Ministerial Statement: GEN Y: NOT GENERATION BUY

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
22/07/2009

GEN Y: NOT GENERATION BUY

New figures released today show most fare evaders on South East Queensland public transport are likely to be young - with more than 82 per cent of all fare evaders under the age of 30.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan today released new figures that revealed the Generation Y demographic received five times' more fines than any other demographic when it came to fare evasion.

"Close to 17,000 Gen Ys were caught out taking free rides in the past year - that's the equivalent of about 261 full buses or about 45 full three-car-trains," Ms Nolan said.

Overall, TransLink Transit Officers (TTOs) issued 20,557 fines for fare evasion in the 12 months to June 1, 2009.

In the same period 82.6 per cent (16,981) of Gen Y commuters (those under 30 years old) were fined. Generation X commuters (those under 49 years old) received 3289 fines (or 16 per cent) while baby boomers (those over 50 years old) received 206 fines (one per cent).

Commuters aged between 21-24 years old (7440) were most likely to be fined for fare evasion followed by commuters aged 16.5 - 20 years old (6186) then commuters aged 25 - 29 years old (3355).

Generation Fines Percentage

Gen Y commuters (those under 30 years old)
   
16,981 82.6%

Generation X commuters (those under 49 years old)
   
3289 16%

Baby Boomers (those over 50 years old)
   
206 1%

*Figures compiled by TransLink Revenue Protection Unit.

"In real terms, $16 million would have provided more than 1200 bus services - or more than enough for all the bus enhancement packages delivered across Brisbane since October 2008," Ms Nolan said.

Ms Nolan said the Bligh Government was serious about tackling fare evasion and was implementing a range of measures such as securing fare gate access at CBD train stations and new powers and legislation for specially-trained TTOs.

"TTOs in conjunction with police and transport inspectors continue to target fare evaders who rip off honest commuters," Ms Nolan said.

"TransLink has also had a major focus on securing fare gate access at train stations such as Roma Street and Central stations in order to crack down on fare evasion.

"A $200 on-the-spot fine can be easily avoided by paying a few dollars for the correct fare at the start of your journey or safety at level crossings."

Ms Nolan said it was illegal to travel on public transport without a valid ticket or go card.

"Passengers need to be able to display a valid ticket or go card to a transit officer at their destination and supply proof of concession as well as name, age and date of birth for further identification."

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[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Gen Y freeloaders cost $16 million

Gen Y freeloaders cost $16 million
Christine Kellett
July 22, 2009 - 8:06AM

They're accused of refusing to move out of home and withdrawing from the Bank of Mum and Dad, but now Generation Y has been outed for an even more sinister form of freeloading: fare evasion.

New State Government figures show the overwhelming majority of public transport fare evaders - or 82 per cent - are under the age of 30, with 16,981 Gen Ys busted in just 12 months.

According to TransLink data, Gen Ys were five times more likely than any other age group to be fined for not having a valid public transport ticket.

Generation X, or those aged under 49, were the second worst offenders, copping 3289 - or 16 per cent - of fines, while 206 baby boomers - or a tiny one per cent -  made up the remainder.

Of the younger group, those aged between 21 and 24 were most likely to be fined for fare evasion, followed by commuters aged between 16-and-a-half and 20.

Overall, Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said fare evasion was costing the State Government $16 million a year.

"Close to 17,000 Gen Ys were caught out taking free rides in the past year - that's the equivalent of about 261 full buses or about 45 full three-car-trains," Ms Nolan said.

"In real terms, $16 million would have provided more than 1200 bus services - or more than enough for all the bus enhancement packages delivered across Brisbane since October 2008.

"I'd rather not point my finger at Gen Y, but unfortunately that's what the facts tell us."

She warned police and transit officers would continue to crack down on fare evasion, dishing out $200 on-the-spot fines to commuters caught without a valid ticket.

TransLink Transit Officers issued a total of 20,557 fines for fare evasion in the 12 months to June 1.

[Paul.Zenon]

I would also like to know the percentage of actual travellers in those age catagories.

I wonder what the percentage is of fare evaders versus the actual number of travellers is, in each age group?

Would be interesting to see which age group is then the highest within their own catagory.

[brad C]

How many of these were school or other students without passes/tickets??
What incentives do travellers have to pay fares when on a certain morning peak train I witnessed up to a third of the carriage occupants were either QR white collar staff or plain clothes/uniformed Police personnel, some of whom are obviously 9-5ers as they are on the same train in the same carriage everyday. I  grasp my $50 weekly ticket and ask WHY??

Public transport is already a heavy burden on the taxpayers of this state (some in north queensland would argue that they are in fact subsidising SEQ commuters with no tangible benefits to themselves). Therefore it is imperative that ALL travellers paid their way, particularly when the govt is crying poor and increasing fees and charges .