22nd (17th) January 2011 - the day the go card arrives ...

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Fare hike on time despite objections

Fare hike on time despite objections
Daniel Hurst
January 21, 2011 - 5:57AM

Today is the last day southeast Queensland commuters will enjoy free public transport, with fares coming back into force – plus a 15 per cent price hike – tomorrow.

Opposition public transport spokeswoman Tracy Davis this week called for the planned fare increases to be put on hold while the flood recovery continued, but the demand was rejected.

The state government was widely applauded for offering eight days of free public transport, since last Friday, as a temporary measure to help flood victims recover and reduce traffic congestion.

But the 15 per cent fare hike that was due to take effect four days ago will still come into force tomorrow, prompting opposition claims some people would be driven away from public transport.

All types of paper tickets except single passes will also be scrapped, as part of the continuing drive to lure people to the electronic Go Card.

The cost of a two-zone journey on the Go Card will rise from $2.70 to $3.11, while the single paper ticket fare for the same journey will increase from $3.90 to $4.60.

A five-zone journey will soon cost commuters $4.72 on the Go Card, up from $4.10. The same paper ticket fare will rise from $6 to $6.90. Fare increases are planned for each year up to 2014.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the fare hikes would help fund the provision of extra public transport services in the form of 300,000 additional seats per week.

"Fares will still be among the cheapest of the big Australian cities," she said in a written response to questions.

"For instance, for a trip of up to 10 kilometres (taken by nearly 70 per cent of commuters), costs up to $3.11 compared to $3.70 in Melbourne and $3.20 (bus) and $3.30 (train) in Sydney."

Ms Nolan said it was important to keep quality services running, and a range of assistance and support measures were available to flood victims.

'Extreme impost'

However, Ms Davis said the opposition believed the fare hikes would affect some people who now had to rely on public transport because they had lost their cars in the floods.

The increases would also be a burden on the general travelling public, she said.

"The bottom line is people are struggling with day-to-day cost of living increases and to have a 15 per cent increase every year until 2014 is just an extreme impost on them," she said.

Ms Davis said commuters she spoke to were not convinced the fare increases would lead to better services.

"I think the fare increases just gives them another reason not to use public transport," she said.

"By putting a 15 per cent hike on public transport services, that doesn't give people an incentive to use it. Some people will cop it on the chin, it's fair to say, but others will look to other options."

Ms Davis said pensioners and low-income earners who may have no option but to use public transport would have to shoulder the fare increase.

However, seniors and pensioners will from tomorrow benefit from daily fare capping.

If they use a Go Card, they will only pay for the first two journeys of travel on any one day, with any subsequent journeys coming at zero cost.

Ms Nolan did not respond to a question about why the daily fare cap on the Go Card could not be extended to other commuters to encourage greater public transport use.

But she dismissed concerns the fare increases could turn people away from public transport, saying a record 49.2 million trips were taken across the Translink network last year.

"That patronage is expected to grow as we improve both frequency and reliability under new timetables," she said.

Tourists impacted

Commuter lobby group Rail Back on Track has long called for better fare structures to be put in place on the Go Card system, including daily fare capping.

The group has also raised concern about the impact of the looming fare and ticketing changes on tourists.

Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said tourists had found the daily paper tickets an affordable way of visiting tourist destinations, but these were being scrapped.

He said tourists would have to buy numerous single paper tickets or let multiple journeys accumulate on their Go Cards, representing a significant increase in costs for a day of travel around the city.

But Ms Nolan described the Go Card as ideal for tourists, saying it provided flexibility to change destinations or change travel dates.

"Just as visitors to London buy an Oyster card on arrival, Brisbane tourists will be able to purchase a Go Card for affordable easy travel," she said.

"It's easier than ever before to get one. They're now available at 520 outlets across the network plus over the phone and internet."

However, unlike the Oyster card, the standard Go Card does not allow daily fare capping.

In London, a traveller who makes lots of journeys will automatically have their fares for the day capped at the price of a one-day Travelcard.

The Queensland government was originally planning to completely phase out paper tickets and introduce a tourist-friendly limited-use Go Card.

In October, the government decided to retain single-journey paper tickets after assessing the cost of rolling out the alternative product was too high.

