2014 fares

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

10th July 2014

Fare unaffordability crisis in SEQ

Good Morning!

Fares are still unaffordable.  Fare evasion and fare rorting rife on the system. Network in chaos.

Action to sort " Crickets --> "

Just another day ..

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

23rd June 2014

Re: SEQ: Fare affordability crisis needs action today

Greetings,

For those unable to grasp the real issues here is a quick synopsis of the problem.

The free after x journeys in a week results in fare box leakage, which in turn means higher base fare costs and less money overall for the farebox.  It dissuades discretionary trips on public transport because the fares are too expensive for many.  Others simply rort the system and do very well, at the cost of the community at large.

TransLink's data confirms that fare unaffordability has never been worse in SEQ.  Fares in SEQ are around twice to three times the cost of fares in other Australian jurisdictions.  Fares in SEQ are twice the cost of fares for Q-connect (regional urban bus public transport).

Why?  The failed fare system is one factor, the other is the high cost, low efficiency network design.  TransLink did attempt to sort that in 2013 (remember the bus review?).  But weak politics and hysterical media saw that kicked into touch.  We still have the failed network. Add the failed fare system it is little wonder people cannot afford to use the public transport as they otherwise could.

Fares elsewhere.  Fare failure SEQ is confirmed.

===========

Twitter

Robert Dow @Robert_Dow

This is what a sensible fare system looks like > http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/tickets-fares/fares ... #qldpol #wapol // @scottemersonmp @SteveMinnikinMP

==========

Robert Dow @Robert_Dow

This is what a sensible fare system looks like - Cairns >http://www.sunbus.com.au/documents/2014Fares_Cairns.pdf ... #qldpol #fnq // @scottemersonmp @SteveMinnikinMP

==========

Robert Dow @Robert_Dow

This is what a sensible fare system looks like - Tasmania > http://www.metrotas.com.au/ticketsfares  #qldpol #taspol // @scottemersonmp @SteveMinnikinMP

==========

Robert Dow @Robert_Dow

This is what a sensible fare system looks like - Canberra myway > http://www.transport.act.gov.au/catch_a_bus/myway/fares ... #qldpol #actpol // @scottemersonmp @SteveMinnikinMP

==========

Robert Dow @Robert_Dow

This is what an affordable fare system looks like Melb myki > http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/metropolitan-myki-fares/ ... #qldpol #springst // @scottemersonmp @SteveMinnikinMP

==========

Robert Dow @Robert_Dow

This is what an affordable fare system looks like Sydney Opal > https://www.opal.com.au/en/fare-information/ ... #qldpol #nswpol // @scottemersonmp @SteveMinnikinMP

==========

Robert Dow @Robert_Dow

This is what an unaffordable & botched fare system looks like - SEQ > http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/current-fares ... #qldpol // @scottemersonmp @SteveMinnikinMP

==========

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 23 June 2014



SEQ: Fare affordability crisis needs action today

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 the TransLink performance snap shot data for May 2014 has again confirmed that affordability has worsened and is still tracking along in the 'cellar of despair and mediocrity'.

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 (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 again the stand out failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs (3, 5). Worst unaffordability ever recorded for bus and rail which is the bulk of trips in SEQ."

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place (4).  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."

"The nine and free fare paradigm is leading to massive fare box leakage and is NOT making fares affordable at all (6).  It is just a massive rort!"

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

Contact:

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

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/2014-apr-snapshot.pdf

4.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10571.msg139861#msg139861

5.  The May 2014 Public transport performance data for affordability:

http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2014-may-snapshot.pdf page 14

Affordability May


6.  16 Jun 2014: SEQ: Flawed cost estimates for the nine and free go card rort?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10765.0

[Fares_Fair]

I had a twitter conversation with a fellow commuter from NSW.

I asked him how far he commutes and how much it costs to do so.
I was more than astonished with his reply - I was astounded by it.

The reality is this twitter exchange:

Urban Jungle Cat ‏@MathewHounsell Jul 4
Monthly Passenger Journeys from #Bathurst jumped dramatically when extra trains (not buses) were introduced #nswpol pic.twitter.com/i12OpI1bpf

Regional Reverie ‏@regionalreverie Jul 4
@MathewHounsell @Jeffrey_Addison I can assure you the Bathurst Bullet gets chockers. Fantastic stuff.

