2014 fares

[Stillwater]

An election must be in the air if they are using the term 'Can-Do'.  Electors can do the maths despite a Queensland education.  They can compare the cost of fares on the day the LNP was elected and the fare price they pay today.  The fares have gone up.  Mr Newman and Mr Thompson must have been asleep in class the day the teacher taught addition and subtraction.

[ozbob]

Punters not as silly as the Can Do mob think?

--> http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-public-transport-fares-cheaper-today-premier-20141103-11fzwq.html#comments

Not buying it ...

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

4th November 2014

Re: Queensland: 5% fare cuts - election looms

Greetings,

Mixed reception to the 5% fare cuts!  Punters welcome the small cost relief however many have pointed out that unless we have proper fare system and network reform for SEQ,  nothing is really gained.  One person has described the fare cuts as ' treating cancer with a band-aid ' - a good analogy in my opinion.

Despite comments by some that was the first fare cut in Queensland's history it is worth remembering that the introduction of integrating ticketing for SEQ in 2004 by TransLink saw very significant fare cost decreases at that time.   It is however, the first time there has been a simultaneous fare cost cut for SEQ and urban bus (regional).

It is a moot point for urban bus however. The fares in those jurisdictions are already very affordable relative to SEQ.  More services would have been far more important.

The public transport  network in SEQ remains high cost, low efficiency and largely disconnected.  Will good policy eventually trump politics?  We can only hope ..

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 3rd November 2014

Queensland: 5% fare cuts - election looms

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 5% fare cuts from today are a minor welcome relief for SEQ, but sadly there are no signs of proper fare system and network reform, particularly for SEQ (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The latest TransLink public transport performance data snapshot confirms that fare ' affordability ' has never been worse in SEQ (2)."

"Simple fare cuts alone, will not fix the systemic issues with the fare system and failing network."

"Good policy means having the political courage to take the big steps towards proper fare and network reform."

"Fares on qconnect and TransLinkQLD (Cairns) urban buses are around half to a third the cost of fares in SEQ (3).  Service improvements would be far more important for these jurisdictions, but they were simply done over by the numbers in SEQ on the poll."

"We can only hope that the looming election for Queensland might lead to some proper reform processes being implemented.  More of the same will just lead to more chronic failure."

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/news-and-updates/have-your-say-results

2. http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2014-sept-snapshot.pdf page 14

3. http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/sitecore/content/TMRInternet/Travel-and-transport1/qconnect/Urban-bus-services.aspx

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Ten News --> http://tenplay.com.au/news/brisbane/2014/11/3/public-transport-cheaper

[ozbob]

The LNP is a very lazy arrogant detached self serving government IMHO.  The fare cut spin exercise confirms that.

A windfall gain is simply rolled out under the guise of a sham poll as fare cuts, while the system bleeds $$$ and is failing.

A responsible administration would plug the obvious gaps in the fare system, set about proper network reform and reduce the high cost fares in an equitable way for the community.  The LNP clearly do not like public transport or its users.

[ozbob]

Townsville Bulletin --> Discount kicks in for Townsville bus travel

CATCHING a bus just became cheaper in Townsville but some doubt the discount will put more bums on seats.

The State Government's 5 per cent discount on public transport travel kicked in at midnight yesterday.

The average person will save about 10c on their fare but the markdown comes after bus fares rose by 10c in February.

Some commenters catching the bus yesterday complained Sunbus had failed to pass on the savings, however the Townsville bus operator's manager Jeff Delgado said all ticket machines were uploaded with the discount automatically the previous night.

"It's very smooth and it's all done remotely," he said.

Under the changes, the regular weekday passenger in Townsville travelling three zones is expected to save up to $132 a year.

Mr Delgado said Sunbus was pleased by the State Government initiative to pass on its carbon tax windfall to public transport users, after 75 per cent of Queenslanders surveyed called for cheaper fares.

"It'll make it cheaper for the loyal customers we have," he said.

Thuringowa MP Sam Cox said irregular services and buses running late were the major issues turning people away from public transport.

