2014 fares

[SurfRail]

Hear hear.

That they've lost the plot is beyond question and has been for ages.  Issue now is what we can do to make sure they find it again.

[ozbob]

Media release 21st November 2012



SEQ: Call for CPI increases for fares for 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 called for abandonment of the 2010 Five Year Fare Path and only increase fares in SEQ by CPI for 2014.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Fares for public transport in SEQ have gone up in real terms (compound) around 83% for go card and 114% for paper single tickets during the period 2010-2014, factoring in the planned 7.5% fare increase for 2014 (1)."

"CPI for the period 2010-2014 has gone up around 9.5% (2).  The sheer magnitude of the fare increases has stagnated patronage on public transport in SEQ.  Fare box revenue is also on the slide.  To continue on this failed fare path is not in the interests of anyone."

"It is then little wonder then that affordability is the standout failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs (3)."

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place from 2015.  A fare system that drives patronage around the clock, is affordable and fair to all.  The present free after nine paid journeys is easily rorted and is adding to further cost pressures for high base fares. This failed fare paradigm was introduced by the former State Government as free after 10 paid journeys in a week. The Newman Government simply carried on the basic flawed paradigm by changing it 9 paid journeys in a week as the threshold. The end result has been worsening patronage, a failed fare box and  worsening affordability overall."

"As an interim measure, we believe that the fare increase for 2014 should be brought back to CPI only.  This will then give some fare relief for all, and allow time for a new balanced fare system to be sorted."

"There are very big cost savings to be made by getting people back on public transport.  Fares in SEQ are amongst the worlds most expensive.  Time to act!"

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg135186#msg135186

2. http://www.oesr.qld.gov.au/products/tables/cpi-all-groups-bris-wt-avg-eight-qtr/index.php

3. http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2013-sep-snapshot.pdf

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

[ozbob]

From Quest City North News 21 November 2013 page 12

Fare rise triggers push for overhaul

Fare rise triggers push for overhaul

7.5 PER CENT FEE JUMP RILES

RAIL Back On Track spokesman Robert Dow has called for a restructure of public transport fares as commuters face another price hike.

Mr Dow wants the State Government to conduct a fare review, halve base public transport trip costs, re-introduce half-price journeys after eight trips and lower off-peak fares to 30 per cent of full price journeys.

Mr Dow said the 7.5 per cent increase from January, 2014, would take paper tickets to $5 a journey. "That's $5 just to travel down the street or catch a ferry to the other side of the Brisbane River. We think it is ridiculous that it will cost more to cross the Brisbane River on public transport than to use Clem 7 or AirportLink toll roads," he said.

A Main Roads and Transport spokesperson confirmed the January 6 increase and said they had halved 15 per cent increases under the previous government. New incentives would be offered with the increase.

"From Monday, January 6, 2014, off-peak fares will start at 8.30am."

[ozbob]

I think the failure to sort the mess is verging on negligence ... both by TransLink and the authorities.

Part of the problem is that the present State Opposition were responsible for the fiasco, they are unable or unwilling or both to take the Government on with the clearly failed fare path. 

I expect the Newman Government will do something prior to the next state election.  Politics before sound policy ... hypocrites.   I expect a significant backlash from this in SEQ.  It will be costly politically for them.

Hear hear.

That they've lost the plot is beyond question and has been for ages.  Issue now is what we can do to make sure they find it again.

[techblitz]

Article with comments 

[HappyTrainGuy]

You are an idiot chris 

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 22nd November 2013 page 9

TransLink fares failure

[techblitz]

You are an idiot chris 

I think hes referring to all buses need to have air-cons for the fares that he pays
Cant say I come across too many without air-con though. Maybe some of the old bowen hills buses (now at tradecoast) Hardly a majority though 

[bcasey]

I don't think I've been on a bus that hasn't had air-con for any of the routes I take, for several years now. In fact, there have been times where the air-con was too powerful and the temperature was cooler than what would normally be comfortable. Somewhat related to this, I've experienced, and I'm sure that many other people have as well, that some of the newer low-floor buses (not sure which model) sometimes leak fluid (which I'm assuming is condensation from the air-conditioning) from the overhead compartments, mainly above the seats between the rear door and the rear-wheel arch.

