25 July 2009: SEQ: Time to GO!

[ozbob]

Media Release 25 July 2009

SEQ:  Time to GO!

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 it is time to move forwards with the go card.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"In a response to a petition lodged with the Legislative Assembly by Ms Vicky Darling MP, Member for Sandgate on 7th October 2008 regarding the lack of an off peak fare structure under the go card system, the Minister for Transport wrote on the 4th June 2009 in part 'TransLink considers providing additional services and more frequent and reliable services to be a better way of enhancing customers' travel. TransLink will continue to evaluate and phase in new product offerings on the go card.'(1)"

"It was reported in the media on the 21st April 2009 that there was active consideration of a new fare structure for the go card. It was reported that a TransLink spokesman had stated 'Off peak fares for Go Cards are one of a range of products being considered by TransLink' and 'TransLink is required to present its preferred options to the State Government for consideration by the middle of the year' and 'This will form part of a long-term strategy for fares across South East Queensland.'(2)."

"It is clear from public feedback and our observations that the major stumbling block with the go card is the fare structure. It is time that our investment in the go card system is turned into improved public transport efficiencies. To drive go card uptake a fare structure for the go card that matches and betters the present paper tickets in innovative ways is needed.  Early, late, and off peak discounts with capping to match daily, weekly and monthly tickets is what is needed to drive uptake and continued use of the go card. Such a fare structure will also assist in congestion management."

"The go card contract was signed in 2003 for a 12 year contract (3).  We are now halfway through this contract and there are still only 30% of TransLink journeys overall on the go card. How many more years do we need to wait?"

References:

1.   http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/EPetitions_qld/responses/1048-08.pdf

2.   http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/cheaper-fares-proposal-by-midyear-translink-20090420-ackt.html

3.   http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=20730

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

New changes in store for taxi drivers
Jul 22, 2009

Taxi drivers - not the most popular profession, it's fair to say.

Stories of confused drivers, suspicious tariffs and miscommunications arise time and time again.

New regulations aim to improve standards across the cab network and regulate who can become a taxi driver.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan and Taxi Council of Queensland head Blair Davies spoke with Spencer about the changes:

External Link 612 Breakfast here!

There is an interesting go card question to the Minister for Transport towards the end of the interview ...