But he said the 5 per cent fare reduction was supported by community consultation across the state.

"Every bit counts at the moment," he said.

"The cost of living is tough on people and public transport is no different.

"There are a lot of things we need to be doing to get people on buses and buses running on time and regularity is what we need to get."

Labor Party candidate for Townsville Scott Stewart said the Government was throwing its carbon tax savings at the wrong priorities, claiming jobs creation was more ­important than a blanket 5 per cent discount on public transport.

"When I doorknock and talk to people, their concerns are jobs and the privatisation of assets," he said.

[riccardo]

Why do you guys keep thinking the patronage drop is about fares. Perth also had a big one. As Clinton said..."it's the economy, stupid"

[HappyTrainGuy]

I think the patronage drop is because PT services are poor (in frequency and span of hours), fares are too high and the PT network design. Because no one catches PT there's no reason to increase PT. Because less are catching it fares have to go up. Because fares are going up and the network is not ideal/just plain sh%t no one wants to use PT. And the process repeats. Add it all up and cars suddenly become the most viable option. I live in Eatons Hill and will use this as an example. We're about a 10-15 min drive from Strathpine and the large industrial complex of Brendale is there too.The main shopping and Westfield complex is there. Lots of local businesses. Schools. Yet the local bus. It's hourly and the last service leaving Strathpine is around 5.20pm. It's even worse on the weekends when the frequency becomes 2 hourly. If you do work there riding a bike or driving is the only real best option you have.

You'll just love the timetable too. You need google maps, a refidex and a school calendar just to work the damn thing out.

[ozbob]

Why do you guys keep thinking the patronage drop is about fares. Perth also had a big one. As Clinton said..."it's the economy, stupid"

It is not only about fares but is a major reason why people have turned away.

This is confirmed in the TransLink KPIs.  The standout failure is  ' affordability '  it is far and away the worst of all the KPIs. 

See --> http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2014-sept-snapshot.pdf

Summary



Feedback we receive is overwhelming about fare affordability, and one only has to follow the blogs on main stream media articles to also note the sentiment indicated by TransLink KPIs is widespread.

Fare reform is essential, as is network reform.

[BrizCommuter]

Why do you guys keep thinking the patronage drop is about fares. Perth also had a big one. As Clinton said..."it's the economy, stupid"

The patronage drop in Brisbane is clearly about fares if you look at the trends before the fare rises and trends afterwards.
Obviously there are other socio-economic factors at play (like Noddy Newman sacking many CBD government workers), and patronage changes due to timetable/service changes (better or worse).

There is considerable latent demand for public transport in Brisbane, prevented by high fares, lack of high frequency network coverage, and overcrowding. In fact, a few years ago, a combination of fare increases, and Inner Northern Busway overcrowding saw the vast majority (>80%) of BrizCommuter's work colleagues give up on public transport! They want to use public transport, but choose the car as it is cheaper/similar cost (approx. $8 parking) and more convenient. A recent work site move to a location currently with expensive and limited parking (approx. $24 parking) has brought many of them back to public transport. It will be interested to see what happens when cheaper parking is available at this site in the next few weeks.

[ozbob]

Media release 24th November 2014



SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - Santa fails to deliver ..

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 TransLink performance snap shot data for October 2014 has again confirmed that fare 'affordability' remains at crisis levels. Worst ' affordability ' ever recorded.

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 (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 no surprise then that affordability is again the stand out failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs for October 2014 (3).

"It is a great disappointment to our members, and to many informed public transport users that rather than take the big steps to sort out the failed fare system and the network once and for all, in the shadows of the election a charade poll was put to the public - suggesting that a windfall gain from the cancelled carbon tax can be used to fund cut in fares of 5%."

"Fares on qconnect and TransLinkQLD (Cairns) urban buses are around half to a third the cost of fares in SEQ.  Service improvements would be far more important for these jurisdictions, but they were simply done over by the numbers in SEQ on the poll."