[SurfRail]

You are an idiot chris 

I think hes referring to all buses need to have air-cons for the fares that he pays
Cant say I come across too many without air-con though. Maybe some of the old bowen hills buses (now at tradecoast) Hardly a majority though 

Council has been 100% air con for a while.

In practice, just about all of SEQ is 100% airconditionined.  There are no non-airconditioned low-floor buses operating in the TransLink area to my knowledge, and apart from Veolia and BCC, no other operator uses high-floor buses on normal route work anymore because their accessible fleets are big enough to cover the work required.  School buses - different story of coure.

Some operators are very close to have no step-entry buses at all anymore (LCBS only has 7 left out of a fleet of over 120).

[HappyTrainGuy]

Start of last year wasn't it? Pretty sure there is also a promo livery wrap done on a bus with 100% air conditioned fleet written on the side.

@casey. Yeah. The Scanias that operate out of Virginia always has that issue.

EDIT:

[ozbob]

Understand your sentiment RTT, but the problem is simply larger than that.  It is costing a lot of money to maintain duplicate systems.  Paper ticket purchases are slowing up the bus network.  This is a big factor as well.  Visitors and others constantly complain about the absurd cost of paper tickets - if they are removed people are simply moved on the go card and life proceeds.  I think crunch time is looming ...

[James]

@casey. Yeah. The Scanias that operate out of Virginia always has that issue.

HTG, I think I've also had this problem on a bus working out of Sherwood. It's not common, maybe its a fault that they don't get the opportunity to fix out at Virginia as quickly.

With relation to paper tickets - just pull them already. They are actually giving SEQ a bad reputation fare-wise (e.g. the lady who broke down crying when she spent $20 on bus fares for a family of four...), much better just to sell adult go cards on board, possibly child go cards as well. Seniors/concessions will make the effort to go down to their local go card seller to get a specific card for the discounts. Of course there will be wingers, but it makes things so much easier, not to mention fare evaders become blatantly obvious when they don't 'touch off'.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Possibly. I've been told that the air conditioning ducts and cooling hosing are located directly above the panel behind the rear door above the seat on that particular model of bus. So maybe a loose hose fitting or condensation forming/pooling. But they seem happen a lot on the Scanica buses out of Virginia. The same thing happens on the EMUs where the cooling hoses for the AC can get really cold and condensation forms on the outside (also can occur when the outside temp drops really quickly ie a quickly approaching thunderstorm) which sometimes ends up dripping through into the carriages.

[techblitz]

Understand your sentiment RTT, but the problem is simply larger than that.  It is costing a lot of money to maintain duplicate systems.  Paper ticket purchases are slowing up the bus network.  This is a big factor as well.  Visitors and others constantly complain about the absurd cost of paper tickets - if they are removed people are simply moved on the go card and life proceeds.  I think crunch time is looming ...

when and what is crunch time...

[ozbob]

Crunch time =  colloquialism, means essentially deadline, time for action ...

I think crunch time for paper ticket removal will probably come with the next contract for go card, due in 2016.  Why continue to pay for something a capability that is fast becoming redundant?  It would not surprise me to see paper removed earlier though.  TransLink had originally intended to remove paper in 2010.

[ozbob]

October snapshot data is now available ..  http://translink.com.au/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/public-transport-performance-data

Affordability remains a major issue ...  ferry has been skewed by SMBI data (they effectively had a major fare reduction, free between islands).
In effect a new data series, has no direct correlation with regard to previous ferry data ..

[ozbob]

Public transport fares outside of SEQ - Qconnect are generally about half of the SEQ fares ...

It is an interesting dichotomy.   Fare increases for Qconnect have generally been in line with CPI increases

--> http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/qconnect/Urban-bus-services.aspx

[techblitz]

trains averaged 50 on affordability last year
has not hit 50 once this year by the looks of it...
id put the average this year for train at around 49 at best
bus at 52...so about in between a 3-4 number gap now when it was closer to 2 between these modes last year.

expect it to probably widen further next year...perhaps 48 average for train with perhaps no change for bus...

clearly there is an underlying tactic by the current and previous governments. Because they have blatantly ignored all requests for fare revues and just given false promises for what the last 2/3/4 years now?

[ozbob]

More ...

ReachTel  --> 7 News / Sunday Mail Queensland - The state we're in - Transport

Again confirms the affordability and frequency issues ..

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

25th November 2013

Re: SEQ: Call for CPI increases for fares for 2014.

