2014 fares

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Off-peak fares kick in 30 minutes earlier after commuters not satisfied with affordability

Changing off peak from 9am to 8.30am ... January 2014, fares still projected to increase 7.5% from January 2014 ....

[ozbob]

The present fare structure is simply driving people away from public transport.  This is clear with the patronage stagnation and fare affordability around record low levels.

A minor improvement changing off peak touch on from 9am to 8.30am, welcome but a much better proper fare review is needed.  The fares that operate on the Transperth System in WA are a good example of what can be achieved. Patronage is booming and the fare box recovery is much better than SEQ.

We were hopeful that with the Premier's committment last January there would be a much more radical overhaul to drive patronage around the clock so that the fare box slide would be turned around.

The bus review failures have made fare reform even harder now than it should be.

SEQ fares are now the most expensive the world.   We would hope that the Government and TransLink would re-think the fact that the 5 year fare path, commenced in 2010 has failed to reduce the subsidy which was its primary aim.  All that has happened is that patronage has stalled and we now have the most expensive fares in Australia and the world.

7.5% is still much greater than CPI increases, when added to the previous massive fare increases of 20% 2010, 15% 2011, 15% 2012, 7.5% 2013 and as projected 7.5% for 2014 it is little wonder that fare affordability is at rock bottom.

Many Seniors are struggling to use public transport.  Unemployed in Queensland do not concessions as they do in every other state and territory of Australia.

The free after 9 is being abused and is contributing to why high fare increases that have been applied.

[ozbob]

Media release 27th June 2013



SEQ: Some changes to fares from January 2014

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 welcomed the change of off peak touch-on time from 9am to 8.30am weekdays from January 2014 but says more needs to be done (1, 2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The present fare system is simply driving people away from public transport.  This is clear with the patronage stagnation and fare affordability around record low levels."

"It is a minor improvement changing off peak touch on from 9am to 8.30am, welcome, but a much better proper fare review is needed.  The fares that operate on the Transperth System in WA are a good example of what can be achieved. Patronage is booming and the fare box recovery is much better than SEQ."

"We were hopeful that with the Premier's committment last January there would be a much more radical overhaul to drive patronage around the clock so that the fare box slide would be turned around."

"The bus review failures have made fare reform even harder now than it should be."

"SEQ fares are now amongst the most expensive the world.   We would hope that the Government and TransLink would re-think the fact that the 5 year fare path, commenced in 2010 has failed to reduce the subsidy which was its primary aim.  All that has happened is that patronage has stalled and we now have the most expensive fares in Australia and the world."

"7.5% is still much greater than CPI increases, when added to the previous massive fare increases of 20% 2010, 15% 2011, 15% 2012, 7.5% 2013 and as projected 7.5% for 2014 it is little wonder that fare affordability is at rock bottom. Compounded, fares have effectively doubled over this period."

"Many Seniors are struggling to use public transport.  Unemployed in Queensland do not have concessions as they do in every other state and territory of Australia."

"The free after 9 is being abused and is contributing to why high fare increases that have been applied."

"Small improvements to the failing fare system in SEQ are a start, but much more is needed to decrease the public subsidy, make public transport first choice not last choice, and in so doing generate massive macro-economic benefits through lessened congestion impacts and costs, reduced road trauma costs and improved health outcomes, and improved environmental outcomes."

"It is not rocket science!"

References:

1. Off-peak fares kick in 30 minutes earlier after commuters not satisfied with affordability  http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/offpeak-fares-kick-in-30-minutes-earlier-after-commuters-not-satisfied-with-affordability/story-fnihsrf2-1226670336463

2. http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2013/6/27/offpeak-trial-to-test-capacity

3. Transperth tickets and fares http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares.aspx

4. Current Senior fares in state capitals http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9122.0

5. Health care cards and concession fares around the nation http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2013/6/27/offpeak-trial-to-test-capacity

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson
Thursday, June 27, 2013

Off-peak trial to test capacity

Off-peak cheaper fares will start half an hour earlier to boost affordability and provide more peak capacity for the public transport network.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the 20 per cent off-peak discount would be moved from 9am to start at 8.30am to provide more incentive to travel outside of the core peak period.

"The change to off-peak is the result of our review of the public transport fare path which also confirmed we can afford to deliver our election promise to halve Labor's planned fare increase," Mr Emerson said.

"This 12-month trial will begin in January 2014, at the same time as we halve Labor's fare hikes.

"The option to extend off-peak was a recommendation to increase capacity on the train network, delivered by a panel of experts as part of the Brisbane Inner Rail Solution report.

"While this recommendation was proposed for rail, the trial will apply to all modes across the TransLink network.

"This will give passengers the option to move their trip a few minutes later, out of the busy core peak period and save 20 per cent off their fare."

Based on 2012 figures, about 8000 passengers a day, travelling between 8.30am and 9am will receive off-peak discounts under the trial and up to 16,000 passengers, who travel between 8am and 8.30am will have the option travel outside the peak period.