It said these paper tickets would remain as an option for tourists and occasional users, but individual Go Card journeys would still be a cheaper option.

The discount for off-peak travel on a Go Card will rise tomorrow from 10 per cent to 15 per cent.

Half-price fares will remain in place for concession card holders, such as students.

Details about the new fares and planned increases in coming years are available on the Translink website.

[#Metro]

Maybe they should also interview BrizCommuter! 

[#Metro]

The BrisbaneTimes certainly does its research- which is very good to see! They went and had a look at the London cards...
Good stuff Brisbane Times!

But she dismissed concerns the fare increases could turn people away from public transport, saying a record 49.2 million trips were taken across the Translink network last year.

There has got to be something dire and wrong here- I thought it was around 180 million trips/year over the entire network.

[ozbob]

The fare structure as perceived by the public will be a major negative for the Government.  We have presented alternatives for years, the opposition needs to spell out what they would do!

Extend journey capping to tertiary students/school students as a priority, then look at other further 'fare enhancements' ...

[STB]

School students, in theory, would only make 2 journeys a day, to and from school, that might change though on weekends, so I'm not sure how beneficial capping would help school students in particular.

Tertiary students would definately need it though, I've changed uni's this year (I was successful in getting into my chosen degree at QUT!) and luckliy I will be able to keep my costs down to $8.74/week for this semester as my timetable is over two days and the majority of the subjects is on the Kelvin Grove campus (QUT), with a free bus to Gardens Point for one other subject I have on.

If I had stayed at Griffith, the costs would've been quite large as I would've had to travel between campuses (Nathan-Southbank, Nathan-Gold Coast) with up to four journeys in one day on some days, with estimated semester 1 2011 travel costs of $19.31/week!  I'd be spending $40/fortnight on transport!

Unfortunately us uni students have very little control on the timetables, what we are given is what we get stuck with and we just have to adjust.

[ozbob]

Many school students do more than two journeys already, e.g sport,  job training, extra educational activities and some part time work. It means all concession cards would the have the journey cap if extended to school and tertiary students.  Tertiary students are the group with the greatest number of multiple daily journeys, greater than Seniors the next highest group.

Also extending the journey capping to school students as well as tertiary students might encourage more PT use versus car.  Can't hurt at all.

[colinw]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

BrisUrbane's excellent comment against that BT article has nailed the issue in my opinion.

[somebody]

But she dismissed concerns the fare increases could turn people away from public transport, saying a record 49.2 million trips were taken across the Translink network last year.

There has got to be something dire and wrong here- I thought it was around 180 million trips/year over the entire network.

Probably confused a quarterly figure here.  That was the figure for the Sep 2010 quarter.

[david]

Does anyone know if Airtrain fares are also going up to incorporate the increase in the zone 1 fare?

[ozbob]

Check the journey planner, that should give you the fares ..

[ozbob]

Central to BNE Monday 31 Jan 2011 is showing as $15

Oxley to BNE  peak Monday 31 Jan 2011

Adult   $19.38
Child   $1.84
Concession   $17.54

A normal zone 1-3 fare is $3.68

Fare should be 18.68, so rip-off still in place.  (Continue to break your journey).

Time to highlight this again ... the punters will love it on top of the 15% increases!

Appalling ...

[somebody]

Central to BNE Monday 31 Jan 2011 is showing as $15

Oxley to BNE  peak Monday 31 Jan 2011

Adult   $19.38
Child   $1.84
Concession   $17.54

A normal zone 1-3 fare is $3.68

Fare should be 18.68, so rip-off still in place.  (Continue to break your journey).

Time to highlight this again ... the punters will love it on top of the 15% increases!

Appalling ...

That is the same as the previous fare for the journey though.  The gouge has been reduced by the size of the increase.

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Public transport fares to rise on Saturday after free ride during Brisbane floods

Public transport fares to rise on Saturday after free ride during Brisbane floods

    * Jodie Munro O'Brien
    * From: The Courier-Mail
    * January 21, 2011 8:12AM

PUBLIC transport fares across southeast Queensland will go up by 15 per cent from tomorrow.

Translink said the increase will assist to restore and continue to build the region's public transport network.

