21 Aug 2011: SEQ: Go card conditions of use need urgent clarification

[ozbob]

Media release 21 August 2011

SEQ: Go card conditions of use need urgent clarification

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has been making representations for nearly two years on the need to explicitly clarify conditions of use of the go card when users are not able to touch on.  There is now widespread concern with respect to failed go card touches and the users' being subject to possible warnings and fare evasion offences through no fault of their own.  We call on the Minister for Transport to direct TransLink to clarify conditions of use immediately.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The TransLink Go Card User guide states  'if all go card readers are not working and you are unable to touch on you can travel for free (this trip only) – do not touch off when you reach your destination' (1).  This is clearly inadequate as it does not cover the myriad of situations that can arise when using a go card."

"When the go card system fails, providing a user has credit or auto-topup activated on their go card it is clear that the intent of the user is to pay their fare.  As people will have their money on the go card it is not reasonable to expect them to pay for a paper single ticket, at significant price penalty compared to a go card journey.  Hence TransLink's recognition that users can travel for free."

"We have received verbal advice a number of times to the effect that if go card readers have failed on the station platform of departure or concourse as appropriate users can travel for that trip free. It is not reasonable to expect users, in mass, to be running from platform to platform in a vain search for a functional go card reader.  It is time this was explicitly stated in the go card user guide."

"Go card users need to be confident that when they are using the go card in good faith they are not going to be subjected to warnings or fines when the go card fails. Due to the excessive cost of paper single tickets, the only alternative to the go card, people need to use the go card or they suffer a huge financial penalty.  It is time TransLink actually lived up to its 'Our Values' document (2) and truly acted in the best interests of its customers."

=====================

Suggested Variation to Conditions of Use for Go Card

The go card system is dependent on technology but we recognise that sometimes it fails.  Go card users are assured that providing they are using their go card in good faith, they do not have to fear that they will be regarded as a fare evader and warned or fined should they not be able to touch on in the following circumstances:

1.  You have credit on your card go card or auto-top up is activated.

2.  On a bus or ferry if you are not able to touch on because of equipment failure the driver or crew will wave you on.  Do not touch off when you leave that bus or ferry.  You can travel for free.

3.  If go card readers have failed on your platform of departure at railway station (or concourse as appropriate) you can travel for your trip for free. Do not touch off at the completion of your trip.

4.  If your go card fails, the bus driver or crew person will take the number of your go card. You are permitted to complete your journey for free but you need to take steps to obtain a new go card.  A central register of failed go card numbers is maintained and if you continue to use a failed go card you may be warned or fined.  If unable to touch on at railway station because of a go card failure complete your journey, but obtain a new go card.  If you pass through an attended fare gate the railway staff will take note of your go card number.

5.  It is not possible to list all the other miscellaneous causes of a go card touch failure, however providing you have credit on your go card and/or auto-topup activated and you are acting in good faith, you are permitted to complete your journey.

6.  If you are not able to use a go card because of a significant permanent physical or intellectual disability you may be entitled to a TransLink Access Pass.  See --> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/special-access-passes/translink-access-pass

References:

1.  http://translink.com.au/resources/tickets-and-fares/go-card/110201-user-guide.pdf page 4

2.  http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/who-we-are/our-values.pdf

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Media release 21 August 2011 re-released 25 August 2011

SEQ: Go card conditions of use need urgent clarification

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has been making representations for nearly two years on the need to explicitly clarify conditions of use of the go card when users are not able to touch on.  There is now widespread concern with respect to failed go card touches and the users' being subject to possible warnings and fare evasion offences through no fault of their own.  We call on the Minister for Transport to direct TransLink to clarify conditions of use immediately.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The TransLink Go Card User guide states  'if all go card readers are not working and you are unable to touch on you can travel for free (this trip only) – do not touch off when you reach your destination' (1).  This is clearly inadequate as it does not cover the myriad of situations that can arise when using a go card."

"When the go card system fails, providing a user has credit or auto-topup activated on their go card it is clear that the intent of the user is to pay their fare.  As people will have their money on the go card it is not reasonable to expect them to pay for a paper single ticket, at significant price penalty compared to a go card journey.  Hence TransLink's recognition that users can travel for free."