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place immediately for SEQ, rather than just a notional cut.  A fare system that drives patronage around the clock, is affordable and fair to all demographics.  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."

"The nine and free fare paradigm is leading to massive fare box leakage and is NOT making fares affordable at all, the TransLink Affordability KPI attests to that.  It is just a massive rort and a drain on the fare box! (4)"

"There are very big cost savings to be made to the economy by getting people back on public transport with a sound fare system and a truly connected network.  Fares in SEQ are amongst the worlds most expensive. A token fare cut is going to do very little without real reform.  Time to act decisively!"

Contact:

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

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/2014-Oct-snapshot.pdf  page 14

Affordability KPI October 2014



http://backontrack.org/images/tl/affordabilityoct14.jpg  Note wild swing for ferry, is the survey process valid?

4. 16 Jun 2014: SEQ: Flawed cost estimates for the nine and free go card rort?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10765.0

[ozbob]

Fairfax radio news have followed up ..   

Thanks!

[dancingmongoose]

  Ferry up 50%, rail up for the first time in over 6 months

[ozbob]

I am sure this was released today, just in time for Parly tomorrow ... 

The swings for ferries are nonsense.  There is no real significant variations for bus or rail, although bus is on a slow slide to oblivion.

The real point is overall the ' affordability ' KPI remains as a stand out failure.  Fare cuts will not fix our public transport system. Only proper fare and network reform will.

I said to the radio station, will be interesting to see if there is a committment to proper fare and network reform as part of the election process.

[Stillwater]

Normally a variance of that recorded for ferry patronage would cause the statistician to redo the numbers, checking for the mistake.  We should brace for Mr Emerson's media statement using one of those phrases that pollies use ... along the lines of 'Brisbane ferry patronage is on a wave of success.'

[#Metro]

It would be funny if it were later discovered the blip was because someone keying in the numbers accidentally pressed in an extra zero.
LOL.

Why don't they just fix the damn problem? So straightforward. No, instead go through this long winded self-torture process to extract maximum political mileage out of the situation.

JUST FIX THE PROBLEM!!

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

25th November 2014

SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - Santa fails to deliver ..

Good morning!

To further highlight what a significant matter the fare unaffordability and failed fare system is for SEQ public transport take the time to review the TransLink KPI summary.

From http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2014-Oct-snapshot.pdf page 1
KPI summary Oct 14



' Affordability ' IS the stand out failure.  Fare cuts is not going to sort the issues.  Proper fare reform  and proper network reform will.

Will we see commitments to reform in the forthcoming election campaign?  We can only hope hey?

Enjoy your lunch time bus trips!  Crazy I know, cashed up ' suits ' freely rort, a struggling Mum with a couple of children cannot afford the bus to the local shops.  Queenslander!

Unemployed forced to run the ' fare evasion ' gauntlet.   Queensland, only state that does not afford concession fares to the unemployed.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Media release 24th November 2014



SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - Santa fails to deliver ..

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 TransLink performance snap shot data for October 2014 has again confirmed that fare 'affordability' remains at crisis levels. Worst ' affordability ' ever recorded.

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 (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 no surprise then that affordability is again the stand out failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs for October 2014 (3).

"It is a great disappointment to our members, and to many informed public transport users that rather than take the big steps to sort out the failed fare system and the network once and for all, in the shadows of the election a charade poll was put to the public - suggesting that a windfall gain from the cancelled carbon tax can be used to fund cut in fares of 5%."

"Fares on qconnect and TransLinkQLD (Cairns) urban buses are around half to a third the cost of fares in SEQ.  Service improvements would be far more important for these jurisdictions, but they were simply done over by the numbers in SEQ on the poll."

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place immediately for SEQ, rather than just a notional cut.  A fare system that drives patronage around the clock, is affordable and fair to all demographics.  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."