Based on current modeling by TransLink, this incentive is expected to encourage 2000-3000 people a day to travel after 8.30am.

The travel period is calculated from the time a passenger touches on their go card at a train station, or on board a ferry or bus.

"We are already working on other recommendations to improvement rail capacity such as better signaling and drafting improved timetables," Mr Emerson said.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Public transport off-peak fare period extended

[SurfRail]

Fantastic idea.  Even less fare revenue, same base fares still as expensive.

This is like stopping the flow of a bleeding artery by opening up some veins elsewhere. 

[Derwan]

"We will continue to hike up fares - but we'll make it cheaper for those few who are able to travel to work a bit later."

Isn't that discrimination?

[ozbob]

Not really.  Many shift workers can travel off peak.

What it is though is just more knee-jerk desperate moves on a flawed fare system.   The basic fare paradigm is broken.  That needs to be fixed first, this is just silly stuff.  Even halving the previously flagged 15% increases to 7.5% is just more knee jerk stuff.

Continuing to increase fares by such large amounts (relative to wage/salary/pension CPI increases) does not improve affordability.

The fare box is just going to continue to slide.

The LNP Government are just further compounding the mediocrity put in place by the ALP Government.

I expect even more abuse of the 9 and free from here ...

[red dragin]

This just supports those that live close to work and probably already catch public transport.

I live about 2km from the CBD, and if I had to travel to the CBD for work, I would already be using a bus.

[#Metro]

More chance of people getting in late to work, also regressive as only those close to the CBD will get the benefit.
The impact (3x train loads) is not a lot.


This is becoming silly. Band-aids upon more band-aids upon someone with a broken leg. The underlying cause - Brisbane Transport and the mess of a network it is - has not been addressed.

Further confirms the truth of the death spiral:

[SurfRail]

BT is horrible but not the biggest cost impost - that goes to QR.  I refuse to accept that they are running the railways as cost-effectively as they can.

[ozbob]

Yes, both very costly.  Bus is slightly more expensive per passenger kilometre than rail in SEQ.  One would expect rail to be a lot better.

When the long distance passenger stuff is removed I think the figures will be a bit different.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Outside of Brisbane on the northside not many people can delay travel if they rely on the bus network in some sort - example Thompsons buses run every hour during peak hour. Any idea to implement a similar scheme for arvo peak will also fail because of the bus network not running or being able to cope with demand ie 680's are regularly leaving people behind at the station and at stops along the route. Another reason why everyone should be driving to park and rides rather than supporting the feeder network.

The whole PT network needs a revamp but its BT/BCC creating a lot of issues which impacts not only locals but other PT networks as a result - someone living in Bracken Ridge but works at Strathpine. It's even reflecting badly onto the rail network which is limiting patronage and demand for service increases.  I was on the 7.50 Petrie-City/Richlands service (gets to the city around 8.30) the other day and before northgate there were 20-22 free seats available in the first carriage alone. Petire-Bald Hills was picking up people but Carseldine-Northgate got quiet but Northgate-City kept picking up the people.

[ozbob]

The TL review would have seen significant patronage gains on rail and bus, independent of the fare fiasco because of better overall frequency, connections and opportunity.  This is turn would have given a lot more wriggle room for fare improvements and service gains.

It is a crying disgrace that the transport authorities have allowed this situation to develop, and then continue the charade based on a political alter.

We must all continue to point out the issues, solutions and maintain the rage.

Slowly the masses might start speaking Portuguese ...



Until then soldier on!

[HappyTrainGuy]

Without a doubt. Sandgate was set to get a patronage boost. Splitting the 310 to the north west, the 690/695 covering the east and the new Strathpine-Sandgate via Bracken Ridge route servicing the middle portion. That got rid of the infrequent and very slow and windy low patronage 311, 312, 313, 314 routes.

Brisbane is the core part of the Translink network. If the core is broken that just continues to have ripple on effects even into the next regions and other providers. Translink has to keep rising fares because the core is leaking money. Translink can't afford to provide additional services. The ticketing system is leaking money. And everyone is using public transport for political gain. The end result is the public end up speaking with their wallet and avoid the PT network. Patronage drops so any demand for service improvement goes with it.

[beauyboy]

I posted this on Brisbane times
"Big deal there barely changes a thing. The fares will still be to much, the off peak fare discount still to small. While it might move some peak users out a little later it does little to correct the fact that middle of the day & night time offpeak services are carrying far to few people and have the greatest room for increased patronage.
Another bribe to the CBD 9 to 5ers and nothing for the person that uses public Transport out of need to do so.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/public-transport-offpeak-fare-period-extended-20130627-2oyaz.html#ixzz2XOmRXE7l "

and got this tirade

Really, this is for the CBD 9-5-ers, and doesn't help people who "need" public transport?
Well, I NEED public transport to get to work, mate. And I know there's plenty of pensioners who'll get a nice discount out of this for going to appointments.