Greetings,

A ReachTel - 7 News / Sunday Mail Queensland - The state we're in - Transport poll, again has confirmed the unaffordability of fares in SEQ ( http://www.reachtel.com.au/blogs/7news-sunday-mail-queensland-the-state-were-in-health ).  Frequency also an issue.

It is interesting to note that fares in Regional Queensland - are not as unaffordable as fares in SEQ.

Public transport fares outside of SEQ - Qconnect (Regional Queensland)  are generally about half of the SEQ fares ...

It is an interesting dichotomy.   Fare increases for Qconnect have generally been in line with CPI increases

--> http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/qconnect/Urban-bus-services.aspx

There certainly is need for action to sort out the fares in SEQ.  To do not so in the face of the overwhelming  evidence of failure is bordering on negligence in my opinion.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 21st November 2012



SEQ: Call for CPI increases for fares for 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 called for abandonment of the 2010 Five Year Fare Path and only increase fares in SEQ by CPI for 2014.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Fares for public transport in SEQ have gone up in real terms (compound) around 83% for go card and 114% for paper single tickets during the period 2010-2014, factoring in the planned 7.5% fare increase for 2014 (1)."

"CPI for the period 2010-2014 has gone up around 9.5% (2).  The sheer magnitude of the fare increases has stagnated patronage on public transport in SEQ.  Fare box revenue is also on the slide.  To continue on this failed fare path is not in the interests of anyone."

"It is then little wonder then that affordability is the standout failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs (3)."

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place from 2015.  A fare system that drives patronage around the clock, is affordable and fair to all.  The present free after nine paid journeys is easily rorted and is adding to further cost pressures for high base fares. This failed fare paradigm was introduced by the former State Government as free after 10 paid journeys in a week. The Newman Government simply carried on the basic flawed paradigm by changing it 9 paid journeys in a week as the threshold. The end result has been worsening patronage, a failed fare box and  worsening affordability overall."

"As an interim measure, we believe that the fare increase for 2014 should be brought back to CPI only.  This will then give some fare relief for all, and allow time for a new balanced fare system to be sorted."

"There are very big cost savings to be made by getting people back on public transport.  Fares in SEQ are amongst the worlds most expensive.  Time to act!"

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg135186#msg135186

2. http://www.oesr.qld.gov.au/products/tables/cpi-all-groups-bris-wt-avg-eight-qtr/index.php

3. http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2013-sep-snapshot.pdf

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

[techblitz]

More ...

ReachTel  --> 7 News / Sunday Mail Queensland - The state we're in - Transport

Again confirms the affordability and frequency issues ..

Yes...but its missing a rather important question.."travel time"
How many people in qld ditch public transport because the motor vehicle is the faster way to travel.

[ozbob]

Fair point, but I think if people perceive fares as being balanced and fair they don't mind that too much.

[aldonius]

Wouldn't a better measure be 'convenience' rather than just 'travel time' (or at least 'door-to-door' time).

And you can always be reading something, or on Facebook or whatever - hence the actual in-vehicle time isn't that much of an issue for many people as long as it's not too different.

[STB]

Something that needs to be taken into consideration with travel time which was pointed out to me several years ago when I went to Monash University for a transport planning course (by Graham Currie), is that perceived travel time is different to actual travel time.  That is, when you are waiting for the bus/train/ferry to arrive, the perceived travel time can be double the actual travel time, eg: 1min wait can feel like a 2min wait.  Once you are on the bus/train/ferry though, the perceived travel time generally is exactly the same as the actual travel time, simply because you are moving.

Fares I think falls under the value for money umbrella, you want to pay for something as much as you value it, the more you value it, the more you are willing to pay more money for it, and same as the less you value it, the less money you are willing to pay for it.  In terms of public transport, I think it is seen as a government necessity, rather than an alternative to most people, and only will use it if they want to do something different, or it becomes necessary out of simply finances to personally driving, or because you don't like getting stuck in traffic, among other reasons.  To 95% of people, public transport is not an alternative, it is simply something that has to be there as a back up, and those stats to me point out that the younger or older you are, the more value you have on public transport and that it is seen as a necessity rather than an alternative.  But if you fall within the working age range, then it is seen as moreso towards the alternative than a necessity, as you have the finances and ability to drive yourself.  Unlike if you are younger or older, you don't necessarily have the ability or finances to do that.

