3 Feb 2008: Go Card is a shambles

[ozbob]

Media Release 3 February 2008

SEQ:  Go Card is a shambles

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport has called for a cessation of the roll out of the Translink Go Card due to the flawed fare structure and the many problems so far reported with the operation of system, and the many technical issues.  The system should be made fully operable and fares equitable before roll out is again commenced.

Robert Dow said:

?The Translink Go Card is a disaster.?

?Commuters are waking up to the significance of the high cost frequent user fare scheme.  RAIL Back On Track has previously highlighted some of the impacts of this inequitable fare structure (1).?

?We are now becoming aware of what appears to be attempts to restrict paper ticket sales apparently in a move designed to force commuters onto a high cost flawed electronic system. If Go Card was attractive it would have a high uptake.?

?Calls have been made previously for guarantees that no commuters would be worse off using the Go Card.  Clearly that is not the case and explains the silence.?

?Can guarantees be given that paper integrated tickets will continue to be available and accessible for the whole community indefinitely or until an equitable fare structure is available on the Go Card??

?Translink and Queensland Government representatives should head off to Perth Western Australia to see how a Smartcard ticket system is properly implemented! The SmartRider system (2) in Perth has equitable fares with proper incentives for uptake and actually works!? said Robert Dow, spokesman for RAIL Back On Track.

References:

1. Go Card users do your sums!  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=443.0

2. Perth SmartRider here!

Contact:

Robert  Dow

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