And seeing as how the CBD 9-5-ers are MOST of the income of the system, seeing as how the off peak buses and trains are subsidised mroe heavily by public money than the peak ones with passengers paying more in fares, how about you thank them for paying so much money? If YOU already travel out of peak, this isn't for you. I travel in peak every weekday, and I won't get a discount out of this so it's not for me either.

Why is it whenever TransLink does anything people crop up complaining that they personally don't get anythign out of it - but HAVE to phrase it as though TransLink is at fault for making a bad decision instead of being HOENST about being p%ssed  OFF that they don't get a bonus? Can't you JUST LOOK at the positives instead of being a whingy little fck? Can't you just THINK about the magnitude of the job TransLink has here in SEQ? Can't you just friggin THINK for ONE MINUTE about how the budgets are cutting into public transport funding but they STILL hav eot try to encourage MORE people to use it? Is it REALLY SO HARD to just THINK about the POSITIVE effects this will have on SOME people, even if they aren't YOU PERSONALLY?

okay, rant over. haveanicedaynow

CommenterRaidaLocationchewing salty razorsDate and timeJune 27, 2013, 1:26PM

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/public-transport-offpeak-fare-period-extended-20130627-2oyaz.html#ixzz2XOmbyN5H

funny how the truth really hurts some people

[ozbob]

LOL Raida appears to be a TL staffer from all accounts ...

Comments regularly with inside perspectives ...

[beauyboy]

I just thought he might be some LNP hack

[kazzac]

I will continue to drive to/from work .7.5 increase in fares next yr again:-[how much will the cost of a 2 zone fare be next year then?$4.00> I think that peak hour should  start after 7.am weekday mornings,  NOT 2am like it is now so it is cheaper for low income/blue collar workers whom would be traveling on PT between 5- 7am mornings .in the afternoons peak hour should be 4pm to 6.30pm

[BrizCommuter]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/fare-ly-useless-change.html
BrizCommuter is not amused, as usual.

[#Metro]

Brizcommuter is right, this is the latest in further band aid 'solutions' and further complicating and messing up the system rather than facing the problem (Brisbane Transport Buses) and doing something useful.

Politicians need to find something else to do in Parliament all day rather than make vortexes of more and more useless policies and reviews that make the system worse, not better.

We will end up with a fares and ticketing system like Sydney if we are not careful.

[ozbob]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/fare-ly-useless-change.html
BrizCommuter is not amused, as usual.

  Minor typo home = hope

Tempo para uma revolução ticketing!

[ozbob]

Brizcommuter is right, this is the latest in further band aid 'solutions' and further complicating and messing up the system rather than facing the problem (Brisbane Transport Buses) and doing something useful.

Politicians need to find something else to do in Parliament all day rather than make vortexes of more and more useless policies and reviews that make the system worse, not better ...

Indeed ...

[#Metro]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=525596210821714&set=pb.150683774979628.-2207520000.1372364272.&type=3&theater

http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/newseventsculture/events/Events/Pages/aucklandconversations.aspx?utm_source=aklcouncil&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_campaign=aklcouncil

Lord Mayor of Brisbane Graham Quirk on Economic and Environmental Sustainability Thursday
27 June, 5.30pm-7pm Aotea Centre, Upper NZI Conference Room Following his appointment as
Lord Mayor of Brisbane in April 2011, Graham Quirk was elected as Lord Mayor in the 2012
Brisbane City Council election. Graham has a long record of service to Brisbane and the
local community, being first elected to council in 1985. As a member of Civic Cabinet for
over a decade, he has overseen key portfolios of infrastructure and finance, as well as
serving as Deputy Mayor alongside Campbell Newman from 2008. As Lord Mayor of Brisbane,
Graham Quirk is committed to delivering for the residents of Brisbane and making the city
a better place to live, work and invest in.

Over the course of his career and as part of the Council Administration, Graham has been
responsible for delivering many positive outcomes and ongoing projects for Brisbane,
including: easing traffic congestion with major infrastructure projects across the city,
including the TransApex network of cross city tunnels and bridges, along with the Road
Action Program, which has fast-tracked 15 years of urgent road works into just four years
improving public transport with 500 new buses, and an extra 11 new CityCats. This year he
introduced the CityGlider bus service, Maroon Glider Bus Service for sporting events and
free CityHopper ferries a green city with the planting of two million new trees,
purchasing 500 hectares of bushland for preservation and using 100 per cent renewable
energy within council enhancing Brisbane's capacity for long-term economic growth and
supporting measures that will attract more events, visitors and investment to the city.

[ozbob]

As a long time and present BCC ratepayer, I am very concerned that BCC wastes too much money on their spin machine ...

[ozbob]

Interview scheduled for 4BC Newstalk around 9.30am this morning on the fares and proposed changes ...

[ozbob]

Interview scheduled for 4BC Newstalk around 9.30am this morning on the fares and proposed changes ...

Now after 11am news ...

[ozbob]

Interview scheduled for 4BC Newstalk around 9.30am this morning on the fares and proposed changes ...

Now after 11am news ...

Now after 10 am news ...

[ozbob]

Thanks.  Able to discuss fares in general including the 2014 changes and Cross River Rail ...