Jeff Addison ‏@Jeffrey_Addison Jul 4
@regionalreverie @MathewHounsell How far does it go and what is the cost? I would pay $16.22 to go (one way)104.9km from Brisbane - Nambour.

Regional Reverie ‏@regionalreverie Jul 4
.@Jeffrey_Addison $8.10 ($5.67 off peak) Opal Card, $8.60 magstripe, 240km Bx to Central

In NSW to travel by train from Sydney to Bathurst, a distance he told me was 240km, costs half as much as Queensland - AND it gets you more than twice as far!

Jeff Addison ‏@Jeffrey_Addison
"@regionalreverie: .@Jeffrey_Addison $8.10 ($5.67 off peak) Opal Card, $8.60 mstripe, 240km Bx to Central" wow o wow! 1/2 cost for 2x as far

WOW 

[Simon Lovell]

That was disgraceful vote buying by the last government.  It didn't save them though.  Before the "MyZone" changes, let´s say in 2008 because I have those figures at hand, it cost:
>155km to 175km: $18 single, $79 weekly, $25 off peak return (anytime after 9am).
>175km: $22-$30 single, $86-$113 weekly, $30-$41 off peak return

Not sure why the range for >175km but those are the figures I have.

[SurfRail]

More than 175km would only have affected people going to Sydney and originating somewhere north and west of Broadmeadows wouldn't it?  Isn't Newcastle around 170-ish?

[Simon Lovell]

More than 175km would only have affected people going to Sydney and originating somewhere north and west of Broadmeadows wouldn't it?  Isn't Newcastle around 170-ish?

True.  Good thing I included the 155-175km figure then.

To compare with Palmwoods, which is 97.3km from Central, would put you in this category:
>95km, up to 105km: Single $11, Weekly $58, off peak return $15.20

Which is cheaper than SEQ is now, but that is a six year old price.

[Fares_Fair]

I understand what you are saying about the history of the fares.
In 2008 the go card fare was $8.06 one way to Palmwoods ($80.60 per week on go card) on Sunshine Coast and Robina on Gold Coast (both Zone 16)
*QR weekly, monthly, 3, 6 and 12 month tickets were also still available.

That was before the 20% increase in 2010
The 15% increase in 2011
The 15% increae in 2012
The 7.5% increase in 2013
The 7.5% increae in 2014

The point remains that we, Queensland are the dearest in the nation.
The fact that a person in NSW pays less than half as much to go more than twice as far on an equivalent journey says it all in a nutshell.

[SurfRail]

I think it says NSW is seriously underpriced for long distance travel IMHO. 

I don't think Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast fares are off on a distance basis - obviously though the poor SC commuters have a rubbish timetable, ailing infrastructure and little to no prospect of that changing, which makes the value proposition a lot lower.

It's journeys of say 5 zones or less I'm most concerned about.

[ozbob]

Media release 12th July 2014

Queensland:  Unemployed need concession public transport

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 again called for concession fares to be made available to the unemployed in Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Queensland is the only state in Australia that does not extend concession fares on public transport to the unemployed (1)."

"For south-east Queensland this is a vicious double whammy for these disadvantaged citizens.  Fares in south-east Queensland are amongst the worlds most expensive, particularly paper tickets. How are the unemployed expected to be able to attend job interviews, get out and look for jobs if they are unable to access public transport?"

"Fare evasion is already a major problem on the public transport network in south-east Queensland (2). Minister Emerson said  on Fairfax Radio News that the state cannot afford to give concession fares to the unemployed. The real question is can the State not afford to give concession fares to the unemployed?"

"Hundreds of millions of toll road dollars are being lost because of blunders by TMR (3). If unemployed had concession fares and a go card, they might actually be able to pay a fare.  This will actually help improve the fare box, rather than just lose revenue via fare evasion."

"Transport in Queensland is a major concern.  It might be time for an inquiry into the governance of transport, it is a failure on so many levels."

"South-east Queensland fare failure (4), bus review failure (5), now toll road fee collection failure! To these failures we can now add Tertiary Transport Concession Card failure! (6).

"This is gross incompetence, and needs to be sorted before more costly damage is done."

"The LNP seem to not understand. A failure to sort the obvious issues such as the failing fare system is what is causing much public disenchantment and loss of support."


