27 Oct 2008: SEQ: Go card is a very slow card ...

[ozbob]

Media Release 27 October 2008

SEQ:  Go card is a very slow card ...

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 that problems with the Go card have now reached a critical point. Go card users have apparently resorted to photographing malfunctioning equipment to support their claims for refunds of incorrectly debited fines. Other Go card users on the buses are reporting ever escalating numbers of free rides.  This must be impacting adversely on revenue from the buses as the ten trippers are replaced by Go cards.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track has consistently highlighted the many system and equipment issues with the Go card (1).  Despite these failings we have remained steadfastly behind the Go card roll out as we believe it has the potential when working reliably to greatly improve the efficiency of our public transport, and provide accurate loading data to enable fine tuning of timetables and service frequencies."

"It is difficult to remain supportive though when there is systemic public denial of the problems by the TransLink Transit Authority, Cubic and the Government."

"Problems with non-functioning equipment on buses have now reached a crisis point. A recent new Go card user has reported that:

'I ran out of 10 trips a couple of weeks ago and so got a Go card and have been using it on BCC buses ever since. The best part is the constant savings that the Go Card gives me. I get at least 3 free trips a week because the equipment on the buses is faulty and the driver just waves me on. The best week I had was 5 free trips in one week. So if the aim of the Go Card is to save the passengers time and money, I can definitely say that I have saved money, and it takes no time at all to get waved onto a bus for free.'

Will the loss of revenue force increases in fares to cover the losses?"

"Why is it that Go card users need to photograph the faulty equipment to prove that the intermittent equipment failures are the cause of their fines?  Is it not time that Go card users are treated with some common decency and trust?"

"Other issues recently reported by RAIL Back On Track members include phantom fares; being debited for a trip they never actually took, and penalties due to clock errors on the system."

"The questions that need answers are:

1. How many users have been denied refunds?

2. What is the estimate of lost revenue due to faulty equipment on the buses and ferries?  Does the TTA have any real idea of the number of free rides?

3. Of the Go cards issued, how many are actually in use?

4. When will Go card users be treated with some respect and courtesy?  Rather than be accused of incompetence and inferred deceit when they describe intermittent failures of equipment?

5. Is the Go card system ever going to work reliably, particularly on the buses and ferries?"

6. Has the Queensland taxpayer been landed with a dud?

7. Is there any redress for the Queensland taxpayer under the Go card contract?"

Reference:

1. http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?board=27.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Radio 612 ABC Radio Brisbane followed up with an interview on these issues this morning (28th Oct).

Thanks for the opportunity Spencer to raise our concerns on behalf of the public transport community.

Regards
Bob