[Jonno]

Graham has been responsible for delivering many positive outcomes and ongoing projects for Brisbane,including: easing traffic congestion with major infrastructure projects across the city,
including the TransApex network of cross city tunnels

Ok that is just a blatant lie.  A simple search of google would reveal that traffic congestion has worsened!!!

[#Metro]

Further proves that politicians are all about puff - TransApex barely carries traffic and even Maroon Glider gets a plug! Ha! It should be Auckland coming to Brisbane to lecture US.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

2nd July 2013

Crisis on SEQ public transport

Greetings,

There is a crisis on SEQ public transport.  The non-fare review outcomes are not going to address it.  What will is scrapping the failed five year fare path, and put in place a fare system that is balanced, equitable, cost-sustainable and that will avert the current affordability  and patronage crisis.  Increasing fares by another 7.5% is not making anything more affordable.  My pension just went up 0.6%.

For interest, some simple fare comparisons below that stamp the fare system in SEQ as one of the most anti-public transport fare systems in Australia and the world.  They all do better than SEQ, says a lot ..

Best wishes
Robert

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

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

All states/territories with the exception of Queensland, give direct concessions to health care card holders, or in the case of NSW and SA on application.


ACT

Health Care Card

Riders issued with pensioner cards issued by the Department of Human Services

http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares/concession_travel

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

Tasmania

Concessions also apply if you hold one of the following:

Health Care Card

http://www.metrotas.com.au/tickets-and-fares/concessions

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

Victoria

Health Care Card

Holders of a Health Care Card with a Victorian address can travel on concession fares.

http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/concessions/health-care-card/

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

NSW

Health Care Card

A Health Care Card provides no entitlement to transport concessions in NSW. Eligible applicants need to apply to Centrelink for a "Half Fare Entitlement" card which can be used for travel concession purposes.

http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/content/travel-concessions-jobseekers

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

Northern Territory

Health Care Card holders are eligible for concession travel on public transport.

http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/public/ticket-fares-concessions-and-free-travel

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

SA

Receive an eligible payment from Centrelink* and hold a Transport Concession Card.

http://www.dcsi.sa.gov.au/pub/tabid/209/itemid/349/default.aspx

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

WA

Health Care Cards are issued by Centrelink. Holders of this card and dependants listed on the card are entitled to concession travel on all Transperth services.

http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/ConcessionPasses.aspx

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

Queensland

Health Care Card holders are not eligible for concession fares on public transport.

http://translink.com.au/resources/tickets-and-fares/fares/130101-concession-policy.pdf

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

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

Current Senior fares in state capitals


Perth

Seniors SmartRider

WA Seniors are entitled to travel for free on all Transperth services between 9.00am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday, as well as public holidays.

http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/SmartRider/BuyingSmartRider/SeniorsSmartRiders.aspx


Adelaide

Travel with your Seniors card and you'll travel free on all Adelaide Metro public transport services:   

9.01am to 3pm weekdays
All day on weekends and public holidays.

http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Seniors


Melbourne

Seniors Daily cap and free weekend travel - Seniors myki cardholders never pay more than $3.80 on weekdays for unlimited travel in Zones 1 and 2 ($3.50 on public holidays). They also receive free travel on Saturdays and Sundays in metropolitan Melbourne (Zones 1 + 2) and on regional town bus services where myki is operating.

http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/metropolitan-myki-fares/


Sydney

Pensioner Excursion

Eligible concession holders can purchase unlimited travel, all day for just $2.50 with our Pensioner Excursion Ticket.

http://www.131500.com.au/tickets/explore/pensioner-excursion


Hobart

Day Tripper: unlimited urban travel after 9.00am. $2.90

http://www.metrotas.com.au/tickets-and-fares


Brisbane

Seniors Card +go, senior go card or green pensioner concession go card holders who use go card for two paid journeys in one day travel free for the rest of the day.

http://translink.com.au/resources/tickets-and-fares/concessions/2013-seniors.pdf


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

Current family / groups tickets in state capitals

Perth

FamilyRider

FamilyRider allows unlimited system-wide travel for a group of up to seven people (two of whom can be standard fare passengers) on weekends and public holidays. Cost $11.60

FamilyRider can also be used after 6.00pm Monday to Thursday, after 3.00pm on Fridays and after 9.00am on weekdays during school holidays. Transperth follows the gazetted school dates from the Department of Education. View the gazetted school dates here.

FamilyRider is available after 8.30am in zones 5 to 9 during school holidays.

FamilyRider is only available as a cash ticket on the day of travel.

http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/Ticketstypes/tabid/274/Default.aspx

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

Sydney

Family Funday Sunday

Have a fun day out with your family with the Family Funday Sunday ticket.

For $2.50 per person, your family can enjoy unlimited travel all day Sunday in the Sydney metropolitan and outer metropolitan areas, including Newcastle, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, Hunter and Illawarra areas, by train, bus, regular ferry services on Sydney Ferries and Light rail services.

http://www.131500.com.au/tickets/explore/family-fun/?searchterm=family%20tickets

---------------------------

Family fares

Family Catching a TrainFamily fares are a cost-effective way for families to travel in a group on government transport services, including Sydney and intercity trains, Sydney Buses, Sydney Ferries and Newcastle Buses & Ferries.