"We have received verbal advice a number of times to the effect that if go card readers have failed on the station platform of departure or concourse as appropriate users can travel for that trip free. It is not reasonable to expect users, in mass, to be running from platform to platform in a vain search for a functional go card reader.  It is time this was explicitly stated in the go card user guide."

"Go card users need to be confident that when they are using the go card in good faith they are not going to be subjected to warnings or fines when the go card fails. Due to the excessive cost of paper single tickets, the only alternative to the go card, people need to use the go card or they suffer a huge financial penalty.  It is time TransLink actually lived up to its 'Our Values' document (2) and truly acted in the best interests of its customers."

=====================

Suggested Variation to Conditions of Use for Go Card

The go card system is dependent on technology but we recognise that sometimes it fails.  Go card users are assured that providing they are using their go card in good faith, they do not have to fear that they will be regarded as a fare evader and warned or fined should they not be able to touch on in the following circumstances:

1.  You have credit on your card go card or auto-top up is activated.

2.  On a bus or ferry if you are not able to touch on because of equipment failure the driver or crew will wave you on.  Do not touch off when you leave that bus or ferry.  You can travel for free.

3.  If go card readers have failed on your platform of departure at railway station (or concourse as appropriate) you can travel for your trip for free. Do not touch off at the completion of your trip.

4.  If your go card fails, the bus driver or crew person will take the number of your go card. You are permitted to complete your journey for free but you need to take steps to obtain a new go card.  A central register of failed go card numbers is maintained and if you continue to use a failed go card you may be warned or fined.  If unable to touch on at railway station because of a go card failure complete your journey, but obtain a new go card.  If you pass through an attended fare gate the railway staff will take note of your go card number.

5.  It is not possible to list all the other miscellaneous causes of a go card touch failure, however providing you have credit on your go card and/or auto-topup activated and you are acting in good faith, you are permitted to complete your journey.

6.  If you are not able to use a go card because of a significant permanent physical or intellectual disability you may be entitled to a TransLink Access Pass.  See --> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/special-access-passes/translink-access-pass

References:

1.  http://translink.com.au/resources/tickets-and-fares/go-card/110201-user-guide.pdf page 4

2.  http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/who-we-are/our-values.pdf

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert_Dow
Urgent action needed with go card conditions of use --> http://t.co/SX4Ug3w @AnnastaciaMP @TheQldPremier @TransLinkSEQ @QueenslandRail
15 seconds ago

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

30th August 2011

SEQ: Go card conditions of use need urgent clarification

Greetings,

Any chance of some action please?

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 21 August 2011 re-released 25 August 2011

SEQ: Go card conditions of use need urgent clarification

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has been making representations for nearly two years on the need to explicitly clarify conditions of use of the go card when users are not able to touch on.  There is now widespread concern with respect to failed go card touches and the users' being subject to possible warnings and fare evasion offences through no fault of their own.  We call on the Minister for Transport to direct TransLink to clarify conditions of use immediately.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The TransLink Go Card User guide states  'if all go card readers are not working and you are unable to touch on you can travel for free (this trip only) – do not touch off when you reach your destination' (1).  This is clearly inadequate as it does not cover the myriad of situations that can arise when using a go card."

"When the go card system fails, providing a user has credit or auto-topup activated on their go card it is clear that the intent of the user is to pay their fare.  As people will have their money on the go card it is not reasonable to expect them to pay for a paper single ticket, at significant price penalty compared to a go card journey.  Hence TransLink's recognition that users can travel for free."

"We have received verbal advice a number of times to the effect that if go card readers have failed on the station platform of departure or concourse as appropriate users can travel for that trip free. It is not reasonable to expect users, in mass, to be running from platform to platform in a vain search for a functional go card reader.  It is time this was explicitly stated in the go card user guide."

"Go card users need to be confident that when they are using the go card in good faith they are not going to be subjected to warnings or fines when the go card fails. Due to the excessive cost of paper single tickets, the only alternative to the go card, people need to use the go card or they suffer a huge financial penalty.  It is time TransLink actually lived up to its 'Our Values' document (2) and truly acted in the best interests of its customers."

=====================

Suggested Variation to Conditions of Use for Go Card

The go card system is dependent on technology but we recognise that sometimes it fails.  Go card users are assured that providing they are using their go card in good faith, they do not have to fear that they will be regarded as a fare evader and warned or fined should they not be able to touch on in the following circumstances:

1.  You have credit on your card go card or auto-top up is activated.

2.  On a bus or ferry if you are not able to touch on because of equipment failure the driver or crew will wave you on.  Do not touch off when you leave that bus or ferry.  You can travel for free.