In other words, public transport is not considered a valued resource, but simply a necessity or an alternative, depending on your circumstances and where you fall age range and your demographic.

Also I think people like having control over their own lives, which public transport, to be frank, doesn't give, as in, you are having to go when the bus/train/ferry goes.  Being able to drive gives that ability to have control in your own life.  In my industry which I work in, the Film, TV and New Media industry, we are seeing this through the development and success of online distribution, where audiences have control on what they want to see, when they want to see it, without being dictated to by a timeslot on a traditional TV channel.  Hence, for us, online content and immediate content is a growth sector and is where the industry is going.

[ozbob]

There was a television show this evening on Channel 72 following on from the ReachTel  --> 7 News / Sunday Mail Queensland - The state we're in - Transport study.  Various Ministers were part of panel.  The Transport Minister was not able to effectively explain why the failed fare path has not been sorted. Still blaming deeds past ...

Oh ... dear ...

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

26th November 2013

Re: SEQ: Call for CPI increases for fares for 2014.

Greetings,

Last evening on Channel 72 the Transport Minister essentially confirmed that fares will increase a further 7.5% from January 2014.   This is madness most agree.

Air buses, trains less than full, even at peak times.  I had occasion to visit Stones Corner yesterday ( http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9972.msg135447#msg135447 ).  Massive concrete investment but very few passengers - they cannot afford the fares.

I was on the much hyped Maroon City Glider bus, I was the only passenger.   Well done TransLink, Bligh and now Newman Governments, worlds worst fares.  I expect rorting will just worsen from here.  Staff cutbacks mean most fare gates are unattended.  Fare evasion is out of control.  One of our members was recently tailgated by evaders at Central through the gates.  Does anyone care at all?  It would seem not.

Bus review failure, fare failure.   Might be time for some new blood that actually can do something really positive for network rather than justifying non-action on past Government failures.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

25th November 2013

Re: SEQ: Call for CPI increases for fares for 2014.

Greetings,

A ReachTel - 7 News / Sunday Mail Queensland - The state we're in - Transport poll, again has confirmed the unaffordability of fares in SEQ ( http://www.reachtel.com.au/blogs/7news-sunday-mail-queensland-the-state-were-in-health ).  Frequency also an issue.

It is interesting to note that fares in Regional Queensland - are not as unaffordable as fares in SEQ.

Public transport fares outside of SEQ - Qconnect (Regional Queensland)  are generally about half of the SEQ fares ...

It is an interesting dichotomy.   Fare increases for Qconnect have generally been in line with CPI increases

--> http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/qconnect/Urban-bus-services.aspx

There certainly is need for action to sort out the fares in SEQ.  To do not so in the face of the overwhelming  evidence of failure is bordering on negligence in my opinion.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 21st November 2012



SEQ: Call for CPI increases for fares for 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 called for abandonment of the 2010 Five Year Fare Path and only increase fares in SEQ by CPI for 2014.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Fares for public transport in SEQ have gone up in real terms (compound) around 83% for go card and 114% for paper single tickets during the period 2010-2014, factoring in the planned 7.5% fare increase for 2014 (1)."

"CPI for the period 2010-2014 has gone up around 9.5% (2).  The sheer magnitude of the fare increases has stagnated patronage on public transport in SEQ.  Fare box revenue is also on the slide.  To continue on this failed fare path is not in the interests of anyone."

"It is then little wonder then that affordability is the standout failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs (3)."

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place from 2015.  A fare system that drives patronage around the clock, is affordable and fair to all.  The present free after nine paid journeys is easily rorted and is adding to further cost pressures for high base fares. This failed fare paradigm was introduced by the former State Government as free after 10 paid journeys in a week. The Newman Government simply carried on the basic flawed paradigm by changing it 9 paid journeys in a week as the threshold. The end result has been worsening patronage, a failed fare box and  worsening affordability overall."

"As an interim measure, we believe that the fare increase for 2014 should be brought back to CPI only.  This will then give some fare relief for all, and allow time for a new balanced fare system to be sorted."

"There are very big cost savings to be made by getting people back on public transport.  Fares in SEQ are amongst the worlds most expensive.  Time to act!"

