8 Nov 2007: Brisbane - TransLink Smart Card Options needed

[ozbob]

Media Release: 8  November 2007

Brisbane:  TransLink Smart Card Options needed

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport has said that there is a requirement for more options to be introduced on the TransLink Smart card from roll out.  Transport Minister Mickel has outlined the Smart card frequent traveller discount and bonus.  This is a good option for some, but is only cost neutral for people travelling 10 trips per week. What is needed is an occasional trip option (See reference 1) and a high use option based on weekly and/or monthly fares.

Robert Dow said:

?RAIL Back On Track has received feedback that clearly indicates that unless there are further options the commuter uptake of the Translink Smart card will be poor. This will then negate the potential benefits of increased efficiency in terms of faster loading of buses and river transport, and reduced direct ticket sales and cash handling.

?An occasional trip option would mimic the present Ten Trip Fare Saver ticketing.  There would be no time limit and fares could be charged at a flat rate less 20% as for the present ten trippers.

?Another option would be to have pre-purchase of travel at weekly or monthly blocks.  This could then entitle the holder to unrestricted travel in the zones purchased.  It would be pay as you go until the respective weekly or monthly fare cap is reached, and at which point travel would be free in their zones for the remainder of the week or month as the case may be.  This would be very beneficial to students and workers who need to do multiple trips during the day and would also allow economical travel on all days of the week.

?If uptake of the Smart card is at a high level there are many benefits in terms of accurate data collection as to passenger loadings on various services and will facilitate improvements as well as the overall efficiency gains.

?There is really only one opportunity to get the initial roll out right and encourage maximum uptake of the Smart card ticketing!

?It is essential that all TransLink commuters can become Smart card enabled in a cost neutral manner, otherwise they will continue to use paper ticketing with  increased costs and consequent reduced efficiency of our public transport systems,? said Robert Dow, spokesman for RAIL Back On Track.

Reference:

1.    http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=285.0

Contact:

Robert  Dow

Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track
http://backontrack.org