31 Oct 2008: SEQ: Go card spin just won't do, will it?

[ozbob]

Media Release 31 October 2008

SEQ:  Go card spin just won't do, will it?

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 consistently highlighted the botched roll out of the go card and the myriad of ongoing issues (1). Despite this we do support the roll out of the go card as it will in time lead to improved efficiency of public transport.  But, the system must be reliable, which at present it is not, and go card fares must equitable for all, presently they are not.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Courier Mail has an article today on the go card highlighting the increase in the number of users (2). The fundamental reason for this is the withdrawal of the ten trip tickets, rather than intrinsic merit of the present faulty go card."

"We invite you all to visit our Go card forum at RAIL Back On Track (3). Here is a chronological systematic account of the botched go card roll out, and evidence of the myriad problems that the go card system is presently plagued with."

"It is little wonder that the increase in the touch penalties has again been pushed back. If it wasn't, it is highly likely there would be a user revolt; as there are many go card users who have received touch penalties due to equipment failures but have been denied refunds on application. This has upset many go card users, to the extent that many letters and comments have appeared in the Brisbane media."

"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?"

"Let's get over the spin and start on real facts.  The public transport community deserves a system that is reliable and equitable. After all, it is the Queensland taxpayer that has paid for it."

References:

1.   http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?board=27.0
2.   http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24576463-952,00.html
3.   http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?board=27.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org