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg135186#msg135186

2. http://www.oesr.qld.gov.au/products/tables/cpi-all-groups-bris-wt-avg-eight-qtr/index.php

3. http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2013-sep-snapshot.pdf

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

[aldonius]

I did some calculations last night/early this morning relating 2004 fares to today ($2.00 adult single-zone single, $16.40 adult 23-zone single).

I compounded 3% and 5% rises per annum for a decade (i.e. for alt-2014) and got some interesting results.

At 5% p.a. the fares would be $3.26 and $26.71, respectively.

At 3% p.a. they'd be $2.69 and $22.04, respectively.

Expected for 2014 (1 and 23 zone adult peak go card, 2013 level * 1.075): $3.53 and $22.48

So we have the interesting result that short-distance fares have risen, proportionately, by a far greater amount than longer-distance fares.

[#Metro]

Should have just lobbied BCC for a personal home rocket.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/disabled-pensioner-julie-ann-martin-49-fined-200-after-making-bogus-emergency-calls/story-fnihsrf2-1226768775237

[ozbob]

Thanks Aldonius ...

exactly why I still feel this is the way to sort it ..

Some thoughts:

Free tavel per se is a significant leakage and rort.  There are just so many ways to rort it.

1. Pull back the base (flag-fall) by a $1.50, all zones.  So a one zone go card fare (peak adult) = $1.55. Zone 23 = $17.95

2. Off peak discount 30%.  Off peak zone one adult $1.09

3. Change 2am touch on to 7am touch off.

4. 50% fare reduction after 8 journeys per week - no free travel.

5. Increase number of transfers allowed in journey from 3 to 4.  Keep 6 hour limit, but change last transfer time from 3.30 hour to 4hours.

6. Planned fare increases of 7.5% for next two years frozen.

To start things off ...   

[ozbob]

A point that is sometimes over looked on the longer series, is the loss of daily, weekly and the other periodicals.

The removal of these options also compounded price rises for many.  I am not suggesting we need them back, but there was a cost impact for many when they were removed.

At least in 2015 the blame game is up.  The LNP will actually need to do something significant.  I am sure other parties are not going to miss the opportunity.

[aldonius]

I think moving to a dual cap system is the way to go, too.

Charge for the two most expensive journeys over each day, and the 10 (or 9...) most expensive each week.

[techblitz]

So we have the interesting result that short-distance fares have risen, proportionately, by a far greater amount than longer-distance fares.

I hope your not "surprised" at this aldonius.
Ive been harping on for months that they are purposely making as much money as they can off shorter zoned trips.... They are cashing in on the convenience of the busway/ferries......they know its a goldmine and will continue to develop the cashcow as demand for inner city and other short zoned trips rise. One example is uni students wishing to live near campus as convenience and only needing a 1 zone trip.Or the plethora of workers from the 3 inner city hospitals needing to connect to rail via the busway...

1 zone trips =easy money. Clearly with the bus centric plan for brisbane...this will continue...

[aldonius]

Now that you mention it, you have indeed been talking about short trips being used as a cash cow for a while.

[James]

It is not right to be charging so much for one-zone trips at all. Why does it only cost 3x as more for me to travel to fking Varsity Lakes compared to travelling 2km down the road?

It is pretty disgusting - one-zone fares should be restored to $2 on go card, with them being increased proportionally to make Zone 23 commutes at 2014 prices. If you choose to live further from the CBD, you should be expected to pay proportionally more than someone living close to the CBD. One-zone adult fares are so expensive, that for the time I was without a concession go card, I chose to walk or drive for all one-zone trips. It isn't worth the money.

On a brighter note, Campbell Newman's '8:30am off-peak' discount is set to positively affect me. This will not change my behaviour at all though, given that my express bus from my doorstep to UQ will continue to operate all day. Before, my morning bus trips would generally occur in peak, unless there was a bus meltdown. Starting next year, all my trips will now occur in off-peak, saving me even more money despite taking up space which could be used for passengers travelling in peak.

[ozbob]

The fares are completely out of balance James.  It has come about by a failure to increment the fare table properly since 2004.  They just took a simple approach to increase across the board with flat percentages, round up constantly and pretend all was fine.  They see it now as a cash cow, something we have been pointing out for years, and in fact are addicted to the paper tickets for much the same reason.

They are unable to implement the network changes and operator changes that would actually really improve the fare box ratio, but thought they could just screw people with high cost fares as a cover up.  They are using fare extortion to cover up their systemic failings as transport authorities.  It is all coming collapsing down ...  house of cards ..