It works like this - all adult members of the group and one child must hold a valid ticket. All additional children travel free. The group must be members of the same family.

Valid adult tickets include MyMulti, MyTrain, MyBus, MyFerry tickets (including concessions), Newcastle tickets and Pensioner Excursion Tickets.

Children must be under 16 years of age or hold a NSW Senior Secondary Student Transport Concession Card.

http://www.131500.com.au/tickets/concessions/families

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

Victoria V/Line

Family Traveller

Allows one adult to take up to two children (aged 16 years and under) free during off-peak times. At all other times, one child can travel free and one child needs to have a valid ticket.

Family Traveller ticket conditions:

    only available when at least one child (aged 16 years and under) is accompanied by a fare paying adult (a person aged 17 years or older)
    allows a maximum of two children per adult
    concession fares apply for additional children
    standard fares (peak, off peak, full fare or concession) will apply for additional adults or children (if more than two children per adult)
    all passengers must travel together for the journey
    available for travel to/from all V/Line locations excluding travel to/from Melbourne and Zone B locations.
    The Family Traveller ticket is not valid on the Mansfield - Mount Buller V/Line coach service.

Other conditions apply. For more information call 1800 800 007 6am - midnight daily.

http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/v-line-tickets/ticket-types/

-----------------------------

Melbourne myki

Melbourne

Melbourne has capped myki on weekends.  $3.50 daily cap.

http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/metropolitan-myki-fares/

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

Adelaide

On weekends, school holidays and public holidays two children under 15 years of age travel free when accompanied by an adult using a daytrip ticket.

http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Fares

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

Hobart

No family/group tickets although cheap daily tickets available

http://www.metrotas.com.au/tickets-and-fares

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

Brisbane

Nil

Media release 27th June 2013



SEQ: Some changes to fares from January 2014

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 welcomed the change of off peak touch-on time from 9am to 8.30am weekdays from January 2014 but says more needs to be done (1, 2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The present fare system is simply driving people away from public transport.  This is clear with the patronage stagnation and fare affordability around record low levels."

"It is a minor improvement changing off peak touch on from 9am to 8.30am, welcome, but a much better proper fare review is needed.  The fares that operate on the Transperth System in WA are a good example of what can be achieved. Patronage is booming and the fare box recovery is much better than SEQ."

"We were hopeful that with the Premier's committment last January there would be a much more radical overhaul to drive patronage around the clock so that the fare box slide would be turned around."

"The bus review failures have made fare reform even harder now than it should be."

"SEQ fares are now amongst the most expensive the world.   We would hope that the Government and TransLink would re-think the fact that the 5 year fare path, commenced in 2010 has failed to reduce the subsidy which was its primary aim.  All that has happened is that patronage has stalled and we now have the most expensive fares in Australia and the world."

"7.5% is still much greater than CPI increases, when added to the previous massive fare increases of 20% 2010, 15% 2011, 15% 2012, 7.5% 2013 and as projected 7.5% for 2014 it is little wonder that fare affordability is at rock bottom. Compounded, fares have effectively doubled over this period."

"Many Seniors are struggling to use public transport.  Unemployed in Queensland do not have concessions as they do in every other state and territory of Australia."

"The free after 9 is being abused and is contributing to why high fare increases that have been applied."

"Small improvements to the failing fare system in SEQ are a start, but much more is needed to decrease the public subsidy, make public transport first choice not last choice, and in so doing generate massive macro-economic benefits through lessened congestion impacts and costs, reduced road trauma costs and improved health outcomes, and improved environmental outcomes."

"It is not rocket science!"

References:

1. Off-peak fares kick in 30 minutes earlier after commuters not satisfied with affordability  http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/offpeak-fares-kick-in-30-minutes-earlier-after-commuters-not-satisfied-with-affordability/story-fnihsrf2-1226670336463

2. http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2013/6/27/offpeak-trial-to-test-capacity

3. Transperth tickets and fares http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares.aspx

4. Current Senior fares in state capitals http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9122.0

5. Health care cards and concession fares around the nation http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Published Queensland Times 3rd July 2013 page 9

Increasing fares will not solve crisis facing public transport

[ozbob]

Noted Channel 9 News running a promo for a news item in tonight's news bulletin ..

Go card " Pot of gold " ....  should be interesting viewing ...

[Gazza]

Noted Channel 9 News running a promo for a news item in tonight's news bulletin ..

Go card " Pot of gold " ....  should be interesting viewing ...

Who wants to bet it will be some lame story about the "outrage" we don't keep the interest on GoCard earnt.

[#Metro]

Who wants to bet it will be some lame story about the "outrage" we don't keep the interest on GoCard earnt.

Oh yes, I LOVED that analysis! It worked out to be 0.001c per person or something ridiculous like that.

