1 Jan 2010: SEQ: Public transport fare cost increases - action or spin?

[ozbob]

Media Release 1 January 2010

SEQ:  Public transport fare cost increases  - action or spin?

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has said the increases in the cost of fares for public transport in south-east Queensland must be matched by improved service frequency and improved customer service, as well as some smart thinking by transport authorities to maximise public transport utilisation.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The fares for paper tickets are increasing by 40% and go card fares by 20% from Monday the 4th January (1). Furthermore an annual increase in the fare costs of 15% per annum for the next four years has also been flagged. The basic rationale for this change is to increase the fare box revenue from 25% to around 30% of operating costs.  This narrow view fails to take into account the overall economic benefit of public transport in terms of reduced congestion, lessened environmental impacts and reductions in health sector expenditure."

"The mechanism for this revenue change is to be the go card. Electronic ticketing systems have the potential to increase public transport efficiency as loading times for bus and ferry are reduced and real time load data is available.  Also the cost of the ticketing system is less than a cash based paper system. The punitive increases in paper tickets costs are designed to drive users to the go card."

"With the new fare structure relative to the new paper costs the majority of public transport users will be better off using the go card. The remainder who do more than 12 public transport journeys a week may be better off with the paper ticket options as it stands from Monday."

"The new fare structure also assumes essentially static public transport patronage. By encouraging maximum utilisation of public transport around the clock by the use of incentive fares and additional fare options for the go card such as capping and periodical options, public transport can be made first choice. This means that services that have capacity outside the major peaks will actually have higher loadings. The costs are fixed, for example a train carrying 300 pax is more efficient in terms of revenue if it is carrying 600 pax.  No brainer really. Incentive and high use fare structures for the go card will encourage higher rates of utilisation of our public transport generally."

"There are a number of issues with the go card system that need to be improved though (2). There are some congestion bottle necks on rail and bus particularly that will need increased peak service frequency (3). Off peak frequency also needs improvement to further encourage public transport use."

"The commitment by Government and TransLink of an additional 301,000 public transport seats per week must be matched by actions from the 4th January.  Increased service frequency is a key factor in encouraging maximum utilisation of public transport. Public transport commuters have very high expectations of improvements now in view of the increased fare costs. It is time for action not spin."


References:

1.   New fare structure   http://www.translink.com.au/fares2010.php

2.   SEQ:  Go day looming, support and actions needed now.   http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3198.0

3.   SEQ: Public transport commuter priorities for 2010!   http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3211.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

^ blast from the past ...