Although daily, weekly and monthly paper tickets will no longer be available as go cards become more prominent, single paper tickets will remain for those infrequent travellers and for tourists.

A Translink spokesman said although the prices of go cards and paper tickets are increasing, the go card is still cheaper compared to buying a paper ticket.

Off-peak travel will be 15 per cent cheaper while seniors and pensioners will travel free for the rest of the day after their first two journeys.

Public transport has been free across Brisbane for the past week while people recover from the floods.

It will remain free until midnight.

For more information visit www.translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

22nd January 2011

Greetings,

We are now in an essentially go card ticketing environment on the TransLink public transport network.  Feedback to blogs on the Courier Mail and Brisbanetimes largely confirms the public's rejection of the poor fare structure for the go card.  To claim the uptake of the go card is successful based on the uptake rates is flawed. Folks are seriously penalised in terms of ticketing costs if they don't.  The majority have no real option now other than a car ...  tragic!

We have highlighted for a number of years the need for a much more balanced fare structure, to include universal capping and periodical options.  It is a great pity that this was not done. A fare structure that truly encourages maximum public transport travel would not only increase the fare box, it would also reduce the costs of congestion, reduce road trauma costs and lead to lessened environmental impacts.  Compounding the problems is the very poor service frequency for rail and the lack of proper integration of bus and rail in SEQ. Richlands is now open but there isn't a direct bus from Springfield to Richlands!  Mediocrity!!

The fare anomaly for Airtrain travel is still in place according to the TransLink journey planner. --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5167.msg45711#msg45711 The failure to fix this is also rather poor to say the least.  Coming on top of the 15% fare increases there is a real need to inform folks that if they break their journey they can avoid the additional fare impost.  The lack of suitable ticket  product for tourists and visitors at a time when we need to encourage tourists just further highlights the flawed nature of the implementation of the ticketing system.

Two further things deserve highlighting for those who may have these ticketing options:

TransLink Access Pass http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/special-access-passes/translink-access-pass

Who is the TransLink Access Pass for?

The TransLink Access Pass is for people with a permanent disability who can travel independently on TransLink services, and have been assessed by a qualified health care professional as being unable to touch on or touch off with a go card.

This includes people who are in a wheelchair and have limited fine hand movement, as well people who have an intellectual disability.

The TransLink Access Pass is not issued to every person who has a disability. People with a disability who require a constant companion/guide/carer to assist them are not eligible for a TransLink Access Pass.

Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) Veteran Travel Pass

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/Public-transport/Public-transport-concessions/TPI-Veteran-Travel-Pass.aspx

Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Veteran Travel Pass (front cover)The Queensland Government Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) Veteran Travel Pass entitles eligible TPI ex-service men and women to unlimited free travel on TransLink and regional qconnect urban public transport services.

The TPI Veteran Travel Pass is a photographic plastic credit-card size pass that will have the eligible TPI veteran's name, DVA file number and expiry date printed on the pass.

The TPI Veteran Travel Pass is available to Queensland residents who hold a Commonwealth Department of Veterans' Affairs Repatriation Health Card — for All Conditions (Gold), that is embossed Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI).

The TPI Veteran Travel Pass does not include any other arrangements that might be in place in individual states or territories.

To apply for the TPI Veteran Travel Pass, complete a TPI Veteran Travel Pass Information and Application form (PDF, 434.3 KB) and post to:

TPI Veteran Travel Pass
ABNote
Reply Paid 1139
Eagle Farm, QLD, 4009

Happy travelling!

Best wishes,

Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[#Metro]

Some CM comments:

Mark of Brisbane  Posted at 10:57 AM January 21, 2011

    Brisbane has already the most expensive public transport in Australia - but unfortunately with the frequency and reliability of some third world country.

Comment 19 of 45

And I would agree! Core Frequent Network NOW!!! 

Inspired of Brisbane  Posted at 11:44 AM January 21, 2011

    Public Transport in Brisbane has been a misnomer for thirty years. Buses go to The City and Shopping centers. Try going to the suburb next door or down the road -you are better off walking. Try getting to a rail station or home from one. This Council and Government aren't serious otherwise the system would actually be popular. The more they fail, the dearer it gets.

