will just further compound the present unaffordability."

"The fare structure as it is a failure.  Cost of short journeys is relatively too expensive (3). Lack of family tickets as for other states further restricts public transport use as a choice (4)."

"Concession public transport travel should be afforded to all health care card holders, this is done in all states except Queensland.  Queensland is fast becoming unaffordable for many."

"Messing around with journey caps as has been recently implemented doesn't address the fundamental structural failure of the present fare table."

"It is time for the Queensland Government to actually implement the ' passenger focussed ' rhetoric."   

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/2011-12-quarterly-report-jan-to-mar.pdf

2. http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/2012-q1-passenger-load-survey.pdf

3. 1 Jul 2012: SEQ: Reduce or eliminate the fare 'flag-fall'  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8673.0

4. 8th July 2012 Lack of family ticket arrangements public transport in Queensland  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2006.msg103684#msg103684

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

4BC news have followed up ..  thanks!

[ozbob]

4BC Breakfast with Peter and Mary followed up with an interview, thanks!

[ozbob]

4BC Breakfast

Public transport goes unused

Posted by: 4bc.com.au | 16 August, 2012 - 11:44 AM

Public transport fare rises of 15 per cent a year have put patronage at a four-year low.

Is the solution as simple, as cutting fares?

Robert Dow from Rail Back on Track talks to Peter and Mary from 4BC Breakfast and Transport Minister, Scott Emerson calls in to reply.

Click --> here!

[ozbob]

Well worth a listen ... the Minister is claiming the 'review' was when they decided to half the 15% increases to 7.5% ...

They just don't get it ...   

Politically they will experience a lot of grief from here.  The public is getting motivated on this issue.  The evidence is overwhelming ..

The comment at the end about Secure Parking running ads about cheaper to park than pay for public transport is further evidence.

http://www.secureparking.com.au/PromotionsArticle.aspx?id=364

[#Metro]

A price cut is not a review.
A review is like the Wellington review with options and public submissions.

The minister better get up to speed with the act otherwise 150 000 pax per day on the busways and 180 000 pax per day on the railways
aren't going to be happy. Public Transport is FRONTLINE, more customers than Queensland Health or Education I would suspect...

[#Metro]

How do we listen to this? Can't find the audio file

[ozbob]

It is on the page --> http://www.4bc.com.au/blogs/4bc-blog/public-transport-goes-unused/20120816-24a6a.html

Flash file, just above ' Blog Comments '  click on the little arrow.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

16th August 2012

Re: Government and TransLink Delusional

Greetings,

Interviews on 4BC radio this morning -->  http://www.4bc.com.au/blogs/4bc-blog/public-transport-goes-unused/20120816-24a6a.html

A price variation from a pending 15% increase to 7.5% increase is just a price cut.  It does not constitute a fare review in our opinion. A review is looking at the fares in detail, with consideration of various options and public submissions.  Something novel for Queensland, actually seeking public views.

Wellington NZ is having a review of their fare system: Have your say on the public transport fare system -->  http://www.farereview.co.nz/assets/Uploads/J0974-WRC-Fare-Systems-summary-low-res.pdf

Imagine such a process in Queensland?  Now that would be ' passenger focussed ' wouldn't it?

Public feedback is overwhelming.  A complete review of the fare structure and fare levels is needed, and needed urgently.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Comments are now up online on the CM article ...

Click --> here!

From the Couriermail click here!

High public transport fares drive us onto roads

High public transport fares drive us onto roads

    Robyn Ironside
    The Courier-Mail
    August 16, 2012 12:00AM

THREE years of consecutive 15 per cent fare hikes have forced commuters back into their cars, with public transport patronage sinking to a four-year low in 2011-12.

Figures obtained exclusively by The Courier-Mail show 178.3 million public transport journeys were taken in the year to June 30, down from 178.6 million the previous year when the January floods were blamed for falling numbers.

The downturn comes despite the addition of 308,000 extra weekly seats on public transport as a result of a new timetable introduced last year.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the result was a clear indication of the level of dissatisfaction with fare hikes, which have taken the price of a single two-zone trip from $2.32 to $3.58 in three years.