References:

1. Health care cards and concession fares around the nation http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.msg143040#msg143040

2. SEQ: Fare evasion crisis on public transport in SEQ http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10749.0

3. Queensland Opposition Leader attacks tollway revenue bleed http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-opposition-leader-attacks-tollway-revenue-bleed-20140614-zs848.html

4. Queensland: High Cost Public Transport Set To Destroy Needy and Vulnerable http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10720.0

5. BCC Bus Cost Explosion Engulfs Community http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10458.0

6. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10520.msg144064#msg144064

Contact:

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

[Simon Lovell]

I think it says NSW is seriously underpriced for long distance travel IMHO. 

I don't think Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast fares are off on a distance basis - obviously though the poor SC commuters have a rubbish timetable, ailing infrastructure and little to no prospect of that changing, which makes the value proposition a lot lower.

It's journeys of say 5 zones or less I'm most concerned about.

Quite, and nsw also has rubbish infrastructure,with their stream age alignments.

[Fares_Fair]

I think it says NSW is seriously underpriced for long distance travel IMHO. 

I don't think Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast fares are off on a distance basis - obviously though the poor SC commuters have a rubbish timetable, ailing infrastructure and little to no prospect of that changing, which makes the value proposition a lot lower.

It's journeys of say 5 zones or less I'm most concerned about.

Quite, and nsw also has rubbish infrastructure,with their stream age alignments.

Steam age indeed, agree. Just like ours? 

[Simon Lovell]

The alignment is fine between Petrie and Beerburrum and not too bad between Central and Petrie.  Wheres Sydney's North line is poo for most of its length,  Triple figures are rarely seen.  South Coast and Blue Mountains are similar.

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times published 21st July 2014 page 23

Failed fare system knocks the LNP off the rails at ballot box

[ozbob]

Media release 23rd July 2014



SEQ: Cost explosion to engulf Queensland Government at polls?

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 genuine reform, fares, bus and rail.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Fare and subsidy cost explosions led to highly unpopular fare increases by the previous administration and the inability to promise 15-minute frequent trains across SEQ. There is little doubt that this was a strong contributor to the election loss of the previous administration. The same trend is seen in Melbourne, for example."

"Fare unaffordability is now at the worst levels ever as measured by TransLink Key Performance Indicators (1)."

"The failure to put Queensland Rail (QR) on a path to driver only operation means that our trains cost 100% more to operate than in Perth. Perth uses identical trains made in the same factory as those used by QR. We are getting much less bang for our buck here in Queensland than Perth residents are. We are getting higher fares and a lack of service as a result."

"The failure to reform the Brisbane City Council (BCC) bus network has locked the network into a death spiral. While a taxi-style bus network is direct, it also comes with the need to charge taxi-style fare levels (and $400/year from ratepayers). Auckland (NZ) is managing their TransLink-style bus review very well, and ironically it is managed by a Brisbane firm. Meanwhile, residents of Yeronga, Centenary, Bulimba and Albany Creek are paying more than ever for the same old inadequate service."

"Passenger subsidy has gone up, patronage has gone down and fare affordability is at the worst level on record, confirming our death spiral theory."

"It is a sad irony that the people that went around claiming that they were concerned about representing the interests of the disadvantaged and needy are the same people now responsible for causing a massive cost explosion that is slamming low income, the disadvantaged, refugees, people on the minimum wage and those on Centrelink payments."

"The BCC bus network must be reformed and QR must be put on a path to driver only operation. This way fares can come down or at least passengers can be compensated with increased frequent services. The '9-then-waste' scheme should be terminated and funds diverted into concession fares for all health care card holders.

"Only genuine reform of rail and bus networks, together with fare reform will guarantee abundant and low cost public transport for all and a reverse of falling patronage and lead to a better fare-box with less subsidy (2, 3).

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/public-transport-performance-data

2. SEQ: BCC Bus Cost Explosion Engulfs Refugees
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10502.msg138196#msg138196

3. Failed Fare System Knocks the LNP off the rails at ballot box
http://backontrack.org/docs/qt/qt_21jul14_p23.jpg

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Fares could be cut as Newman government vows to pass on savings from axing of carbon tax

It is a 'funny' game polyticks ...   

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

28th July 2014

Re: SEQ: Fare affordability crisis needs action today

Good Morning!

