12 Jul 2014: Queensland: Unemployed need concession public transport

[ozbob]

Media release 12th July 2014

Queensland:  Unemployed need concession 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 again called for concession fares to be made available to the unemployed in Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Queensland is the only state in Australia that does not extend concession fares on public transport to the unemployed (1)."

"For south-east Queensland this is a vicious double whammy for these disadvantaged citizens.  Fares in south-east Queensland are amongst the worlds most expensive, particularly paper tickets. How are the unemployed expected to be able to attend job interviews, get out and look for jobs if they are unable to access public transport?"

"Fare evasion is already a major problem on the public transport network in south-east Queensland (2). Minister Emerson said  on Fairfax Radio News that the state cannot afford to give concession fares to the unemployed. The real question is can the State not afford to give concession fares to the unemployed?"

"Hundreds of millions of toll road dollars are being lost because of blunders by TMR (3). If unemployed had concession fares and a go card, they might actually be able to pay a fare.  This will actually help improve the fare box, rather than just lose revenue via fare evasion."

"Transport in Queensland is a major concern.  It might be time for an inquiry into the governance of transport, it is a failure on so many levels."

"South-east Queensland fare failure (4), bus review failure (5), now toll road fee collection failure! To these failures we can now add Tertiary Transport Concession Card failure! (6).

"This is gross incompetence, and needs to be sorted before more costly damage is done."

"The LNP seem to not understand. A failure to sort the obvious issues such as the failing fare system is what is causing much public disenchantment and loss of support."


References:

1. Health care cards and concession fares around the nation http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.msg143040#msg143040

2. SEQ: Fare evasion crisis on public transport in SEQ http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10749.0

3. Queensland Opposition Leader attacks tollway revenue bleed http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-opposition-leader-attacks-tollway-revenue-bleed-20140614-zs848.html

4. Queensland: High Cost Public Transport Set To Destroy Needy and Vulnerable http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10720.0

5. BCC Bus Cost Explosion Engulfs Community http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10458.0

6. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10520.msg144064#msg144064

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.msg144166#msg144166

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

27th July 2014

Queensland:  Unemployed need concession public transport

Greetings,

Abbott Government to make most jobseekers participate in work for the dole programs from 2015

> http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/abbott-government-to-make-most-jobseekers-participate-in-work-for-the-dole-programs-from-2015/story-fnihsrf2-1227002703245

This will be great for the unemployed, how will they participate?  Queensland is the only state or territory that does NOT extend concession public transport fares to the unemployed.

In south-east Queensland fares are very expensive.  Fare evasion and 'struggle street'?

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 12th July 2014

Queensland:  Unemployed need concession 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 again called for concession fares to be made available to the unemployed in Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Queensland is the only state in Australia that does not extend concession fares on public transport to the unemployed (1)."

"For south-east Queensland this is a vicious double whammy for these disadvantaged citizens.  Fares in south-east Queensland are amongst the worlds most expensive, particularly paper tickets. How are the unemployed expected to be able to attend job interviews, get out and look for jobs if they are unable to access public transport?"

"Fare evasion is already a major problem on the public transport network in south-east Queensland (2). Minister Emerson said  on Fairfax Radio News that the state cannot afford to give concession fares to the unemployed. The real question is can the State not afford to give concession fares to the unemployed?"

"Hundreds of millions of toll road dollars are being lost because of blunders by TMR (3). If unemployed had concession fares and a go card, they might actually be able to pay a fare.  This will actually help improve the fare box, rather than just lose revenue via fare evasion."

"Transport in Queensland is a major concern.  It might be time for an inquiry into the governance of transport, it is a failure on so many levels."

"South-east Queensland fare failure (4), bus review failure (5), now toll road fee collection failure! To these failures we can now add Tertiary Transport Concession Card failure! (6).

"This is gross incompetence, and needs to be sorted before more costly damage is done."

"The LNP seem to not understand. A failure to sort the obvious issues such as the failing fare system is what is causing much public disenchantment and loss of support."


References:

1. Health care cards and concession fares around the nation http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.msg143040#msg143040

2. SEQ: Fare evasion crisis on public transport in SEQ http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10749.0

3. Queensland Opposition Leader attacks tollway revenue bleed http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-opposition-leader-attacks-tollway-revenue-bleed-20140614-zs848.html

4. Queensland: High Cost Public Transport Set To Destroy Needy and Vulnerable http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10720.0

5. BCC Bus Cost Explosion Engulfs Community http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10458.0

6. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10520.msg144064#msg144064

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

4KQ News have followed up.  Thanks for the interest .. 

