8 Mar 2009: SEQ - Where are the policies for moving forwards with the Go Card?

[ozbob]

Media Release 8 Mar 2009

SEQ:  2009 State Election - Where are the policies for moving forwards with the Go 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 users has asked all political parties what are their intentions for further development of the Go card ticketing system.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Go card promises much.  A high uptake of the go card will improve public transport efficiency particularly shortening the loading times of buses and allow the collection of much more meaningful load data, virtually real time. The fact that the Go card has been rolled out and is in use is a noteworthy achievement by TransLink and the public transport operators, but more needs to done."

"RAIL Back On Track receives constant critical feedback on the Go card.  It is not as often projected by the Government and TransLink as trouble free. On the contrary, there are many issues, the least of which is the rather odd fare structure.   Many commuters will not use the go card as they cannot see the point if their seasonal paper ticketing is a much better deal.  This fare mismatch is a fundamental flaw in the marketing strategy."

"The LNP have put forward a policy for free rail travel for commuters touching off in zone one between 6am and 7am and touching on in zone one between 6pm and 7pm with the go card (1).  This is a welcome policy as it at least recognises the potential for the go card to assist with congestion management.  The down side is that it is only for rail commuters in zone one.  We would prefer an incentive fare structure for early and late peak and off peak with capping for all go card commuters (2), nonetheless, well done LNP."

"Our calls for Go card information and help booths at major bus and railway stations have gone unanswered.  The fact there are no ticket machines at the major bus stations is farcical. Many people struggle with the poorly designed go card equipment and if the authorities want people to use it you must provide some support."

"On a number of occasions I have assisted senior citizens with informal 'classes' on how to use the AVVMs, the new ticketing machines. Some folks find the whole touch concept very new and difficult."

"A failure to implement an online request form for a fare adjustment in the case of incorrectly applied fixed fares is further testament to the clumsy nature of the Go card administration backend.   The system of people ringing TransLink and having to spend a lot of time on the telephone in an attempt to seek an adjustment can be streamlined surely?"

"What exactly are the future plans for the Go card?  Public transport commuters would like to know."


References:

1.   http://www.springborg.com/policy/policy-page/transport.html

2.   http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1941.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org