Comment 24 of 45

The total timidity of giving people feeder services that run at high frequency (because they are short routes) in the suburbs because of INTERCHANGE-phobia leaves many people unable to access their local rail station by bus and also endure "direct but forced low frequency" in the suburbs.

[ozbob]

Yes, transfers get over it!

--> http://www.humantransit.org/2009/04/why-transferring-is-good-for-you-and-good-for-your-city.html

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

23 January 2011

Greetings,

Big day tomorrow for the public transport network.  Go card rules ...

To help the late converters we have compiled the 'Smart GO CARD User Guide' - some useful tips for users, see --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5149.0

Still much confusion out there in public transport land regarding the difference between go card journeys and trips.

Media Release 8 December 2010
 
SEQ:  Have I completed a go card trip or a journey?

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 previously welcomed the free travel journey cap after two journeys for Seniors and some pensioners (1), but has highlighted need to explain in detail how the journey capping actually works.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"There are significant fare and ticketing changes on the TransLink public transport network from the 17th of January 2011 (2). There is a new daily journey go card cap on fares for Seniors, Pension Concession Card holders and Repatriation Health Care Card (Gold Card) holders which means after two journeys are made in one day all additional journeys are free."

"It is clear from discussions and feedback that many go card users are not clear on what the journey cap means and how it works."

"A journey is comprised of up to 4 trips on buses, trains and ferries in a row over a maximum 5 hour period, with no more than a 1 hour break between each trip. A trip on a particular mode begins when you touch on, and ends when you touch off. So, if more than 1 hour elapses after your last touch off, the journey is counted as finished, and your next touch on will initiate a new journey."

"The free travel for those so entitled only occurs after two completed journeys are made in a day."

"We would like to see the journey capping extended to all concession go card users to include full time university students and school children."

References:

1. 31 October 2010 SEQ: Go card journey capping for students?   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4752.0

2. http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/changes-to-fares-and-ticketing-in-2011

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

The  loss of the ferry system is going to put more pressure on the public transport system and roads.  The roads are damaged, the fare increases may drive some back on the roads.  School commencing this week.

Circumstances have conspired to generate an almost perfect storm against public transport and road transport.

1.  Fare increase - alternative fares for paper very expensive (influences non regular users in particular travel choices).

2.  Damaged roads

3.  Shell shocked community

4.  Poor service frequency for rail

5.  Fixation on radial routes

6.  Poor feeder bus arrangements overall

7.  Ferry system out of action

8.  No special ticket option for tourists

9.  TransLink network plan not properly implemented

Encouragement to broaden the peaks is needed, this must be supported with more public transport services of course.  Peak capacity on bus and rail does not have much more room to move, but it would be possible to broaden the peaks with more high frequency services, coupled with incentive ticketing. This would assist in managing the congestion and chaos.

Good luck!

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[somebody]

Richlands is now open but there isn't a direct bus from Springfield to Richlands!  Mediocrity!!

I must challenge this one.

Why's there need to be a bus from Richlands to Springfield, and what route would it take?  The only thing which seems like it might make sense is to run directly down the freeway into Springfield which means you can't serve anywhere along the way.  Goodna is actually quite a bit closer.  I'd rather more trips on the 530 to Goodna which also serves all the bit between Goodna and Springfield, so having a Richlands-Springfield bus doesn't remove the need for the 530, and also divides the effective frequency to Springfield.  The other point is that the 530 feeds in to a station which will have a peak express service in the new timetable, which has to be an advantage.

[ozbob]

Springfield residents are the ones who want it, the ones who presently are going into Goodna.  It does make sense as it can replicate the rail run from Springfield.  It is a direct fast journey.  It would encourage folks out there.  We have had feedback on this from Springfield.  TransLink were looking at this and I am still hopeful will be done.  A peak service would be a start.

We support the community, not our own individual views.

--> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5226.msg44808#msg44808


It is a much better road run from Springfield - Springfield Lakes - Richlands than the other routes into Goodna, and the traffic issues.  Also bypassing Gailes and Wacol this way.  The extra distance is marginal  ( map ), the traffic and delays are far worse going into Goodna.  I went on this route on the way back from my emergency dash from Ipswich Hospital on the eve of the floods as it was the only route I could get through back to Darra.  I suggest you go for a drive out there and you will soon see a direct bus run from Springfield to Richlands is a good move.