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

8th August 2014

Greetings,

Queensland now leads the Nation in having the worst unemployment rate:

Queensland unemployment rises to 11-year high
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-unemployment-rises-to-11year-high-20140807-101e52.html

How much more devastating this is in south-east Queensland. With one of the most expensive fare systems in the world, let alone Australia, Queensland alone denies concession fares on public transport to the unemployed.

Every other public transport jurisdiction in Australia, with much more affordable fares than south-east Queensland, extends concession fares to the unemployed.

It is time the State Government extended concession fares to the unemployed in Queensland.  A failure to do this is just making it even harder for the unemployed to obtain a job and survive.

Many are simply being forced to fare evade.  A most unsatisfactory outcome for us all.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

27th July 2014

Queensland:  Unemployed need concession public transport

Greetings,

Abbott Government to make most jobseekers participate in work for the dole programs from 2015

> http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/abbott-government-to-make-most-jobseekers-participate-in-work-for-the-dole-programs-from-2015/story-fnihsrf2-1227002703245

This will be great for the unemployed, how will they participate?  Queensland is the only state or territory that does NOT extend concession public transport fares to the unemployed.

In south-east Queensland fares are very expensive.  Fare evasion and 'struggle street'?

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 12th July 2014

Queensland:  Unemployed need concession 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 again called for concession fares to be made available to the unemployed in Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Queensland is the only state in Australia that does not extend concession fares on public transport to the unemployed (1)."

"For south-east Queensland this is a vicious double whammy for these disadvantaged citizens.  Fares in south-east Queensland are amongst the worlds most expensive, particularly paper tickets. How are the unemployed expected to be able to attend job interviews, get out and look for jobs if they are unable to access public transport?"

"Fare evasion is already a major problem on the public transport network in south-east Queensland (2). Minister Emerson said  on Fairfax Radio News that the state cannot afford to give concession fares to the unemployed. The real question is can the State not afford to give concession fares to the unemployed?"

"Hundreds of millions of toll road dollars are being lost because of blunders by TMR (3). If unemployed had concession fares and a go card, they might actually be able to pay a fare.  This will actually help improve the fare box, rather than just lose revenue via fare evasion."

"Transport in Queensland is a major concern.  It might be time for an inquiry into the governance of transport, it is a failure on so many levels."

"South-east Queensland fare failure (4), bus review failure (5), now toll road fee collection failure! To these failures we can now add Tertiary Transport Concession Card failure! (6).

"This is gross incompetence, and needs to be sorted before more costly damage is done."

"The LNP seem to not understand. A failure to sort the obvious issues such as the failing fare system is what is causing much public disenchantment and loss of support."


References:

1. Health care cards and concession fares around the nation http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.msg143040#msg143040

2. SEQ: Fare evasion crisis on public transport in SEQ http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10749.0

3. Queensland Opposition Leader attacks tollway revenue bleed http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-opposition-leader-attacks-tollway-revenue-bleed-20140614-zs848.html

4. Queensland: High Cost Public Transport Set To Destroy Needy and Vulnerable http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10720.0

5. BCC Bus Cost Explosion Engulfs Community http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10458.0

6. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10520.msg144064#msg144064

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Media release 9th August 2014

Queensland:  Unemployed need concession 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 again called for concession fares to be made available to the unemployed in Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Queensland is the only state in Australia that does not extend concession fares on public transport to the unemployed (1)."

"For south-east Queensland this is a vicious double whammy for these disadvantaged citizens.  Fares in south-east Queensland are amongst the worlds most expensive, particularly paper tickets. How are the unemployed expected to be able to attend job interviews, get out and look for jobs if they are unable to access public transport?"

"Fare evasion is already a major problem on the public transport network in south-east Queensland (2). Minister Emerson said  on Fairfax Radio News that the state cannot afford to give concession fares to the unemployed. The real question is can the State not afford to give concession fares to the unemployed?"

"Hundreds of millions of toll road dollars are being lost because of blunders by TMR (3). If unemployed had concession fares and a go card, they might actually be able to pay a fare.  This will actually help improve the fare box, rather than just lose revenue via fare evasion."

"Transport in Queensland is a major concern.  It might be time for an inquiry into the governance of transport, it is a failure on so many levels."

"South-east Queensland fare failure (4), bus review failure (5), now toll road fee collection failure! To these failures we can now add Tertiary Transport Concession Card failure! (6).

"This is gross incompetence, and needs to be sorted before more costly damage is done."