In short, the fare failure for TransLink SEQ is a disgrace of the highest order.  They are infact wasting millions and millions of dollars by not getting people back on to public transport.  Patronage will take a further hit in 2014.  This suits their hidden agenda, they don't want people to use public transport, despite their rhetoric and spin. The fare contempt confirms that ..

Just look how bad road congestion is getting in SEQ.   We are being and have been governed by idiots for years ...

I have mentioned this before, but I was at a presentation recently where the Deputy Mayor of Brisbane said that by far the biggest complaint they receive about public transport is the high cost of fares ... 

All know what the problem is, but the political courage to actually do something to sort it is missing.  Very sad ..

QCOSS in the latest cost of living report has again indicated that transport costs are really a major factor in poverty traps in Queensland, particularly SEQ.

Governments treat with contempt, only as an election looms does some sort of policy vision occur.   I really believe the LNP is completely underestimating the damage they are doing to themselves, not only with the fare charade, but their constant blame game.  The polling in Ashgrove is just a sign. 

[ozbob]

2011 Survey  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7144.0

How would you rate go card fares?
Answer
Count Percentage
Extremely expensive 146 26.9
Expensive 207 38.1
Fair fare price 85 15.7
Bit too cheap 101 18.6
Too cheap 4 0.7

2012 Survey  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9243.0

How would you rate go card fares?
Answer
Count Percentage
Extremely expensive 91 31.6
Expensive 109 37.9
Fair fare price 32 11.1
Bit too cheap 3 1.0
Too cheap 53 18.4

2013 Survey http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10297.msg135659#msg135659

How would you rate go card fares?
Answer
Count Percentage
Extremely expensive 52 38.0
Expensive 69 50.4
Fair fare price 16 11.7
Bit too cheap 0 0
Too cheap 0 0


Fares extremely expensive / expensive

2011  65%

2012  69.5%

2013  88.4%

the downward spiral fare non-affordability ...

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

1st December 2013

Re: Fare affordability bombshell!

Greetings,

To further demonstrate how fares on public transport in SEQ have failed.  Look at the go card fare affordability data for years 2011, 2012, 2013 ( http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10297.msg135680#msg135680 ) .  There is a marked increase in the fare measure of extremely expensive and expensive.  It really is time to halt the planned increase of 7.5% for 2014 and sort out a new fare system.  The present one is a gross failure

Fares extremely expensive / expensive

2011  65%

2012  69.5%

2013  88.4%

^ the downward spiral fare non-affordability ...

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 1st December 2013



SEQ: RAIL Back On Track's 2013 Public Transport Passenger Survey results now available!

Fare affordability bombshell!

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 conducted a survey of how public transport passengers rate our public transport in south-east Queensland (1).  Anyone who travels on public transport in south-east Queensland was invited to participate.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Since RAIL Back On Track formed in 2006 we have conducted our own annual member surveys on how members rate public transport.  This year we again opened up our survey up to the public! There were 183  responses to our survey!"

"The survey was web based and all public transport passengers on the TransLink network in south-east Queensland were welcome to complete it.  The survey was anonymous and quick to complete."

"Results of the survey, including comments, are now publicly available on the RAIL Back On Track discussion forum (1)."

"On behalf of our members we thank those public transport passengers who took the time drop by and fill out our survey.  Information is knowledge.  Knowledge leads to improvements."

There are two key messages from the survey:

1.  The public thinks the present fares are much too expensive, but is happier with the go card system itself, although some aspects do need improvement. Despite the introduction of free travel after 10 journeys early in 2012, followed by the introduction of free travel after nine journeys mid 2012, affordability has further worsened. 88% of survey respondents rated go card fares as expensive / extremely expensive. Further fare increases as planned from January 2014 are just going to worsen affordability and drive people way from public transport.  It is time for a complete review of fares.

2.  The service frequency of public transport, particularly rail out of peak and counter-peak, and bus and ferry, needs significant improvement.

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10297.msg135663#msg135663

Contact:

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

All 2013 survey data and summaries can be viewed here --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10297.msg135659#msg135659

[ozbob]

London ...

Evening Standard --> Boris Johnson unveils London Underground and bus fares freeze

[kazzac]

fares are still going up again next year?! enough is enough