Please keep this thread for the go card  /  fares,   further discussion on bus --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5226.0

[ozbob]

http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/changes-to-fares-and-ticketing-in-2011

Changes to fares and ticketing in 2011

Alongside so many other Queenslanders, TransLink and the Queensland Government are getting on with the job of repairing the damage caused by the recent devastating floods.

To help South East Queensland get moving again we've delivered a week of free public transport travel while we've been working hard to restore services on our network as quickly as possible.

Our planned fare changes will commence from 22 January to help us deliver better public transport services for South East Queenslanders.

Delivering on our promise to you

The five key changes to TransLink's public transport fares and ticketing from January 22nd will deliver on that promise to you with a better, more efficient, public transport network.

    * A better deal for our seniors and pensioners* who will travel free on their go card for the rest of the day after their first two journeys.
    * A 15 per cent fare increase to help us restore and continue to build our public transport network.
    * Encouraging use of go cards with the removal of daily, weekly and monthly paper tickets.
    * Keeping single paper tickets available for the convenience of tourists and infrequent public transport users.
    * Making off peak travel 15 per cent cheaper.

[somebody]

* Making off peak travel 15 per cent cheaper.

That's a bit misleading isn't it?  In 2010, off peak travel cost 0.9 units, in after 24 Jan, off peak travel will cost 0.9775 units.  An increase of 8.6% on 2010 prices ignoring rounding.  Aren't there rules about intentionally misleading advertising?

They could have said "Increasing the off peak discount to 15%".

[ozbob]

Go card advertising has a long history of 'imprecise' statements.

E.g.  --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1204.msg5559#msg5559

circus the whole lot ..

Yes Mrs Ozbob travelled into town today on go, $3.13,  old fare $2.88 so 25/2.88 = 8.7% fare increase!

Making off peak travel 15 per cent cheaper

yes, many would see that as misleading.  Whether the OFT does is a moot point.  Caesar looking at Caesar ...


Needs the proper qualification Making off peak travel 15 per cent cheaper compared to the new peak fares

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

23rd January 2011

Greetings,

My wife travelled to CBD today using the go card (rail Corinda to Central zones 3 to 1).

She had read the Translink information concerning the fare increases, viz.

http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/changes-to-fares-and-ticketing-in-2011

Changes to fares and ticketing in 2011

Alongside so many other Queenslanders, TransLink and the Queensland Government are getting on with the job of repairing the damage caused by the recent devastating floods.

To help South East Queensland get moving again we've delivered a week of free public transport travel while we've been working hard to restore services on our network as quickly as possible.

Our planned fare changes will commence from 22 January to help us deliver better public transport services for South East Queenslanders.

Delivering on our promise to you

The five key changes to TransLink's public transport fares and ticketing from January 22nd will deliver on that promise to you with a better, more efficient, public transport network.

    * A better deal for our seniors and pensioners* who will travel free on their go card for the rest of the day after their first two journeys.
    * A 15 per cent fare increase to help us restore and continue to build our public transport network.
    * Encouraging use of go cards with the removal of daily, weekly and monthly paper tickets.
    * Keeping single paper tickets available for the convenience of tourists and infrequent public transport users.
    * Making off peak travel 15 per cent cheaper.

On checking her go card history she found that rather than the off peak travel being '15 per cent cheaper'  was actually 8.7% dearer.

Today on go card zones 3 to 1, $3.13,  old fare $2.88 so 25/2.88 = 8.7% fare increase!


Clearly there is a need to change the advertising so that it is clear.  For example it could be changed to read "Making off peak travel 15 per cent cheaper compared to the new peak fares"

Not the first time advertising associated with the go card has been 'imprecise' .  See --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1204.msg5559#msg5559

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[BrizCommuter]

Possibly more concerning than the misleading advertising is that the 305,000 extra seats per week was dropped from the latest advert. I hope that the 305,000 seats are now not floating in Moreton Bay? We need clarification from TransLink about their commitment to the 305,000 extra seats per week!

[ozbob]

The go 'shebang' is a mix-mash of mediocrity at many levels .. 

I did note the go card reader at western end of platform one Darra was functional yesterday afternoon ...