And indeed it is.  Has the realisation that the fare fail in south-east Queensland can actually be turned around?  We live in hope ..

Courier Mail -->  Fares could be cut as Newman government vows to pass on savings from axing of carbon tax

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/fares-could-be-cut-as-newman-government-vows-to-pass-on-savings-from-axing-of-carbon-tax/story-fnihsrf2-1227003489788

Rather than just cut fares, fix up the fare system so that rorting is minimised, and fares are equitable for all demographics.

Interim fix  until next generation ticketing sorted:

Because the go card system has limitations.  These are our recommended immediate measures.

1. Reset base fares on go card.  Zone one fare $2.50, with 40 cent increments to zone 10, then 80 cent increments to zone 23.

2. Increase off peak discount to 30%.

3. Remove the free travel after 9 paid journeys in a week. This is nothing but a rort and is a cause of significant fare box leakage.  Replace with 50% fares after 9 paid journeys in a week.  This will greatly reduce the rorting, and in any case still return a fare box.

4. Allow children to travel free on weekends and public holidays with a fare paying adult.

5. Concession card holders fares remain 50% of adult fares.

Don't forget to touch off!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

20th July 2014

Re: SEQ: Fare affordability crisis needs action today

Greetings,

Stafford by-election confirms what we suggested.  A failure to sort out the obvious failings with the public transport will hit hard.

The failed fare system needs sorting now.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

19th July 2014

SEQ: Fare affordability crisis needs action today

Greetings,

For those unable to grasp the real issues here is a quick synopsis of the problem.

The free after x journeys in a week results in fare box leakage, which in turn means higher base fare costs and less money overall for the farebox.  It dissuades discretionary trips on public transport because the fares are too expensive for many.  Others simply rort the system and do very well, at the cost of the community at large.

TransLink's data confirms that fare unaffordability has never been worse in SEQ.  Fares in SEQ are around twice to three times the cost of fares in other Australian jurisdictions.  Fares in SEQ are twice the cost of fares for qconnect (regional urban bus public transport).

Why?  The failed fare system is one factor, the other is the high cost, low efficiency network design.  TransLink did attempt to sort that in 2013 (remember the bus review?).  But weak politics and hysterical media saw that kicked into touch.  We still have the failed network. Add the failed fare system it is little wonder people cannot afford to use the public transport as they otherwise could.

Fares elsewhere.  Fare failure SEQ is confirmed.

===========

Twitter

Robert Dow @Robert_Dow

This is what a sensible fare system looks like > http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/tickets-fares/fares ... #qldpol #wapol // @scottemersonmp @SteveMinnikinMP

==========

Robert Dow @Robert_Dow

This is what a sensible fare system looks like - Cairns >http://www.sunbus.com.au/documents/2014Fares_Cairns.pdf ... #qldpol #fnq // @scottemersonmp @SteveMinnikinMP

==========

Robert Dow @Robert_Dow

This is what a sensible fare system looks like - Tasmania > http://www.metrotas.com.au/ticketsfares  #qldpol #taspol // @scottemersonmp @SteveMinnikinMP

==========

Robert Dow @Robert_Dow

This is what a sensible fare system looks like - Canberra myway > http://www.transport.act.gov.au/catch_a_bus/myway/fares ... #qldpol #actpol // @scottemersonmp @SteveMinnikinMP

==========

Robert Dow @Robert_Dow

This is what an affordable fare system looks like Melb myki > http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/metropolitan-myki-fares/ ... #qldpol #springst // @scottemersonmp @SteveMinnikinMP

==========

Robert Dow @Robert_Dow

This is what an affordable fare system looks like Sydney Opal > https://www.opal.com.au/en/fare-information/ ... #qldpol #nswpol // @scottemersonmp @SteveMinnikinMP

==========

Robert Dow @Robert_Dow

This is what an unaffordable & botched fare system looks like - SEQ > http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/current-fares ... #qldpol // @scottemersonmp @SteveMinnikinMP

==========

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

16th July 2014

SEQ: Flawed cost estimates for the nine and free go card rort?

Good Morning,

Yesterday in estimates, more bluff and bluster. In a statement Shadow Transport Minister Ms Trad said this:

" ... Ms Trad said that Mr Emerson refused to detail the true cost of the Newman Government's nine trips and free program.

