1 Oct 2009: SEQ: Pre-paid bus ramp up welcome

[ozbob]

Media Release 1st October 2009

SEQ:  Pre-paid bus ramp up welcome

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 welcomed the increase in pre-paid bus routes from the 16th of November (1). There is a need though to improve ticketing options to further consolidate improvements in public transport efficiency and now is the time for a revised and improved fare structure for the go card.

Robert Dow, spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Increases in the number of pre-paid bus routes is a good move.  To further drive positive change there is a need to ensure that ticket machines are placed sooner than later in the bus stations and major bus change points.  The number of go card agents also needs to be increased to provide public transport commuters with more local options for go card purchase and top-up."

"If go card uptake can be increased to over 90% of all public transport journeys the bus network will become almost exclusively pre-paid by default and this will lead to much better bus run times over the whole network around the clock."

"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 continuing 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 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."

"Let's go!"

Reference:

1.  http://www.translink.com.au/prepaid.php

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org