30 Oct 2009: SEQ: Ticketing options and improvements for go card needed

[ozbob]

Media Release 30 October 2009

SEQ:  Ticketing options and improvements for go card needed

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 again called for daily caps and periodical ticketing options to be added to the go card.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The new fare strategy is clearly designed to encourage public transport commuters in south-east Queensland to take up the go card.  The inclusion of off peak options on the go card is a very significant improvement and is welcome (1)."

"However, the eventual loss of the periodical paper ticketing will impact severely on many commuters and in the interim paper tickets are facing a huge cost rise from January 2010.  RAIL Back On Track has been inundated with critical feedback from disgruntled commuters who are facing massive cost rises in their cost of travel.  Many have indicated that they may have no alternative other than to go back to the congestion chaos on the roads. This is a perverse outcome."

"The new go card fares are set at the 2007 single fare paper cost.  This means though that users of periodical paper tickets are facing very significant increases in their public transport costs.  For example the soon to be phased out 12 month QR rail pass for zone 15 travel costs $2990.  Under the new go card fare structure the equivalent go card fare cost (48 weeks travel) will be $4320.  This is an increase of 46 per cent.  The projected annual fare increases of 15 per cent per annum for the next five years will further add to these financial impacts."

"What is needed is similar fare options as is the case for the Oyster card in London (2) and the Melbourne Myki card (3).  Daily caps and periodical ticket options should be added to the go card as further affordable ticketing options for high use commuters before January 2010.  This would also further encourage go card uptake."

"The go card environment also needs to be radically improved.  Some things for consideration include much improved administrative support, online forms for refund of fixed fares, stepped up education and help booths for new users.  An amnesty period for new users would be a good idea, particularly if the fixed fares penalties are increased (presently $3 bus/ferry, $5 rail, planned to be $5 bus/ferry $10 rail - concession half of those) this will be essential or again lots of grief in the streets.   More go card  readers at rail stations is necessary to cope with the peak surges.  There will be considerable flack from commuters I expect if this is not done."

"A clear and unambiguous statement is needed from TransLink as to when go card users can travel in an untouched state. For many users they encounter problems in knowing if they have successfully touched on due the the position and state of the touch devices on stations and buses.  It is not unusual for go card equipment to be in a failed state on buses, and sometimes on rail stations.  Often the screens are scratched, moisture affected or the glare is such that they are not readable.  Additionally the audible beeps often fail or are not heard due to background noise.  How long before a commuter who, thinking they have touched on with credit on their go card, is fined for fare evasion due to faulty equipment?  Is this encouraging a seamless transition to 100% go card?  We think not."

"It is all very well declaring that paper tickets are to be phased out but unless there is much focus on go card improvements including more fares and comprehensive support there will be significant resistance and anger from the public."


References:

1.   http://www.translink.com.au/alert.php?id=173

2.   http://oystercard.110mb.com/fares.htm

3.   http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/assets/PDFs/2009-Fares-and-Ticketing-Manual/MYKI-Ticketing-manual.pdf

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Some feedback received, thanks.

Re the card readers not beeping.  I find on the buses fairly often that one or more card readers don't beep.  It often confuses people who think they haven't touched and touch it again which causes a "Already Touched" message. Just as an aside too, they need to do more to stop people touching on and then off at the same stop again (particularly on buses) so that they don't get charged a fare.  Essentially people travel for free.