"The nine and free fare paradigm is leading to massive fare box leakage and is NOT making fares affordable at all, the TransLink Affordability KPI attests to that.  It is just a massive rort and a drain on the fare box! (4)"

"There are very big cost savings to be made to the economy by getting people back on public transport with a sound fare system and a truly connected network.  Fares in SEQ are amongst the worlds most expensive. A token fare cut is going to do very little without real reform.  Time to act decisively!"

Contact:

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

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/2014-Oct-snapshot.pdf  page 14

Affordability KPI October 2014



http://backontrack.org/images/tl/affordabilityoct14.jpg  Note wild swing for ferry, is the survey process valid?

4. 16 Jun 2014: SEQ: Flawed cost estimates for the nine and free go card rort?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10765.0

[ozbob]

Normally a variance of that recorded for ferry patronage would cause the statistician to redo the numbers, checking for the mistake.  We should brace for Mr Emerson's media statement using one of those phrases that pollies use ... along the lines of 'Brisbane ferry patronage is on a wave of success.'

It is a sad indictment on the politicisation of everything ...  it matters little that policy is wildly off the rails ... all that matters to some is the ' spin ' ...

[#Metro]

What on Earth have they done during their term? Completely squandered opportunities and spent the whole time talking about RED team this RED team that blah blah blah.

The main good thing that's come out is the train service upgrade. That was very good masterstroke.

The politician that puts good PR ahead of good policy will ultimately get neither. The politician that puts good policy ahead of good PR will get a great deal of both. We elect politicians to ACT! The fare cuts and the outrageous 9-then waste scheme is like saying "Hey, we know we're serving up cr%p, but here is a discount, go away and remember to vote for us." They haven't fixed the problems!!

It is like when I was with Vodafone mobile service, horrible service, had so many problems, I ultimately stopped using the service and when I got around to cancelling they were like "Ohhh, we are really so sorry, can we offer you free this, free that, discount this', and I just said, 'look, just get me off your books please!'

QLD going the way of Victoria IMHO. Blue mob to take a real thrashing, they just don't know it yet. They are going to lose some seats anyway as the previous election was exceptional and now there will be a natural correction no doubt. Some heads will roll no doubt!

[Stillwater]

We have a former journalist as Queensland transport minister.

[ozbob]

We have a former journalist as Queensland transport minister.

I know ... he is good at posting ' selfies '  ... he would be better off in Tourism or something along those lines ...

We need a Transport Minister that will drive the hard policy issues to delivery ...

[#Metro]

Credit given for getting bus reform 1/4 of the way there. They botched up the public consultation so that 10% strongly against and 60% undecided became 70% against. The key turning point was the loosening on the 172 I think, he thought it would cool things down, but all he did was open the floodgates for everyone to make a claim...

[ozbob]

Fairfax radio news have followed up ..   

Thanks!

Comments have been running in the major Fairfax radio news this morning re fare unaffordability ...

[STB]

Well this is interesting....10 years on and we are still waiting...

https://web.archive.org/web/20040820123028/http://www.translink.com.au/qt/TransLin.nsf/index/TransLinkQandA

14. Why is my local train station in a different zone to my local bus stop?

Some rail stations located in a particular zone have been assigned a different zone number to prevent rail fares from increasing too much. It is intended that these stations will be transitioned over time.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

6th December 2014

SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - Santa fails to deliver ..

Good morning!

To further highlight what a significant matter the fare unaffordability and failed fare system is for SEQ public transport take the time to review the TransLink KPI summary.

From http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2014-Oct-snapshot.pdf page 1

KPI summary Oct 14


' Affordability ' IS the stand out failure.  Fare cuts are not going to sort the issues.  Proper fare reform  and proper network reform will.

Will we see commitments to reform in the forthcoming election campaign?  We can only hope hey?  Policy before spin please.

Remember also, Queensland is the only state or territory that does not extend concession public transport fares to the unemployed.  A double whammy in SEQ, and no doubt contributing to the run away fare evasion problem in SEQ.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Media release 24th November 2014



SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - Santa fails to deliver ..

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 TransLink performance snap shot data for October 2014 has again confirmed that fare 'affordability' remains at crisis levels. Worst ' affordability ' ever recorded.

