Go card shortage

[ozbob]

A number of reports now suggesting major issues with go card availability ..

e.g

Twitter

Sigrid Brown ‏@sigridbrown

Commuters say there's a shortage of Go Cards across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Details 6pm @7NewsBrisbane

==========

Phasing out of paper tickets will be a problem on the Gold Coast.

There was a GCB article a few months ago about a Broadbeach newsagent never being able to meet demand for Go Cards despite repeated communication with Translink (I wonder what his 'honourable' member of parliament, Ray Stevens is doing about that?!?!)

Now this weekend in a GCB article about the rising fares, the final par read:

The price rise comes as tourists complain about a lack of go cards available in Surfers Paradise, with retailers selling out of limited stock provided by Translink every day.

[ozbob]

If this is confirmed, rather pathetic situation.

People forced to use paper tickets should be allowed to at least do the return journey on the ticket, while there is a shortage of go cards. 

[Mozz]

I heard on the tv news that there is an automatic top up of go cards to all retailers when their stocks get low, so that retailers don't need to monitor their stock levels..... maybe it needs a comprehensive review as it appears to be failing if the reported situation is as outlined in the television media...

[ozbob]

You would be surprised RTT at the constant go card sales.  There clearly is an issue and forcing tourists and others onto paper tickets is most unsatisfactory, particularly with the extortion cost of paper singles and their time limits.  My local newsagent has complained for a while about the difficulty in sourcing go cards.  You would think that this sort of issue would be long gone.  I have also heard that there have been delays in shipment of cards from the source manufacturer, which has compounded the shoddy TransLink resupply system as well.

All in all a major failure and just further highlights how far off the rails the whole effort actually is  ....

[ozbob]

Shortage confirmed on Channel 7 News --> http://au.news.yahoo.com/local/qld/#fop

Hopeless TransLink ...

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

8th January 2013

go card shortage - comment

Greetings,

Now confirmed by a number of media outlets, but denied by TransLink, there is a problem with go card availability.

--> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9471.0

Rather than running for cover and knee-jerk denial reactions by TransLink and the Transport Minister, how about some proactive action?

People who are forced to buy paper single tickets, at obscene prices should be permitted to do a return journey on their ticket.  This is only equitable.

Steps need to be taken to fix the supply issues.  My local newsagent has been complaining for years about the shoddy go card supply chain.

70% go card fare increases in around 3 years, paper around 100%, and still the public is treated with more contempt.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 8th January 2013 page 11

Train stations run out of electronic tickets

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 8th January 2013 page 8

QT Comment

Rail users cop a double hit with tickets

[ozbob]

Competent managers and Ministerial (advisers) would respond ..

"We are checking out why there has been go card shortages and will inform the public of the outcome.  We will endeavour to ensure that this situation is rectified as soon as possible.  In the meantime, when purchasing a paper single ticket, endorse 'go card not available for purchase' if that was your intent,  and you will be permitted to do the return leg of your journey on that ticket, until otherwise advised."

[HappyTrainGuy]

You would be surprised RTT at the constant go card sales.  There clearly is an issue and forcing tourists and others onto paper tickets is most unsatisfactory, particularly with the extortion cost of paper singles and their time limits.  My local newsagent has complained for a while about the difficulty in sourcing go cards.  You would think that this sort of issue would be long gone.  I have also heard that there have been delays in shipment of cards from the source manufacturer, which has compounded the shoddy TransLink resupply system as well.

All in all a major failure and just further highlights how far off the rails the whole effort actually is  ....

When you think about the low PT usage its easy to see why people are still buying them.

[ozbob]

Indeed HTG. And most visitors or tourists with half a brain would go for a go card, after suffering price shock at the SEEQ card ...