"In 2013, the Minister was able to detail the cost of the program, but this year he refused to answer any questions or detail actual costs," Ms Trad said.

"This is because Minister Emerson knows his program is grossly underfunded and over-budget. ... "

http://annastaciapalaszczukmp.com.au/2014/07/15/emerson-bungles-budget-numbers/

There are indeed very obvious reasons why the cost was not disclosed.   The fare system is a failure and detailing the costs will just further confirm the charade it is.

This media release confirms the ' double think ' that is exercised to continue the fare con ..

Have a great day!

Best wishes

Robert

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

Media release 16 June 2014

SEQ: Flawed cost estimates for the nine and free go card rort?

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 recent data has confirmed the fare box leakage is contributing to high cost fares in south-east Queensland on the TransLink network (1). Further more, Government budgeting estimates for this leakage are flawed.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"In a recent response to a Question On Notice, the Transport Minister Mr Emerson has said

' ... Foregone revenue associated is not able to be calculated given many of these trips
would not have been taken without this beneficial policy ...' (2)."

"However in a statement dated 10th June 2014 Mr Emerson has said ' The nine and free policy is budgeted to cost $38 million over four years. ' (3)."

Our estimates of the real cost of the nine and free are:

Average 70,000 free trips per week x $7 subsidy +$2 lost fare = $630,000/ week say $50 million per year in direct costs.

"If the authorities cannot calculate foregone revenue then how can they calculate a budgeted cost?"

"The so called ' budgeting ' for the nine and free is apparently based on an assumption of lost fare revenue only. This is nonsense.  The government is saying that the typical ninth journey for a typical commuter on a Friday morning costs $7 public subsidy, the commuter pays an average fare of $2, an overall cost of $9. But they then suggest the journey home on a Friday only costs foregone fare revenue of $2?  Nonsense!"

"This fare box leakage compounds the fare system crisis in south-east Queensland."

"It is time to fix the fares!"

References:

1. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/friday-is-becoming-free-day-on-go-cards-20140613-zs7jl.html

2. http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2014/355-2014.pdf

3. http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2014/6/10/policy-delivers-seven-million-free-trips

4. Go card data confirms the fare failure in south-east Queensland http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10748.msg143062#msg143062

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Media release 1st August 2014



SEQ: Fare affordability crisis needs action today

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 the TransLink performance snap shot data for June 2014 has again confirmed that affordability has worsened for ferry and train.

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 (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 again the stand out failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs (3, 5) for June 2014. Worst unaffordability ever recorded for ferry and rail!"

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place (4).  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."

"The nine and free fare paradigm is leading to massive fare box leakage and is NOT making fares affordable at all (6).  It is just a massive rort!"

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

Contact:

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

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/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/public-transport-performance-data

4.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10571.msg139861#msg139861

5.  The June 2014 Public transport performance data for affordability:

http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2014-jun-snapshot.pdf page 14

Affordability June 2014



6.  16 Jun 2014: SEQ: Flawed cost estimates for the nine and free go card rort?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10765.0

[ozbob]

   < hitting fare rock-bottom, startling when you consider inter-island southern Moreton Bay is free ...



  < off the fare affordability rails!

  worst fare system ever!!

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

2nd August 2014

Re: SEQ: Fare affordability crisis needs action today

Good Morning,

Brisbane media, have you have ever wondered why the TransLink performance data is usually released late on a Friday?

Maybe it is because most of you are off on  Friday happy hours?  It seems to me that the timing is just another way of trying to minimise scrutiny.

Well, some of us never sleep!

June data is special, couldn't even make the data available in July, so bad is the affordability KPI!

Have a relaxing weekend.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 1st August 2014



SEQ: Fare affordability crisis needs action today

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 the TransLink performance snap shot data for June 2014 has again confirmed that affordability has worsened for ferry and train.

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 (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 again the stand out failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs (3, 5) for June 2014. Worst unaffordability ever recorded for ferry and rail!"

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place (4).  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."

"The nine and free fare paradigm is leading to massive fare box leakage and is NOT making fares affordable at all (6).  It is just a massive rort!"

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

Contact:

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

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/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/public-transport-performance-data

4.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10571.msg139861#msg139861

5.  The June 2014 Public transport performance data for affordability:

http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2014-jun-snapshot.pdf page 14

Affordability June 2014



6.  16 Jun 2014: SEQ: Flawed cost estimates for the nine and free go card rort?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10765.0

[ozbob]

It is all nonsense RTT.