[ozbob]

QCOSS  Cost of Living Report Issue 3 2013 http://www.qcoss.org.au/cost-living-report-issue-3-2013-0

Special feature: the rising cost of public transport

--> https://www.qcoss.org.au/sites/default/files/QCOSS_CostOfLiving_Report_Final_Web_0.pdf  page 18

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

10th July 2013

Re: Crisis on SEQ public transport

Greetings,

QCOSS  Cost of Living Report Issue 3 2013 http://www.qcoss.org.au/cost-living-report-issue-3-2013-0 was made available yesterday.

It confirms absolutely that the fares for public transport in south-east Queensland are unaffordable.  This leads to people being forced off public transport and wastes money.  A proper fare review is needed immediately.

https://www.qcoss.org.au/sites/default/files/QCOSS_CostOfLiving_Report_Final_Web_0.pdf page 18



The lack of positive leadership concerning the failed bus reviews, now failed fare reviews is very concerning.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

2nd July 2013

Crisis on SEQ public transport

Greetings,

There is a crisis on SEQ public transport.  The non-fare review outcomes are not going to address it.  What will is scrapping the failed five year fare path, and put in place a fare system that is balanced, equitable, cost-sustainable and that will avert the current affordability  and patronage crisis.  Increasing fares by another 7.5% is not making anything more affordable.  My pension just went up 0.6%.

For interest, some simple fare comparisons below that stamp the fare system in SEQ as one of the most anti-public transport fare systems in Australia and the world.  They all do better than SEQ, says a lot ..

Best wishes
Robert

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

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

All states/territories with the exception of Queensland, give direct concessions to health care card holders, or in the case of NSW and SA on application.


ACT

Health Care Card

Riders issued with pensioner cards issued by the Department of Human Services

http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares/concession_travel

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

Tasmania

Concessions also apply if you hold one of the following:

Health Care Card

http://www.metrotas.com.au/tickets-and-fares/concessions

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

Victoria

Health Care Card

Holders of a Health Care Card with a Victorian address can travel on concession fares.

http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/concessions/health-care-card/

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

NSW

Health Care Card

A Health Care Card provides no entitlement to transport concessions in NSW. Eligible applicants need to apply to Centrelink for a "Half Fare Entitlement" card which can be used for travel concession purposes.

http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/content/travel-concessions-jobseekers

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

Northern Territory

Health Care Card holders are eligible for concession travel on public transport.

http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/public/ticket-fares-concessions-and-free-travel

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

SA

Receive an eligible payment from Centrelink* and hold a Transport Concession Card.

http://www.dcsi.sa.gov.au/pub/tabid/209/itemid/349/default.aspx

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

WA

Health Care Cards are issued by Centrelink. Holders of this card and dependants listed on the card are entitled to concession travel on all Transperth services.

http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/ConcessionPasses.aspx

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

Queensland

Health Care Card holders are not eligible for concession fares on public transport.

http://translink.com.au/resources/tickets-and-fares/fares/130101-concession-policy.pdf

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

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

Current Senior fares in state capitals


Perth

Seniors SmartRider

WA Seniors are entitled to travel for free on all Transperth services between 9.00am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday, as well as public holidays.

http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/SmartRider/BuyingSmartRider/SeniorsSmartRiders.aspx


Adelaide

Travel with your Seniors card and you'll travel free on all Adelaide Metro public transport services:   

9.01am to 3pm weekdays
All day on weekends and public holidays.

http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Seniors


Melbourne

Seniors Daily cap and free weekend travel - Seniors myki cardholders never pay more than $3.80 on weekdays for unlimited travel in Zones 1 and 2 ($3.50 on public holidays). They also receive free travel on Saturdays and Sundays in metropolitan Melbourne (Zones 1 + 2) and on regional town bus services where myki is operating.

http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/metropolitan-myki-fares/


Sydney

Pensioner Excursion

Eligible concession holders can purchase unlimited travel, all day for just $2.50 with our Pensioner Excursion Ticket.

http://www.131500.com.au/tickets/explore/pensioner-excursion


Hobart

Day Tripper: unlimited urban travel after 9.00am. $2.90

http://www.metrotas.com.au/tickets-and-fares


Brisbane

Seniors Card +go, senior go card or green pensioner concession go card holders who use go card for two paid journeys in one day travel free for the rest of the day.

http://translink.com.au/resources/tickets-and-fares/concessions/2013-seniors.pdf


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

Current family / groups tickets in state capitals

Perth

FamilyRider

FamilyRider allows unlimited system-wide travel for a group of up to seven people (two of whom can be standard fare passengers) on weekends and public holidays. Cost $11.60

FamilyRider can also be used after 6.00pm Monday to Thursday, after 3.00pm on Fridays and after 9.00am on weekdays during school holidays. Transperth follows the gazetted school dates from the Department of Education. View the gazetted school dates here.

FamilyRider is available after 8.30am in zones 5 to 9 during school holidays.

