9 Sep 2009: SEQ: Go, stop, Go!

[ozbob]

Media Release 9 September 2009

SEQ:  Go, stop, 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 to improve overall efficiency of our public transport.

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, our observations and actual go card experience that the major stumbling block  for uptake 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."

"A high uptake of the go card will reduce overall ticketing costs and provide more funding for urgently needed services.  Accurate real time loading data will be available which will also allow TransLink and the operators to fine tune timetables to match services with the actual demands.  Reduced loading times for bus particularly will assist greatly in speeding up overall route journey times.

"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 about 33% 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]

Feedback received, thanks!

I?m amused at Translink?s response, especially, ?TransLink considers providing additional services and more frequent and reliable services to be a better way of enhancing customers' travel?. The afternoon 380 service to The Gap is the only one that services Settlement Road and surrounding streets. Most afternoons, I wait at Red Hill for 25-45 minutes for a 380 ?service? that is supposed to pass the stop at about 15 minute intervals. Thus, there is no additional service, they are not more frequent and certainly not reliable!!! Translink appears to have added additional 379 services, which only go to St John?s Wood, but which help passengers wishing to alight at Red Hill or Ashgrove but is no help for passengers to The Gap. When the always late 380 ?service? arrives, it is usually jam-packed and some drivers have refused entry as they are too full (or they merely drive past) ----- another 25 minute wait!!!! I think I?ll be waiting a long time for my travel to be ?enhanced?.

[ozbob]

Channel Nine News did a short segment on the Clem7 tunnel and the public transport last evening.

Go card was mentioned.