[ozbob]

Opposition Statement
http://www.tracydavis.com.au/media/media-releases/2793-delay-public-transport-15-fare-price-hikes-while-seq-recovers.html

Delay Public transport 15% fare price hikes while SEQ recovers
Wednesday, 19 January 2011

The State Opposition today said the fifteen percent increase in public transport fares will come as a real blow to commuters, as they struggle to recover from the flood crisis.

A two-zone go card fare will rise from $2.70 to $3.11 and a two-zone paper ticket will increase seventy cents from $3.90 to $4.60 from this Saturday 22 January.

Shadow Minister for Public Transport, Tracy Davis called on the Bligh Government to show some compassion and delay the Translink fare hikes while the flood recovery was still underway.

"The government's fare amnesty was welcome although flood-affected victims, many of whom had their vehicles destroyed, will now depend entirely on the public transport system over the coming weeks and months.

"Flood-affected victims have taken a massive hit to their bank balances and they will need continued financial relief from the state government, including subsidies that will allow them to transfer from home to work and start earning money again.

Ms Davis said Queenslanders want a safe, reliable and comfortable public transport system but it has to be affordable.  Saturday's 15 percent hike is part of the Bligh Government's plan to more than double go card public transport fares over five years.

"Hikes in Queensland's public transport costs will also hurt pensioners and the elderly who rely exclusively on public transport and are already hurting from the increased cost of living," Tracy Davis said.

[ozbob]

Possibly more concerning than the misleading advertising is that the 305,000 extra seats per week was dropped from the latest advert. I hope that the 305,000 seats are now not floating in Moreton Bay? We need clarification from TransLink about their commitment to the 305,000 extra seats per week!

I understand the new rail timetables will account for around 150,000 weekly seats.  P88 is roughly 40,000, not much left in the kitty. 

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Go Card glitch follows fare free-for-all

Go Card glitch follows fare free-for-all
January 25, 2011 - 7:35PM

Go Card readers at southeast Queensland train stations have been malfunctioning, following a week of free public transport in which machines were switched off.

Translink has warned of the problems with the smartcard system, just days after fares were reinstated and all paper tickets except single journey passes were scrapped.

"Stand-alone Go Card readers at some train stations that were switched off during the free fares period are currently operating slowly," the public transport authority says in a statement on its website.

"Translink apologises for problems experienced with Go Card machines. Our technicians are working to fix the problem.

"Customers may receive an error messages such as 'seek assistance' a few times before working correctly.

"Customers incorrectly charged with a fixed fare will be automatically refunded."

Fares came back into effect on Saturday, after the state government offered eight days of free public transport as a temporary measure to help flood victims recover and reduce traffic congestion.

A previously planned 15 per cent fare hike has also now kicked in, with the cost of a two-zone journey on the Go Card rising from $2.70 to $3.11.

Robert Dow, from commuter lobby group Rail Back on Track, said he had heard reports of problems on the Cleveland, Ferny Grove, Sunshine Coast and Ipswich lines.

"We started to get some feedback from members yesterday," he said.

"It's intermittent – it doesn't always happen – but in many cases people are forced to touch [the card reader] four or five times."

Mr Dow applauded Translink for offering to automatically refund fixed fares – the penalty usually imposed on people for incorrect Go Card use – and having staff out and about on the network.

But he said it was disappointing that people who had to ditch multi-saver paper tickets in favour of Go Cards were now experiencing problems with the smartcard readers.

"We are now in a Go Card ticketing environment so when they have problems like this it has a major impact," he said.

"We've got a lot of new [Go Card] users around this week and it's not a good introduction."

[dwb]

What's with the $1.50 for the 10th, 17th and 20th zones entered, and $1.20 for the 15th? (paper ticket prices)

The fares in 2004 had 40c steps for the zones up to zone 10, then 80c with a $1.60 "flagfall". Over the years increases at CPI or beyond that have been rounded to cash fares (ie 10c increments) successively ie year on year, rather than increasing from the 2004 base each time has put various zones out of step. Go card adjustments have similarly put fares at odd steps where some zones have been rounded down successively and others up.

More information is available in various documents at http://www.scribd.com/WhyDoINeedAUsername/shelf