26 Dec 2011: SEQ: Time to go, go and go!

[ozbob]

Media release 26 December 2011

SEQ:  Time to go, go and go!

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 calls for the eventual phase out of paper ticketing.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track Members have been concerned with the impacts of the fare price increases particularly with single paper tickets.  Paper ticket users are paying around 30 to 40% more for travel than they need too, and miss out on free travel with the new ten journey cap and off peak discounts. Paper single tickets also have time limitations which can add significantly to fare costs as well. Paper ticket buyers also add considerably to the journey time for buses."

"Go card usage rates across the system are presently around 80% according to the TransLink Tracker (1), although our 2011 Public Transport Passenger Survey with many daily public transport users had go card usage around 93% (2)."

"It might be worthwhile to survey present paper single users to determine the reasons why they haven't yet moved to the go card, although is it likely that with the fare structure changes from the 2nd January 2012 usage rates will probably climb as it is."

"The eventual removal of single paper tickets will save money, as a duplicated ticket system will no longer be required and will significantly improve bus trip times due to quicker passenger loading overall."

"If paper tickets are removed much better availability of preloaded go cards will be needed together with focussed user education campaigns. For example, passengers purchasing single paper tickets could be provided with information on the go card. The TransLink Access Pass is available for passengers unable to use a go card because of physical and/or cognitive impairment, and there is the Vision Impairment Travel Pass for legally blind passengers (3,4). "

Some considerations moving forward:

* Retain present go card pricing $5 deposit, $5 travel for $10.

Or

* Do away with the $5 deposit, charge $1 fee for go card and have available $4 for travel for $5 cost, $9 travel for $10.  This was supported by a poll at RAIL Back On Track (5).

And

* The sale of pre-loaded Go Cards on off-busway buses, for example $5 and $10 go cards would be available on buses.

* The rounding of cash paper ticket fares to the nearest 20c to simplify cash handling during transition.

* The eventual phase-out of paper ticketing and a move to a 100% go card ticketing environment by January 2013.

* Busway stations to become pre-paid entry only for buses.  Go cards can be topped up/purchased at the ticket machines at the bus stations.

* All bus operators allow go card top-ups on designated feeder and suburban bus routes.


References:

1.  TransLink Tracker  http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/2011-12-quarterly-report-jul-to-sep.pdf

2.  2011 Public Transport Passenger Survey  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7144.0

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

4.  Vision Impairment Travel Pass   http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/special-access-passes/vision-impairment-travel-pass

5.  Phase out single paper tickets?  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7277.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7277.0