"For more commuters to use public transport, we need to make it more affordable, but passengers also need to have confidence in the reliability of services," Mr Emerson said.

However, the LNP remains committed to increasing fares by 7.5 per cent a year for the next two years, which will lift the cost of a two-zone go card trip to $4.15 by 2014.

    Fares might be high, but is it worth abandoning public transport and heading back out on the roads? Read this article first.

Commuter advocacy group RAIL Back on Track has repeatedly called for a review of the fare structure  to make shorter trips cheaper.

But Mr Emerson said he had reviewed fares while in opposition and no further reviews were planned.

He said the Government's "nine journeys a week then free" initiative was saving commuters a significant amount, with a million trips now taken without charge since the scheme's introduction in late June.

"The number of free trips has almost doubled since June 25 to 200,000 last week, which shows Queenslanders want cost-of-living savings," he said.

The decline in public transport is also contributing to data showing Brisbane is suffering from worsening traffic gridlock.

Mr Emerson said addressing the flaws in public transport was needed to tackle congestion.

[Stillwater]

The Minister is reconstructing history.  His line now is that the fare review was held, resulting in the free fare after nine journeys and 7.5 per cent increase in fares (down from 15 per cent under Labor) over the next two years.  There will be no more reviews.

I am sure that is not what Mr Emersen meant when he said he would conduct a fare review when LNP gained office.  He now paints the picture that the review was held during the election campaign.

He seems to be coming from the mindset that a review will result in a reduced farebox, without considering whether a more innovative and flexible fare structure would result in greater patronage and a bigger fare take for government.

No doubt, Mr Emerson is being driven by Treasury thinking that an additional subsidy has to be paid for every extra passenger attracted to public transport.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 16th August 2012 page 4

Buses and ferries drain city trains



Bus +1.9%  Ferry +20.9%  Train -4.6%  (my calculations)

[ozbob]

The Minister is reconstructing history.  His line now is that the fare review was held, resulting in the free fare after nine journeys and 7.5 per cent increase in fares (down from 15 per cent under Labor) over the next two years.  There will be no more reviews.

I am sure that is not what Mr Emersen meant when he said he would conduct a fare review when LNP gained office.  He now paints the picture that the review was held during the election campaign.

He seems to be coming from the mindset that a review will result in a reduced farebox, without considering whether a more innovative and flexible fare structure would result in greater patronage and a bigger fare take for government.

No doubt, Mr Emerson is being driven by Treasury thinking that an additional subsidy has to be paid for every extra passenger attracted to public transport.

Caught out, and a poor attempt to get out of it.

It is really quiet bizarre the rhetoric, fare affordability is a big issue but hey, we are still going to screw you all with 7.5% increases .... lol

Off setting fares will become a practised task in SEQ.   QConnect only had CPI increases for fares.  Be interesting to see how that plays out, won't it?

The LNP is turning out to be a major disappointment on so many levels.

[somebody]

The Minister is reconstructing history. 

Playing devil's advocate, one could argue that he over delivered by providing the review early.

I think there are far more useful things to hang the politicians for.  What about his promise to get rid of the waste?  What waste has been identified? 
*cough* Ipswich line service slowdowns *cough* 88 *cough* IPS counter peak dead running *cough* New Farm-Norman Park ferry *cough* 393 not going to Roma St any more *cough*.

Why are Brisbane Transport exempt from the bus review?

[ozbob]

Why are Brisbane Transport exempt from the bus review?

Who said they were?  They are not as I understand it.

[somebody]

Why are Brisbane Transport exempt from the bus review?

Who said they were?  They are not as I understand it.

All the top 10 under performing routes are other operator routes?  I do not believe that.

[ozbob]

That list was not meant to be released I have been told.   The inference being that there was another list ....

[somebody]

Sounds like the list which was released is the real list from that comment.

[ozbob]

Sounds like the list which was released is the real list from that comment.

LOL here you go again.  No, it is not ...  I know of a number of BCC routes that are worse performers than some of the routes on the original list, and I am sure you do too.

I think they had at least two lists, BT and non BT ...

[ozbob]

Any way Simon, how on earth can they have a bus review without reviewing BT and the BT routes?  Come on, you can't be serious ...

