31 March 2008: Call for free Sunday Translink travel ...

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Media Release 31 March 2008

SEQ:  Call for free Sunday Translink travel for Seniors and further incentives for the Go Card!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users has previously called for free Sunday public transport travel for Senior Citizens (1).  Senior citizens now have access to a special Seniors Go Card (a red Go Card), and as a further incentive for uptake of the card and to encourage senior citizens to get out and about, it would be a simple matter to program the smart card system to allow Seniors free travel on Sundays, and implement other incentives for all commuters to use the Go card.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

?Free travel for Senior citizens was introduced by the Victorian Government on the 27 August 2006 in Melbourne. This worthwhile initiative has been a huge success and on a recent visit to Melbourne it was encouraging to hear senior citizens comment on how helpful it has been to them.?

?Public transport in south-east Queensland has some slack on Sundays, and it will be no additional load for our public transport generally to make this service available.  It will assist the Senior citizens to get out and about, visit family and friends, and have more healthy life styles.  The Go Card will allow for easy implementation of such an initiative.?

?RAIL Back On Track calls on Queensland Government and Translink to consider providing free public transport to retired Seniors in Queensland on Sundays who use the Seniors Go Card.?

?The Victorian Government has just announced cheap weekend public transport too for all commuters in the form of a weekend saver Metcard (2).  Victoria also has free early bird travel on trains that arrive in the CBD by 7 am Monday to Friday.?

?Why does Queensland miss out??

Reference: 

1.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=52
2.  http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23456128-2862,00.html

Contact:

Robert Dow

admin@backontrack.org
Administration RAIL Back On Track

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More initiatives in Melbourne.

From Metlink click here!


Three new Metcards for your public transport travel

Three new Metcards for your public transport travel
Date Published: Friday, 28 March 2008

Three new Metcards are now available for your public transport travel:

10 x Early Bird

5 x Weekend Daily

5 x Seniors Daily
10 x Early Bird

From Monday 31 March, passengers on all Connex electrified train services who arrive at their destination by 7am on weekdays (including public holidays) can travel for free with a 10 x Early Bird Metcard.

The 10 x Early Bird Metcard can be used for journeys between any two stations on electrified train services operated by Connex.

It is not restricted to travel into the CBD. The 10 x Early Bird Metcard can be used for journeys between any two stations, including in the CBD. This means that people who travel in the opposite direction to the morning peak can also enjoy the benefit of free train travel on metropolitan train services before 7am on weekdays.

The 10 x Early Bird Metcards are now available for free from Premium Stations including City Loop stations.

You can pick up a maximum of two 10 x Early Bird Metcards at any one time and it?s a good idea to purchase a 10 x 2 hour Metcard for your return trip at the same time.

By using an Early Bird Metcard in the morning, then a 10 x 2 hour Metcard in the afternoon, customers travelling in Zones 1 and 2 can save up to $47.40 a fortnight compared with using a 10 x 2 hour Metcard for both trips.

Melbourne?s city centre has a variety of fun and healthy activities you can partake in each morning. Find out more by visiting: Early bird catches the train ? things to do from 7 ? 9am

Commuters jumping on board for free travel with the Early Bird Metcard will be treated with free coffee. For further information visit: Early starters travel for free and enjoy free coffee

Available from: Premium Stations including City Loop stations.

For further information visit: Early Bird: Frequently asked questions
5 x Weekend Daily

From the first week in April, weekend train, tram and bus travel is set to become easier with the introduction of the 5 x Weekend Daily Metcard.

The 5 x Weekend Daily Metcard is a single ticket programmed with five days of Saturday or Sunday travel. It is similar to the normal 5 x Daily Metcard, but is specifically designed for travel on Saturdays or Sundays.

This new Metcard will dramatically reduce fares for many weekend passengers. It will cost just $14.50 which works out to $2.90 per day. For an adult travelling across Zones 1 and 2, it will mean a saving of up to $7.20 per day just by switching to a 5 x Weekend Daily Metcard. Passengers can use the 5 x Weekend Daily Metcard across Zones 1 and 2.

5 x Weekend Daily Metcards are available for sale from Monday, 31 March 2008.

Available from: Metcard retail agents, the MetShop, the customer service centres of Premium Stations, online and from the Metcard Helpline on 1800 652 313.

For further information visit: 5 x Weekend Daily: Frequently asked questions
5 x Seniors Daily

Regular Seniors Daily Metcard passengers will be able to save time and buy a 5 x Seniors Daily Metcard from Monday, 31 March 2008.

The 5 x Seniors Daily is perfect for seniors who regularly travel in both Zone 1 and Zone 2. It costs $16.50 which works out to $3.30 per day.

Seniors are reminded that Seniors Daily and 5 x Seniors Daily Metcards may not be the best option for them as significant discounts are available on 10 x 2 hour and 5 x Daily concession tickets.

Available from: Premium Stations.