FamilyRider is only available as a cash ticket on the day of travel.

http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/Ticketstypes/tabid/274/Default.aspx

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

Sydney

Family Funday Sunday

Have a fun day out with your family with the Family Funday Sunday ticket.

For $2.50 per person, your family can enjoy unlimited travel all day Sunday in the Sydney metropolitan and outer metropolitan areas, including Newcastle, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, Hunter and Illawarra areas, by train, bus, regular ferry services on Sydney Ferries and Light rail services.

http://www.131500.com.au/tickets/explore/family-fun/?searchterm=family%20tickets

---------------------------

Family fares

Family Catching a TrainFamily fares are a cost-effective way for families to travel in a group on government transport services, including Sydney and intercity trains, Sydney Buses, Sydney Ferries and Newcastle Buses & Ferries.

It works like this - all adult members of the group and one child must hold a valid ticket. All additional children travel free. The group must be members of the same family.

Valid adult tickets include MyMulti, MyTrain, MyBus, MyFerry tickets (including concessions), Newcastle tickets and Pensioner Excursion Tickets.

Children must be under 16 years of age or hold a NSW Senior Secondary Student Transport Concession Card.

http://www.131500.com.au/tickets/concessions/families

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

Victoria V/Line

Family Traveller

Allows one adult to take up to two children (aged 16 years and under) free during off-peak times. At all other times, one child can travel free and one child needs to have a valid ticket.

Family Traveller ticket conditions:

    only available when at least one child (aged 16 years and under) is accompanied by a fare paying adult (a person aged 17 years or older)
    allows a maximum of two children per adult
    concession fares apply for additional children
    standard fares (peak, off peak, full fare or concession) will apply for additional adults or children (if more than two children per adult)
    all passengers must travel together for the journey
    available for travel to/from all V/Line locations excluding travel to/from Melbourne and Zone B locations.
    The Family Traveller ticket is not valid on the Mansfield - Mount Buller V/Line coach service.

Other conditions apply. For more information call 1800 800 007 6am - midnight daily.

http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/v-line-tickets/ticket-types/

-----------------------------

Melbourne myki

Melbourne

Melbourne has capped myki on weekends.  $3.50 daily cap.

http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/metropolitan-myki-fares/

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

Adelaide

On weekends, school holidays and public holidays two children under 15 years of age travel free when accompanied by an adult using a daytrip ticket.

http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Fares

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

Hobart

No family/group tickets although cheap daily tickets available

http://www.metrotas.com.au/tickets-and-fares

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

Brisbane

Nil

Media release 27th June 2013



SEQ: Some changes to fares from January 2014

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 welcomed the change of off peak touch-on time from 9am to 8.30am weekdays from January 2014 but says more needs to be done (1, 2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The present fare system is simply driving people away from public transport.  This is clear with the patronage stagnation and fare affordability around record low levels."

"It is a minor improvement changing off peak touch on from 9am to 8.30am, welcome, but a much better proper fare review is needed.  The fares that operate on the Transperth System in WA are a good example of what can be achieved. Patronage is booming and the fare box recovery is much better than SEQ."

"We were hopeful that with the Premier's committment last January there would be a much more radical overhaul to drive patronage around the clock so that the fare box slide would be turned around."

"The bus review failures have made fare reform even harder now than it should be."

"SEQ fares are now amongst the most expensive the world.   We would hope that the Government and TransLink would re-think the fact that the 5 year fare path, commenced in 2010 has failed to reduce the subsidy which was its primary aim.  All that has happened is that patronage has stalled and we now have the most expensive fares in Australia and the world."

"7.5% is still much greater than CPI increases, when added to the previous massive fare increases of 20% 2010, 15% 2011, 15% 2012, 7.5% 2013 and as projected 7.5% for 2014 it is little wonder that fare affordability is at rock bottom. Compounded, fares have effectively doubled over this period."

"Many Seniors are struggling to use public transport.  Unemployed in Queensland do not have concessions as they do in every other state and territory of Australia."

"The free after 9 is being abused and is contributing to why high fare increases that have been applied."

"Small improvements to the failing fare system in SEQ are a start, but much more is needed to decrease the public subsidy, make public transport first choice not last choice, and in so doing generate massive macro-economic benefits through lessened congestion impacts and costs, reduced road trauma costs and improved health outcomes, and improved environmental outcomes."

"It is not rocket science!"

References:

1. Off-peak fares kick in 30 minutes earlier after commuters not satisfied with affordability  http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/offpeak-fares-kick-in-30-minutes-earlier-after-commuters-not-satisfied-with-affordability/story-fnihsrf2-1226670336463

2. http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2013/6/27/offpeak-trial-to-test-capacity

3. Transperth tickets and fares http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares.aspx

4. Current Senior fares in state capitals http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9122.0

5. Health care cards and concession fares around the nation http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.0

Contact:

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

[Jonno]

http://www.yardi.com/blog/news/walkable-urbanism/5095.html

Walable Urbanism

By Leah Etling on Feb 5, 2013 in News

Do you remember the last time you walked by a multifamily community under construction? Think carefully about the walking part, because it's important.  Chances are, you were strolling in a city, not a suburb. Does anybody walk in the suburbs, other than to take the dog around the block? The answer to that question might hold the key to how development patterns will change, nationwide, over the next half-century.