[#Metro]

The KMZ CFN File is now on the forum

[somebody]

Any way Simon, how on earth can they have a bus review without reviewing BT and the BT routes?  Come on, you can't be serious ...

It would be very stupid, yes.

I think they had at least two lists, BT and non BT ...

That's possible.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

17th August 2012

Re: Government and TransLink Delusional

Greetings,

Great pity that the LNP Government will not conduct a fare review.  The public is clamoring that the present fares are not affordable.  Most people interpreted the comments that the LNP would conduct a review of fares given during the election campaign as meaning a proper fare review, not a political ploy to cut a distant fare increase.  That is not a fare review.  In opposition they would not have the full picture in any case.
We are not that gullible.

A proper review will recast the fare system to one that is more equitable for all and actually return a higher fare box (that is will save money).  The rort now with the present fares will accelerate to unsustainable levels.

This is just poor policy it is laughable, and the fact that Government and TransLink cannot see it is very concerning.  They fail to be transparent with the real data, they put out misleading publications and generally treat the public with contempt.

Astute journalists would have picked up that QConnect (regional public transport) have had CPI linked increases in fares, but TransLink and Governments have gouged SEQ.

Be interesting to see how much QConnect fares go up now that TransLink will be taking over, won't it?

Failed state ...  game on!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

16th August 2012

Re: Government and TransLink Delusional

Greetings,

Interviews on 4BC radio this morning -->  http://www.4bc.com.au/blogs/4bc-blog/public-transport-goes-unused/20120816-24a6a.html

A price variation from a pending 15% increase to 7.5% increase is just a price cut.  It does not constitute a fare review in our opinion. A review is looking at the fares in detail, with consideration of various options and public submissions.  Something novel for Queensland, actually seeking public views.

Wellington NZ is having a review of their fare system: Have your say on the public transport fare system -->  http://www.farereview.co.nz/assets/Uploads/J0974-WRC-Fare-Systems-summary-low-res.pdf

Imagine such a process in Queensland?  Now that would be ' passenger focussed ' wouldn't it?

Public feedback is overwhelming.  A complete review of the fare structure and fare levels is needed, and needed urgently.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[kazzac]

i tried to do without a car for about a year but I had to go back to owning one again ,now I can travel to/from work in half the time then it took using PT.  services sometimes  running late , especially on rainy days, then I would be unable to catch a connecting service,,then I would end up calling for a cab so I wouldnt be late for work.So I dont mind the extra expense of rego,insurance again,etc.with the current price of fares and taxis[at least once a week sometimes!] I can afford to run a car weekly then ,and since I don"t work in the CBD I dont have to pay for parking.AND the fares are going up again next yr too!

[WTN]

Travellers have not only taken to cars, but bicycles and motorbikes too, even in the CBD. A few of my colleagues have done that.

I've considered getting a car or motorbike to get around, but when you live in a busy inner city suburb with a busway and BUZ services nearby, most trips are doable by PT. A car would be expensive and not get much use.

With higher fares and dropping patronage, I can see this government cutting quieter runs, even on BUZ or near BUZ routes.

[Mozz]

I reckon my next transport purchase will be an electric bike - already have a car (but use less than 3k per year) and a Giant flat bar road bicycle.

I see 3-5 electric bikes each day on my ride into work from Oxley on the Western Freeway Bike way and the Bicentennial bike way and surrounding roads.

No rego, park anywhere you can park a bike including underneath most CBD buildings for city workers and also take it on the trains - quite flexible.

http://hallucinationer.hubpages.com/hub/ADVANTAGES-OF-AN-ELECTRIC-BIKE

[kazzac]

I would ride a bike or a scooter to work if I lived closer  but its 14 kms each way!

[Gazza]

Electric cars may be a long way from being mainstream, but I reckon e bikes have huge potential...Much easier to battery power something that is 20kg versus 2100kg.

I do wonder too if electric bikes too will become the 'saviour' of bike infrastructure....Suddenly if large number of people switch to bikes as a cheap form of commuting demand for bike lanes etc will come along with them.

I would ride a bike or a scooter to work if I lived closer  but its 14 kms each way!

Someone I worked with cycled from Middle Park to the CBD....Thats 15km or so.