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 (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 no surprise then that affordability is again the stand out failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs for October 2014 (3).

"It is a great disappointment to our members, and to many informed public transport users that rather than take the big steps to sort out the failed fare system and the network once and for all, in the shadows of the election a charade poll was put to the public - suggesting that a windfall gain from the cancelled carbon tax can be used to fund cut in fares of 5%."

"Fares on qconnect and TransLinkQLD (Cairns) urban buses are around half to a third the cost of fares in SEQ.  Service improvements would be far more important for these jurisdictions, but they were simply done over by the numbers in SEQ on the poll."

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place immediately for SEQ, rather than just a notional cut.  A fare system that drives patronage around the clock, is affordable and fair to all demographics.  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."

"The nine and free fare paradigm is leading to massive fare box leakage and is NOT making fares affordable at all, the TransLink Affordability KPI attests to that.  It is just a massive rort and a drain on the fare box! (4)"

"There are very big cost savings to be made to the economy by getting people back on public transport with a sound fare system and a truly connected network.  Fares in SEQ are amongst the worlds most expensive. A token fare cut is going to do very little without real reform.  Time to act decisively!"

Contact:

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

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/2014-Oct-snapshot.pdf  page 14

Affordability KPI October 2014



http://backontrack.org/images/tl/affordabilityoct14.jpg  Note wild swing for ferry, is the survey process valid?

4. 16 Jun 2014: SEQ: Flawed cost estimates for the nine and free go card rort?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10765.0

[ozbob]

A random tweet on #qldpol

================

Twitter

Miz Jez ‏@mizjezabela 2 hours ago

#brisbane transport - completely confusing & ridiculously expensive. This will be my last visit here, can't afford to travel here! #qldpol


================

[ozbob]

Media release 20th December 2014

SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

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 TransLink performance snap shot data for November 2014 has again confirmed that fare 'affordability' remains at crisis levels. Worst KPI is ' affordability ' by a huge measure.

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 - January 2014 (1). A recent 5% decrease in November has only had a marginal effect. The Affordability KPI remains most unsatisfactory."

"CPI for the period 2010-2014 has gone up around 10% (2).  The sheer magnitude of the fare increases  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 no surprise then that affordability is again the stand out failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs for November 2014 (3).

"It is a great disappointment to our members, and to many informed public transport users that rather than take the big steps to sort out the failed fare system and the network once and for all, in the shadows of the election a charade poll was put to the public - suggesting that a windfall gain from the cancelled carbon tax can be used to fund cut in fares of 5%."

"Fares on qconnect and TransLinkQLD (Cairns) urban buses are around half to a third the cost of fares in SEQ.  Service improvements would be far more important for these jurisdictions, but they were simply done over by the numbers in SEQ on the poll."

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place immediately for SEQ, rather than just a notional cut.  A fare system that drives patronage around the clock, is affordable and fair to all demographics.  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."

"The nine and free fare paradigm is leading to massive fare box leakage and is NOT making fares affordable at all, the TransLink Affordability KPI attests to that.  It is just a massive rort and a drain on the fare box! (4)"

"We have seen fuel prices fall lately.  This in time is going to mean that more people will abandon public transport in SEQ due to the very poor anti-public transport fare system.  Road congestion will only worsen.  Road trauma costs will further exacerbate."

"Will we see some moves to sensible fare and network reform as part of the forthcoming Queensland election?"

"There are very big cost savings to be made to the economy by getting people back on public transport with a sound fare system and a truly connected network.  Fares in SEQ are amongst the worlds most expensive. Token fare cuts do very little without real reform.  Time to act decisively!"

Contact:

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

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/2014-Nov-snapshot.pdf  pages 1 & 14

4. 16 Jun 2014: SEQ: Flawed cost estimates for the nine and free go card rort?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10765.0

5. KPI Summary November 2014



6. KPI Affordability November 2014

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Re: SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

Greetings,

Over Christmas I had the opportunity to visit Melbourne.  During my stay there I had plenty of opportunities to travel on public transport, mainly the suburban rail (Metro) and country rail (V/Line) systems, although I managed to fit in some tram travel as well.