Apartment construction has bounced back big time, post-recession, and the hot spots for building are big cities with appeal to Millennials and Baby Boomers alike. Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Denver, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York, Boston, and Washington D.C.

"This is becoming a tale of two metro areas in this country: Those that get it, those that understand that walkable urban development is where the pent up demand is, and those that don't. Any list of walkable metro areas that are doing well is also the list of best performing real estate markets,"  said Christopher Leinberger, the leading expert on the walkable urbanism trend.

In some urban neighborhoods, developers can't build fast enough to keep up with renter demand. What's the secret? Not the old school adage "location, location, location."  Leinberger, a senior fellow at Brookings Institute and professor at Georgetown University, describes it as closer to transit, transit, location. The research data he and his colleagues have produced on walkable urbanism has been of great interest to the media as the development cycle heats up.

Having observed trends and nuance in real estate for several decades, he is perfectly positioned to explain the changing real estate development landscape. And it happens that the type of urban development he has long advocated for is now rolling out – and up – before our very eyes.

"This is a major structural change, and I know there's a lot of concern out there that this is just a blip," he said, singling out the youngest group of apartment renters, the Millennials. They've been leading the demand for transit-friendly urban housing, and some observers think that once they're ready to marry and have kids, they'll flee the cities, heading back to the suburbs. Leinberger would strongly disagree.

"We have just massively overbuilt. There's only two ways of building the built environment – drivable suburban, and walkable urban. They are diametrically opposed as far as all the various characteristics you would use to describe them.  Both are market viable, so it's not a value judgment as to one is better than the other. It's that we built too much of the drivable suburban, because we've been doing that for 50-60 years. We have pent up demand for walkable urban."

Leinberger believes that the timespan for meeting that pent up demand is long – maybe even another half-century. So expect to keep walking by major development and redevelopment projects while you're visiting your favorite cities.  And in the suburbs, there may start to be similar change – or consequences.

"Get an anchor that's walkable urban, and there will be an aura around that anchor that will help bolster (property) values," is Leinberger's advice to outlying, non-urban areas. Cities – even small ones – that can blend destination shopping and dining, services and offices, multifamily housing and public transit access all in the same area are planning well.

His insight is more than academic.  Leinberger started his real estate career as managing director and co-owner of consulting film RCLCO (formerly Robert Charles Lesser & Co).  In addition to his academic work, he is President of LOCUS, a network of developers and investors who support and practice walkable urban development.  And to practice the philosophies he espouses, he and several partners founded Arcadia Land Company, which works on transit-focused, new urban projects.

The changing multifamily development pattern is just one piece of the walkable urbanism puzzle. A more complete picture requires looking at the public transit resources available for getting people where they want to go, and cutting down spending on cars. Apartments in walkable urban neighborhoods are expensive – and renters are showing they will pay a premium for such units, according to Leinberger's recent research.

"At the macro-economic level, it's about shifting household spending patterns. The ultimate way to pay for this is shift the household spending. Right now, a driveable suburban household spends 25 percent of their income, on average, on a fleet of cars to participate in the society. The walkable urban household spends 9 percent."

So, we asked, which piece is more important: housing or transit? The answer: transit.

"Transportation drives development.  For the 6,000 years we've been building cities, transportation is the most important infrastructure category and it dictates everything that follows," Leinberger said. He points to the extension of Los Angeles' subway line to the west side of the city, a 9 mile, $6.3 billion project that has been spearheaded by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, as a key component to driving new construction projects and the development of a walkable urbanism culture in LA. So much for "nobody walks in LA," eh?

The poster city for the coveted walkable neighborhood  model, though, has to be Washington D.C. It happens to be where Leinberger and his wife make their home. From their Dupont Circle condominium, they can both walk to their jobs, and in Mr. Leinberger's case, all three of his jobs. Last year, the couple put just 3,000 miles on their car, which they rarely use unless taking a longer trip outside the neighborhood.

It's a sharp contrast to the average American, who drives around 15,000 miles and spent an average of $8,946 on driving-related expenses last year, according to the American Automobile Association. If your rent went up a few hundred dollars a month, but you could ditch your car and walk or take public transit to work, the savings would likely more than even out – not to mention the health and fitness benefits you'd reap from all that extra exercise.

The good news for multifamily developers is that the sections of the population driving this trend – both Baby Boomers like Leinberger and his wife, whose grown children are now living on their own, and Millennials who eschew owning cars for the sake of the planet – are willing to spend more for housing that matches their lifestyle desires.

"People who live in more walkable places tend to earn more, but they also tend to pay a higher percentage of their income for housing. " Leinberger wrote last year in a New York Times op ed piece. "Today, the most valuable real estate lies in walkable urban locations. Many of these now pricey places were slums just 30 years ago."

[ozbob]

4BC News have followed up on the fare issues ...  thanks for the interest!