3.  If go card readers have failed on your platform of departure at railway station (or concourse as appropriate) you can travel for your trip for free. Do not touch off at the completion of your trip.

4.  If your go card fails, the bus driver or crew person will take the number of your go card. You are permitted to complete your journey for free but you need to take steps to obtain a new go card.  A central register of failed go card numbers is maintained and if you continue to use a failed go card you may be warned or fined.  If unable to touch on at railway station because of a go card failure complete your journey, but obtain a new go card.  If you pass through an attended fare gate the railway staff will take note of your go card number.

5.  It is not possible to list all the other miscellaneous causes of a go card touch failure, however providing you have credit on your go card and/or auto-topup activated and you are acting in good faith, you are permitted to complete your journey.

6.  If you are not able to use a go card because of a significant permanent physical or intellectual disability you may be entitled to a TransLink Access Pass.  See --> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/special-access-passes/translink-access-pass

References:

1.  http://translink.com.au/resources/tickets-and-fares/go-card/110201-user-guide.pdf page 4

2.  http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/who-we-are/our-values.pdf

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Twitter

G'day!!  Still waiting for go action --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6583.0   how hard is it?? 
Crikey ...  @TransLinkSEQ @AnnastaciaMP @TheQldPremier

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

6th September 2011

Re: SEQ: Go card conditions of use need urgent clarification

Greetings,

It is seems an improved conditions of use for hapless go card users is beyond TransLink's ability to sort?

What is hard about this?

Another clue, the apparent contempt go card users are treated with.  See --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=432.msg67353#msg67353

This might explain it in part.  World class?  Hardly likely ....  LOL

Have a happy commute ...

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Media release 21 August 2011 re-released 25 August 2011 re-released 10 September 2011

SEQ: Go card conditions of use need urgent clarification

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has been making representations for nearly two years on the need to explicitly clarify conditions of use of the go card when users are not able to touch on.  There is now widespread concern with respect to failed go card touches and the users' being subject to possible warnings and fare evasion offences through no fault of their own.  We call on the Minister for Transport to direct TransLink to clarify conditions of use immediately.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The TransLink Go Card User guide states  'if all go card readers are not working and you are unable to touch on you can travel for free (this trip only) – do not touch off when you reach your destination' (1).  This is clearly inadequate as it does not cover the myriad of situations that can arise when using a go card."

"When the go card system fails, providing a user has credit or auto-topup activated on their go card it is clear that the intent of the user is to pay their fare.  As people will have their money on the go card it is not reasonable to expect them to pay for a paper single ticket, at significant price penalty compared to a go card journey.  Hence TransLink's recognition that users can travel for free."

"We have received verbal advice a number of times to the effect that if go card readers have failed on the station platform of departure or concourse as appropriate users can travel for that trip free. It is not reasonable to expect users, in mass, to be running from platform to platform in a vain search for a functional go card reader.  It is time this was explicitly stated in the go card user guide."

"Go card users need to be confident that when they are using the go card in good faith they are not going to be subjected to warnings or fines when the go card fails. Due to the excessive cost of paper single tickets, the only alternative to the go card, people need to use the go card or they suffer a huge financial penalty.  It is time TransLink actually lived up to its 'Our Values' document (2) and truly acted in the best interests of its customers."

=====================

Suggested Variation to Conditions of Use for Go Card

The go card system is dependent on technology but we recognise that sometimes it fails.  Go card users are assured that providing they are using their go card in good faith, they do not have to fear that they will be regarded as a fare evader and warned or fined should they not be able to touch on in the following circumstances:

1.  You have credit on your card go card or auto-top up is activated.

2.  On a bus or ferry if you are not able to touch on because of equipment failure the driver or crew will wave you on.  Do not touch off when you leave that bus or ferry.  You can travel for free.

3.  If go card readers have failed on your platform of departure at railway station (or concourse as appropriate) you can travel for your trip for free. Do not touch off at the completion of your trip.

4.  If your go card fails, the bus driver or crew person will take the number of your go card. You are permitted to complete your journey for free but you need to take steps to obtain a new go card.  A central register of failed go card numbers is maintained and if you continue to use a failed go card you may be warned or fined.  If unable to touch on at railway station because of a go card failure complete your journey, but obtain a new go card.  If you pass through an attended fare gate the railway staff will take note of your go card number.