What is immediately apparent is the very reasonable public transport fare structure as compared to the high cost fare structure failure that is SEQ.  People are encouraged to use public transport with an equitable fare cost from the first journey. Base fare costs in SEQ are amongst the highest in the world.

Decent fares are reinforced by sound community initiatives in Victoria.  For example on Christmas Day, public transport was free in Victoria, including country rail. As we observed during the G20, transport authorities in Queensland are unable to act for the community, they simply do not understand that free travel days get people onto public transport for the longer term. No free public transport for the community on Christmas Day in SEQ, we cannot afford it is the bleat!  Rubbish, getting people out and about is an investment for the future as well as a business multiplier.  SEQ is a great case study in how not manage public transport in many respects - bus network review failure, fare system failure being stand-outs.

New Years Eve, there is free public transport in SEQ, but only from 9pm on New Year's Eve (Wednesday 31 December) until 5.30am on New Year's morning (Thursday 1 January). In Victoria Metropolitan trains, trams, buses and regional town buses will be free from 6pm on New Year's Eve until the first scheduled service on New Year's Day. This again shows how mean spirited the authorities are in SEQ.  The only reason they make free travel available for such a narrow window is that the system cannot cope otherwise, they do not grasp the bigger picture as authorities do in other jurisdictions.

2015 and the looming State Election perhaps provides the best opportunity for locking in fare reform for SEQ.  There also needs to be bus network reform for Brisbane as well.  To continue on the present fare path failure will be devastating for the community.  We need a Government that will drive real reform and rise above the spin and mediocrity that characterises much of public policy at present.

Happy New Year!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Reference:

Melbourne December 2014 http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11008.0

Media release 20th December 2014

SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

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 TransLink performance snap shot data for November 2014 has again confirmed that fare 'affordability' remains at crisis levels. Worst KPI is ' affordability ' by a huge measure.

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 - January 2014 (1). A recent 5% decrease in November has only had a marginal effect. The Affordability KPI remains most unsatisfactory."

"CPI for the period 2010-2014 has gone up around 10% (2).  The sheer magnitude of the fare increases  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 no surprise then that affordability is again the stand out failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs for November 2014 (3).

"It is a great disappointment to our members, and to many informed public transport users that rather than take the big steps to sort out the failed fare system and the network once and for all, in the shadows of the election a charade poll was put to the public - suggesting that a windfall gain from the cancelled carbon tax can be used to fund cut in fares of 5%."

"Fares on qconnect and TransLinkQLD (Cairns) urban buses are around half to a third the cost of fares in SEQ.  Service improvements would be far more important for these jurisdictions, but they were simply done over by the numbers in SEQ on the poll."

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place immediately for SEQ, rather than just a notional cut.  A fare system that drives patronage around the clock, is affordable and fair to all demographics.  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."

"The nine and free fare paradigm is leading to massive fare box leakage and is NOT making fares affordable at all, the TransLink Affordability KPI attests to that.  It is just a massive rort and a drain on the fare box! (4)"

"We have seen fuel prices fall lately.  This in time is going to mean that more people will abandon public transport in SEQ due to the very poor anti-public transport fare system.  Road congestion will only worsen.  Road trauma costs will further exacerbate."

"Will we see some moves to sensible fare and network reform as part of the forthcoming Queensland election?"

"There are very big cost savings to be made to the economy by getting people back on public transport with a sound fare system and a truly connected network.  Fares in SEQ are amongst the worlds most expensive. Token fare cuts do very little without real reform.  Time to act decisively!"

Contact:

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

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/2014-Nov-snapshot.pdf  pages 1 & 14

4. 16 Jun 2014: SEQ: Flawed cost estimates for the nine and free go card rort?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10765.0

5. KPI Summary November 2014



6. KPI Affordability November 2014