Effectively the govt says the the 9th journey in on Friday morning costs $9, the free trip home only costs $2.

It is costing a lot.  It is why they refused to detail in this year's estimate hearing.  The con is up.

I have had more feedback this morning as a result of the latest media release.  Confirming that many are now just outright rorting.  It is costing a motza.

Cheers!

[ozbob]

The other bizarre thing re Opal is they are going with a free after 8 journey cap!  Despite the fact that the fares in NSW are very low cost cf. SEQ. 

It will be a disaster in the the medium term, just as the go card fare structure is.   All the ideological spin and clap trap cannot disguise the fact it does cost, real $$ and this must be made up either with high cost base fares or less services ..

[ozbob]

Melbourne has the right idea for handling the periodical ticketing on smart card - the myki pass, and simple daily caps for myki money.

The old weekly tickets and so forth were a fixed cost for your journey length.   The problem with the smart card x journey then free is that it is easily rorted by taking short fares.  This didn't happen with weekly tickets in the same way as if you where a high fare commuter you paid your fare commensurate with that.  With the free after x journeys they are no longer paying that fare with certainty, they can rort, easily, and many are.  This in turn is leading to fare box leakage, which in turn puts more pressure on base fares as the fare box goes west.  It is also leading to an inequitable fare system.

This was well highlighted in this old yarn .. > Forty trips reaps $10 Go Card profit

[ozbob]

No RTT not you!  The Government spinners.  On one hand they say it costs x, on the other they say cannot cost it .. 

[ozbob]

My preferred option in the longer term would be a simple fare table as for Transperth ( > http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/tickets-fares/fares ) with the addition of a two paid journey dynamic cap based on 2 times highest journey for the 24 hour period.  So for example if your morning commute was say $6.28 (5 zones) the most you pay for the 24 hour period would be $12.56, provided no other journey > 5 zone.  This overcomes rorting, still encourages frequent trips, but you do pay a fair fare.  Clearly the fare table would need to be revised first though.

[aldonius]

Even 'easier' cap: "only pay for the 2 most expensive journeys in a day, and the 10 most expensive in a week".

[#Metro]

KISS

Just copy Perth. No gimmicks, just low fares all day across the board. Passes for those who want certainty. No mode-specific or media-specific fares (i.e. get rid of paper ticket, replace with SMS ticket perhaps).

http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/tickets-fares/fares

In addition to this:

I have thought about price capping etc. People like certainty and not having to pay for each trip and account for everything. So I think that would be better arranged through a pass scheme (pre-trip determination) rather than an after-the-fact (post trip adjustment). You'd have weekly, monthlies, 90 days passes within specified zones. Passes are simple and you know the price upfront.

The concession should be looked at. At the moment there is a discount on a discount between off peak and peak. I think the numbers may be sufficiently close enough to just give a discount of say 30% off peak fares and let that apply all day rather than compounding discount.

Fare policy is notoriously difficult to design, I think forum members tried this with making fare curves, and it became obvious that it was impossible to get a system that is everything to everyone. The root causes of the high fares must be dealt with otherwise fares will always be extremely high- extremely high service production costs within QR and inefficient bus network routing by BCC.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

3rd July 2014

Re: SEQ: Fare affordability crisis needs action today

Greetings,

Herewith the summary of all TransLink KPIs for June 2014.

http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2014-jun-snapshot.pdf page 1



KPI summary June 2014

As can be noted 'Affordability' is the stand out failure. This is not new, TransLink in its previous form when it issued Annual Reports acknowledged that fare affordability was a major issue.  Transport and Main Roads in its 2012/13 Annual Report did the same.  Action to address can be summed up as ' crickets '.

Promises of distant fare increases of reduced quantum do little to address the immediate issue of people being forced off public transport due to high cost fares. Patronage is going backwards with very negative impacts on overall road congestion and costs.

Recast the fare system to provide immediate relief and get the public transport network ' back on track '!

Commence proper community consultation on a new fare system in line with the next generation ticketing system due in 2016.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

2nd August 2014

Re: SEQ: Fare affordability crisis needs action today

Good Morning,

Brisbane media, have you have ever wondered why the TransLink performance data is usually released late on a Friday?

