18 Jun 2013: SEQ: Time for paper to go?

[ozbob]

Media release 18th June 2013



SEQ: Time for paper to 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 has said it is time to consider the removal of the remaining paper single tickets on public transport in south-east Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The cost of single paper ticket fares relative to the go card is excessive.  It is in the best interests of all public transport users to move to a go card, even if they are not doing 9 journeys or more a week.

"By moving to a go card they assist in improving considerably running times for buses. The data generated by the go card system also assists in more focussed public transport planning.

"Paper tickets are at least 30% dearer for the equivalent go card trip (1,2).  There is a time limit on paper single tickets.  For passengers travelling through 10 zones or less this time period is 2 hours from time of purchase,  travelling 11 zones or more 3 hours 30 minutes (3).  The fact there are time limits on the paper tickets is not well understood by many users and could lead to a fare evasion offence in ignorance."

"Off peak discounts, presently at 20%, are only available to go card users.

"Go card users can transfer up three times within one hour for each transfer, this can make travel even more affordable.

"There is little justification to continue a costly duplicate ticketing system.  To allow the withdrawal of paper single tickets, pre-loaded go cards should be available onboard all non-prepaid buses, Brisbane Transport and all other operators. Go cards can already be purchased on the CityCats."

"Bus drivers can also contribute significantly by promoting go card on board the buses as an alternate to costly paper single tickets.  Give the bus drivers educational material to guide new users."

"As go card penetration approaches 100% the number of go card sales on buses will be a lot less than paper tickets.  The money saved by scrapping the paper ticket system together with improved bus running make this final ticketing move essential."

"Melbourne has moved successfully to a myki only ticketing environment."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5149.0

2. http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/go-card

3. http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/paper-tickets

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

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