"The number of unemployed in Queensland continues to worsen (7). The LNP seem to not understand. A failure to sort the obvious issues such as the failing fare system is what is causing much public disenchantment and loss of support."

Contact:

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


References:

1. Health care cards and concession fares around the nation http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.msg143040#msg143040

2. SEQ: Fare evasion crisis on public transport in SEQ http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10749.0

3. Queensland Opposition Leader attacks tollway revenue bleed http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-opposition-leader-attacks-tollway-revenue-bleed-20140614-zs848.html

4. Queensland: High Cost Public Transport Set To Destroy Needy and Vulnerable http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10720.0

5. BCC Bus Cost Explosion Engulfs Community http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10458.0

6. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10520.msg144064#msg144064

7. http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/6202.0Main%20Features2Jul%202014?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=6202.0&issue=Jul%202014&num=&view=

[ozbob]

Letter to the editor Queensland Times 9th August 2014 page 23

Fair go, mate

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

19th August 2014

Re: Queensland: Unemployed need concession public transport

Greetings,

Shocking figures ...

Brisbanetimes -->   Queensland 'worst' for youth unemployment

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-worst-for-youth-unemployment-20140818-105k2c.html

In SEQ particularly, the high cost fare structure and no concessions for the unemployed means that many are simply forced to fare evade.

This is not a good outcome for our community.  All the 'tough talk' will not change reality.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

8th August 2014

Greetings,

Queensland now leads the Nation in having the worst unemployment rate:

Queensland unemployment rises to 11-year high
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-unemployment-rises-to-11year-high-20140807-101e52.html

How much more devastating this is in south-east Queensland. With one of the most expensive fare systems in the world, let alone Australia, Queensland alone denies concession fares on public transport to the unemployed.

Every other public transport jurisdiction in Australia, with much more affordable fares than south-east Queensland, extends concession fares to the unemployed.

It is time the State Government extended concession fares to the unemployed in Queensland.  A failure to do this is just making it even harder for the unemployed to obtain a job and survive.

Many are simply being forced to fare evade.  A most unsatisfactory outcome for us all.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

27th July 2014

Queensland:  Unemployed need concession public transport

Greetings,

Abbott Government to make most jobseekers participate in work for the dole programs from 2015

> http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/abbott-government-to-make-most-jobseekers-participate-in-work-for-the-dole-programs-from-2015/story-fnihsrf2-1227002703245

This will be great for the unemployed, how will they participate?  Queensland is the only state or territory that does NOT extend concession public transport fares to the unemployed.

In south-east Queensland fares are very expensive.  Fare evasion and 'struggle street'?

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 12th July 2014

Queensland:  Unemployed need concession 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 again called for concession fares to be made available to the unemployed in Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Queensland is the only state in Australia that does not extend concession fares on public transport to the unemployed (1)."

"For south-east Queensland this is a vicious double whammy for these disadvantaged citizens.  Fares in south-east Queensland are amongst the worlds most expensive, particularly paper tickets. How are the unemployed expected to be able to attend job interviews, get out and look for jobs if they are unable to access public transport?"

"Fare evasion is already a major problem on the public transport network in south-east Queensland (2). Minister Emerson said  on Fairfax Radio News that the state cannot afford to give concession fares to the unemployed. The real question is can the State not afford to give concession fares to the unemployed?"

"Hundreds of millions of toll road dollars are being lost because of blunders by TMR (3). If unemployed had concession fares and a go card, they might actually be able to pay a fare.  This will actually help improve the fare box, rather than just lose revenue via fare evasion."

"Transport in Queensland is a major concern.  It might be time for an inquiry into the governance of transport, it is a failure on so many levels."

"South-east Queensland fare failure (4), bus review failure (5), now toll road fee collection failure! To these failures we can now add Tertiary Transport Concession Card failure! (6).

"This is gross incompetence, and needs to be sorted before more costly damage is done."

"The LNP seem to not understand. A failure to sort the obvious issues such as the failing fare system is what is causing much public disenchantment and loss of support."


References:

1. Health care cards and concession fares around the nation http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.msg143040#msg143040

2. SEQ: Fare evasion crisis on public transport in SEQ http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10749.0

3. Queensland Opposition Leader attacks tollway revenue bleed http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-opposition-leader-attacks-tollway-revenue-bleed-20140614-zs848.html

4. Queensland: High Cost Public Transport Set To Destroy Needy and Vulnerable http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10720.0

5. BCC Bus Cost Explosion Engulfs Community http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10458.0

6. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10520.msg144064#msg144064

Contact:

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