7 Nov 2008: SEQ: Go card free trip bus bonanza!

[ozbob]

Media Release 7 November 2008

SEQ:  Go card free trip bus bonanza!

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 been inundated with feedback from bus Go card users highlighting the regular frequent free trips on offer for all bus passengers as Go card equipment continues to fail (1).

The loss in revenue must be very significant, and still there is a public denial of the ongoing issues by Government.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track has received considerable amount of feedback from Go card users highlighting the regular free rides bus passengers are enjoying as a consequence of the chronic failures of the Go card equipment (1)."

"Rail Go card users are asking if they can get free trips too?  This free ride bonanza on the buses has been Going on for months, and is a testament to the old theory of bluster and pretend in that if we continue to say how great the Go card is, the public might actually believe it.  Really?  The problem is many commuters are now becoming very concerned as to the loss of revenue in these difficult economic times, and the possible impact as increased fares to cover the losses from the failing Go card system.  Most public transport users actually want to pay their fair fare!"

"Is there anyone in Government or the TTA that is really aware of the issues?  Does the TTA have any idea of the significant loss of revenue?  Does anyone actually care?"

"RAIL Back On Track members have noticed that many of the Go card devices on major stations are showing increasing numbers of red crosses indicating that they are out of service.  Is the railway Go card equipment starting to fail too?  Our observations suggest it might be."

"Oh dear, we are in a spot of Go bother now aren't we?  Sadly, the Queensland taxpayer has apparently funded a dud!"

"Who is responsible for the Go circus?"

"We would like to suggest that rather spending millions of dollars on Go card advertising, wouldn't it be better to first get the system to work reliably for all?"

Reference:

1.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=432.msg6889#msg6889

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org