Maybe it is because most of you are off on  Friday happy hours?  It seems to me that the timing is just another way of trying to minimise scrutiny.

Well, some of us never sleep!

June data is special, couldn't even make the data available in July, so bad is the affordability KPI!

Have a relaxing weekend.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 1st August 2014



SEQ: Fare affordability crisis needs action today

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 the TransLink performance snap shot data for June 2014 has again confirmed that affordability has worsened for ferry and train.

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 (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 again the stand out failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs (3, 5) for June 2014. Worst unaffordability ever recorded for ferry and rail!"

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place (4).  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."

"The nine and free fare paradigm is leading to massive fare box leakage and is NOT making fares affordable at all (6).  It is just a massive rort!"

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

Contact:

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

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/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/public-transport-performance-data

4.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10571.msg139861#msg139861

5.  The June 2014 Public transport performance data for affordability:

http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2014-jun-snapshot.pdf page 14

Affordability June 2014



6.  16 Jun 2014: SEQ: Flawed cost estimates for the nine and free go card rort?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10765.0

[SurfRail]

GC should however have its own City style zone.

GCCC have been after review of the geometry of the fare zones for years but it has been resisted at very step.  Somebody going from say Coolangatta to Southport is at a disadvantage compared to somebody going from Garden City to Chermside.

[Simon Lovell]

"In a recent response to a Question On Notice, the Transport Minister Mr Emerson has said

' ... Foregone revenue associated is not able to be calculated given many of these trips
would not have been taken without this beneficial policy ...' (2)."

"However in a statement dated 10th June 2014 Mr Emerson has said ' The nine and free policy is budgeted to cost $38 million over four years. ' (3)."

Our estimates of the real cost of the nine and free are:

Average 70,000 free trips per week x $7 subsidy +$2 lost fare = $630,000/ week say $50 million per year in direct costs.

"If the authorities cannot calculate foregone revenue then how can they calculate a budgeted cost?"


How do you get $50mpa?

70,000 trips x $2 of fare income - $140k/wk x 52 weeks = $7.3mpa.

You cannot factor the subsidy as an income as the taxpayer just plugs the big hole between revenue and costs regardless. I'm not sure what other indirect costs there are as they tag on/off as normal. Maybe people taking short routes to get the count up to 9 faster? But there is also an off-set for weeks with a public holiday, so if there is no adjustment by Go-card, then about 45 weeks a year are capable of 9 then free using standard 10 trips a week and 7 weeks a year its less likely to happen (note these 7 weeks would tend to have less overall ridership anyway).

Where is this quote sourced from?

[Simon Lovell]

Please include sources in this sort of quote. It is not difficult. I looked for ages.

[Derwan]

KISS

I have thought about price capping etc. People like certainty and not having to pay for each trip and account for everything. So I think that would be better arranged through a pass scheme (pre-trip determination) rather than an after-the-fact (post trip adjustment). You'd have weekly, monthlies, 90 days passes within specified zones. Passes are simple and you know the price upfront.

I prefer a smart system that can calculate on the fly - otherwise you've got to think ahead and plan around annual leave, etc.  Then what happens on public holidays or when you're sick?  You're paying for trips you're not taking.

I don't think it's that hard to understand that if you take a 5-zone trip to work, a 1-zone trip at lunch time and then a 5-zone trip home - the fare for your last journey will simply be the difference between the 1-zone trip and the 5-zone trip.

The "certainty" is that you'll be paying for no more than 10 5-zone trips per week even if you make additional trips.  But you have the benefit of only paying for trips you actually take.

[#Metro]

I prefer a smart system that can calculate on the fly - otherwise you've got to think ahead and plan around annual leave, etc.  Then what happens on public holidays or when you're sick?  You're paying for trips you're not taking.

Fine. Just use the credit then. The whole idea of passes is that both parties reduce risk. That is, the passenger knows that they will have credit up to a certain time period (say a month) and the operator knows that they will have steady revenue, regardless of fluctuations in patronage.

The problem with after-the-fact adjustment is that it is more difficult to know what the fare actually was / will be and there is no reduction in risk for the operator.

[Simon Lovell]

The train runs so heavily subsidised anyway the off-peak fares are almost insignificant in return of overall costs. The network needs +70% from the taxpayer overall, but off-peak this would be +90-95% and more so for interurban and outer-surburban.