5.  It is not possible to list all the other miscellaneous causes of a go card touch failure, however providing you have credit on your go card and/or auto-topup activated and you are acting in good faith, you are permitted to complete your journey.

6.  If you are not able to use a go card because of a significant permanent physical or intellectual disability you may be entitled to a TransLink Access Pass.  See --> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/special-access-passes/translink-access-pass

References:

1.  http://translink.com.au/resources/tickets-and-fares/go-card/110201-user-guide.pdf page 4

2.  http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/who-we-are/our-values.pdf

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

19th September 2011

Re: 21 Aug 2011: SEQ: Go card conditions of use need urgent clarification

Greetings,

Lots of go card grief around.

--> http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/thousands-fall-victim-to-default-go-card-fares-20110919-1kgey.html

Easily fixed in other jurisdictions, but not in Brisbane of course.  It is all the users' fault according to some.

--> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6746.msg68847#msg68847

Best wishes
Robert

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

===============================

Media release 21 August 2011 re-released 25 August 2011 re-released 10 September 2011 re-released 19 September 2011

SEQ: Go card conditions of use need urgent clarification

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has been making representations for nearly two years on the need to explicitly clarify conditions of use of the go card when users are not able to touch on.  There is now widespread concern with respect to failed go card touches and the users' being subject to possible warnings and fare evasion offences through no fault of their own.  We call on the Minister for Transport to direct TransLink to clarify conditions of use immediately.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The TransLink Go Card User guide states  'if all go card readers are not working and you are unable to touch on you can travel for free (this trip only) – do not touch off when you reach your destination' (1).  This is clearly inadequate as it does not cover the myriad of situations that can arise when using a go card."

"When the go card system fails, providing a user has credit or auto-topup activated on their go card it is clear that the intent of the user is to pay their fare.  As people will have their money on the go card it is not reasonable to expect them to pay for a paper single ticket, at significant price penalty compared to a go card journey.  Hence TransLink's recognition that users can travel for free."

"We have received verbal advice a number of times to the effect that if go card readers have failed on the station platform of departure or concourse as appropriate users can travel for that trip free. It is not reasonable to expect users, in mass, to be running from platform to platform in a vain search for a functional go card reader.  It is time this was explicitly stated in the go card user guide."

"Go card users need to be confident that when they are using the go card in good faith they are not going to be subjected to warnings or fines when the go card fails. Due to the excessive cost of paper single tickets, the only alternative to the go card, people need to use the go card or they suffer a huge financial penalty.  It is time TransLink actually lived up to its 'Our Values' document (2) and truly acted in the best interests of its customers."

=====================

Suggested Variation to Conditions of Use for Go Card

The go card system is dependent on technology but we recognise that sometimes it fails.  Go card users are assured that providing they are using their go card in good faith, they do not have to fear that they will be regarded as a fare evader and warned or fined should they not be able to touch on in the following circumstances:

1.  You have credit on your card go card or auto-top up is activated.

2.  On a bus or ferry if you are not able to touch on because of equipment failure the driver or crew will wave you on.  Do not touch off when you leave that bus or ferry.  You can travel for free.

3.  If go card readers have failed on your platform of departure at railway station (or concourse as appropriate) you can travel for your trip for free. Do not touch off at the completion of your trip.

4.  If your go card fails, the bus driver or crew person will take the number of your go card. You are permitted to complete your journey for free but you need to take steps to obtain a new go card.  A central register of failed go card numbers is maintained and if you continue to use a failed go card you may be warned or fined.  If unable to touch on at railway station because of a go card failure complete your journey, but obtain a new go card.  If you pass through an attended fare gate the railway staff will take note of your go card number.

5.  It is not possible to list all the other miscellaneous causes of a go card touch failure, however providing you have credit on your go card and/or auto-topup activated and you are acting in good faith, you are permitted to complete your journey.

6.  If you are not able to use a go card because of a significant permanent physical or intellectual disability you may be entitled to a TransLink Access Pass.  See --> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/special-access-passes/translink-access-pass

References:

1.   http://translink.com.au/resources/tickets-and-fares/go-card/110201-user-guide.pdf page 4

2.   http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/who-we-are/our-values.pdf

Contact:

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