29 Oct 2013: SEQ: Go card data confirms ongoing fare failure in SEQ

[ozbob]

Media release 29th October 2013



SEQ: Go card data confirms ongoing fare failure in SEQ

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 said the latest go card 'rorting' data confirms the ongoing fare failure for public transport in SEQ.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Despite a committment by Premier Newman in the January 2013 Six Month Action Plan of a new fare structure of public transport in SEQ we continue on with arguably one of the worlds most expensive and bizarre fare structures in use anywhere."

"The latest Statement by the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, namely, Labor's go card loophole fixed (1) just confirms the ongoing rorting and fare failure generally."

"My observations of using the go card on the Airtrain services have suggested that checking of touches at the airport has tightened up. However observations by members out on the network confirms that fare evasion is widespread.  In many cases people are not even bothering to touch on or off (2).

"Rorting will continue with the go card whilst the fare structure allows it.  Time to fix it and get base fares down, correct the rorting, drive patronage around the clock.  More of the same failure and continuing fare increases many times the CPI, wage and pension increases, is just going to worsen the already rock bottom fare affordability in SEQ."


References:

1.  http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2013/10/29/labors-go-card-loophole-fixed

2.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9539.msg133795#msg133795

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9539.msg134047#msg134047

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 30th October 2013 page 15

Go Cards loophole closed to cut rorts

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

2 November 2013

Credit where credit is due - the big issue remains ..

Greetings,

There are a number of very positive things starting to occur for public transport in SEQ.  The sector 2 rail timetables which commence on 20 January 2014 is wonderful news.

Springfield rail extension set to open on 2 December 2013, with bus changes for the Ipswich - Western Region aligned with that.

More bus changes lined up for  Moreton Bay region, Sunshine Coast, Logan - Southern, Redlands - Eastern, Gold Coast regions.

Gold Coast Light rail stage one on track for service implementation in 2014.  Exciting news that moves are underway to progress the connection of the light rail to the heavy rail, something that is essential to maximise the utility of the light rail system ( http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2013/11/01/460990_gold-coast-news.html ).  Well done Mr Emerson.

Announcement of a committee to examine future freight task with a view to getting more freight back on rail.  Essential to reduce trauma and damage to the road network.

Plenty of good news hey?

Sadly, fares remain as the one big stumbling block.  All acknowledge the present fare system is failing, patronage has stalled and TransLink's data confirms that affordability is the worst customer satisfaction KPI.

A more balanced approach to fares would see more people travelling around the clock.  This means more fares overall and reduced subsidies.

Time to swallow some pride and act decisively with the fares to support the other positive initiatives.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 29th October 2013



SEQ: Go card data confirms ongoing fare failure in SEQ

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 said the latest go card 'rorting' data confirms the ongoing fare failure for public transport in SEQ.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Despite a committment by Premier Newman in the January 2013 Six Month Action Plan of a new fare structure of public transport in SEQ we continue on with arguably one of the worlds most expensive and bizarre fare structures in use anywhere."

"The latest Statement by the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, namely, Labor's go card loophole fixed (1) just confirms the ongoing rorting and fare failure generally."

"My observations of using the go card on the Airtrain services have suggested that checking of touches at the airport has tightened up. However observations by members out on the network confirms that fare evasion is widespread.  In many cases people are not even bothering to touch on or off (2).

"Rorting will continue with the go card whilst the fare structure allows it.  Time to fix it and get base fares down, correct the rorting, drive patronage around the clock.  More of the same failure and continuing fare increases many times the CPI, wage and pension increases, is just going to worsen the already rock bottom fare affordability in SEQ."


References:

1.  http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2013/10/29/labors-go-card-loophole-fixed

2.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9539.msg133795#msg133795

Contact:

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