21 Nov 2013: SEQ: Call for CPI increases for fares for 2014.

[ozbob]

Media release 21st November 2012



SEQ: Call for CPI increases for fares for 2014.

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 abandonment of the 2010 Five Year Fare Path and only increase fares in SEQ by CPI for 2014.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Fares for public transport in SEQ have gone up in real terms (compound) around 83% for go card and 114% for paper single tickets during the period 2010-2014, factoring in the planned 7.5% fare increase for 2014 (1)."

"CPI for the period 2010-2014 has gone up around 9.5% (2).  The sheer magnitude of the fare increases has stagnated patronage on public transport in SEQ.  Fare box revenue is also on the slide.  To continue on this failed fare path is not in the interests of anyone."

"It is then little wonder then that affordability is the standout failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs (3)."

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place from 2015.  A fare system that drives patronage around the clock, is affordable and fair to all.  The present free after nine paid journeys is easily rorted and is adding to further cost pressures for high base fares. This failed fare paradigm was introduced by the former State Government as free after 10 paid journeys in a week. The Newman Government simply carried on the basic flawed paradigm by changing it 9 paid journeys in a week as the threshold. The end result has been worsening patronage, a failed fare box and  worsening affordability overall."

"As an interim measure, we believe that the fare increase for 2014 should be brought back to CPI only.  This will then give some fare relief for all, and allow time for a new balanced fare system to be sorted."

"There are very big cost savings to be made by getting people back on public transport.  Fares in SEQ are amongst the worlds most expensive.  Time to act!"

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg135186#msg135186

2. http://www.oesr.qld.gov.au/products/tables/cpi-all-groups-bris-wt-avg-eight-qtr/index.php

3. http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2013-sep-snapshot.pdf

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

[ozbob]

Discussion thread 2014 fares --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg135207#msg135207

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

25th November 2013

Re: SEQ: Call for CPI increases for fares for 2014.

Greetings,

A ReachTel - 7 News / Sunday Mail Queensland - The state we're in - Transport poll, again has confirmed the unaffordability of fares in SEQ ( http://www.reachtel.com.au/blogs/7news-sunday-mail-queensland-the-state-were-in-health ).  Frequency also an issue.

It is interesting to note that fares in Regional Queensland - are not as unaffordable as fares in SEQ.

Public transport fares outside of SEQ - Qconnect (Regional Queensland)  are generally about half of the SEQ fares ...

It is an interesting dichotomy.   Fare increases for Qconnect have generally been in line with CPI increases

--> http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/qconnect/Urban-bus-services.aspx

There certainly is need for action to sort out the fares in SEQ.  To do not so in the face of the overwhelming  evidence of failure is bordering on negligence in my opinion.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 21st November 2012



SEQ: Call for CPI increases for fares for 2014.

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 abandonment of the 2010 Five Year Fare Path and only increase fares in SEQ by CPI for 2014.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Fares for public transport in SEQ have gone up in real terms (compound) around 83% for go card and 114% for paper single tickets during the period 2010-2014, factoring in the planned 7.5% fare increase for 2014 (1)."

"CPI for the period 2010-2014 has gone up around 9.5% (2).  The sheer magnitude of the fare increases has stagnated patronage on public transport in SEQ.  Fare box revenue is also on the slide.  To continue on this failed fare path is not in the interests of anyone."

"It is then little wonder then that affordability is the standout failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs (3)."

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place from 2015.  A fare system that drives patronage around the clock, is affordable and fair to all.  The present free after nine paid journeys is easily rorted and is adding to further cost pressures for high base fares. This failed fare paradigm was introduced by the former State Government as free after 10 paid journeys in a week. The Newman Government simply carried on the basic flawed paradigm by changing it 9 paid journeys in a week as the threshold. The end result has been worsening patronage, a failed fare box and  worsening affordability overall."

"As an interim measure, we believe that the fare increase for 2014 should be brought back to CPI only.  This will then give some fare relief for all, and allow time for a new balanced fare system to be sorted."

"There are very big cost savings to be made by getting people back on public transport.  Fares in SEQ are amongst the worlds most expensive.  Time to act!"

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg135186#msg135186

2. http://www.oesr.qld.gov.au/products/tables/cpi-all-groups-bris-wt-avg-eight-qtr/index.php

3. http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2013-sep-snapshot.pdf

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

[Jonno]

I suggest a Drive to Work Day on first sitting day of Parliament with a few mandatory laps of Parliament House and Ministers office.