None of this is a fact, except the +70% subsidy bit.  Annoying to have people "knowing" stuff they can't back up, particularly the comment about 90-95% subsidy in off peak.  I'm sure that most of the costs of running the system off peak would still need to be paid if there were no services at all.  Can you say: "Fixed Costs"?

[ozbob]

Letter to the editor Queensland Times published 5th August 2014 page 13

Failed fare system needs to be fixed

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

12th August 2014

Re: SEQ: Fare affordability crisis needs action today

Good Morning,

It is interesting to contrast the opal card (Sydney) fares compared to our own go card high cost bizarre fare system.

Opal:

    A reward providing free travel after eight paid journeys in a week*
    A $2.50 daily cap on Sunday
    A daily cap of $15.00 from Monday to Saturday

http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/content/opal-card

The pressure to rort the free after 8 will still be there, but the daily cap will help reduce it compared to the massive rorting on the go card in SEQ, as there is no daily cap in place here in SEQ, and so very significant savings can be made by the 'cashed up suits' taking lunch time one stop bus, rail and ferry trips ( http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10444.msg136884#msg136884 ) whilst battlers cannot afford the high up front fare costs.   An idiocy with profound social welfare implications.  Unemployed will sadly be forced to turn to fare evasion as no concession fares for them in Queensland as well (only state and territory in Australia that doesn't).

Fares in NSW are generally most affordable.  Not so in SEQ go card land ..  go card fare structure is bad, but the single paper tickets are an obscene rip-off, do all you can to dissuade their use.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

3rd July 2014

Re: SEQ: Fare affordability crisis needs action today

Greetings,

Herewith the summary of all TransLink KPIs for June 2014.

http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2014-jun-snapshot.pdf page 1



KPI summary June 2014

As can be noted 'Affordability' is the stand out failure. This is not new, TransLink in its previous form when it issued Annual Reports acknowledged that fare affordability was a major issue.  Transport and Main Roads in its 2012/13 Annual Report did the same.  Action to address can be summed up as ' crickets '.

Promises of distant fare increases of reduced quantum do little to address the immediate issue of people being forced off public transport due to high cost fares. Patronage is going backwards with very negative impacts on overall road congestion and costs.

Recast the fare system to provide immediate relief and get the public transport network ' back on track '!

Commence proper community consultation on a new fare system in line with the next generation ticketing system due in 2016.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

2nd August 2014

Re: SEQ: Fare affordability crisis needs action today

Good Morning,

Brisbane media, have you have ever wondered why the TransLink performance data is usually released late on a Friday?

Maybe it is because most of you are off on  Friday happy hours?  It seems to me that the timing is just another way of trying to minimise scrutiny.

Well, some of us never sleep!

June data is special, couldn't even make the data available in July, so bad is the affordability KPI!

Have a relaxing weekend.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 1st August 2014



SEQ: Fare affordability crisis needs action today

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 the TransLink performance snap shot data for June 2014 has again confirmed that affordability has worsened for ferry and train.

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 (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 again the stand out failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs (3, 5) for June 2014. Worst unaffordability ever recorded for ferry and rail!"

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place (4).  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."

"The nine and free fare paradigm is leading to massive fare box leakage and is NOT making fares affordable at all (6).  It is just a massive rort!"

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

Contact:

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

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/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/public-transport-performance-data

4.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10571.msg139861#msg139861

5.  The June 2014 Public transport performance data for affordability:

http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2014-jun-snapshot.pdf page 14

Affordability June 2014



6.  16 Jun 2014: SEQ: Flawed cost estimates for the nine and free go card rort?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10765.0

[ozbob]

Letter to the editor Queensland Times 16th August 2014 page 51

Go-card system a rip-off

[ozbob]

Media release 23rd August 2014

SEQ: Fare failure on the political agenda

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 the TransLink performance snap shot data for June 2014 has again confirmed that affordability has worsened for ferry and train.  Patronage is barely keeping pace with population growth during peak times and is falling outside peak as people are forced off public transport due to botched and high cost fares.

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 (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 was again the stand out failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs (3, 5) for June 2014. Worst unaffordability ever recorded for ferry and rail!"

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place (4).  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."

"The nine and free fare paradigm is leading to massive fare box leakage and is NOT making fares affordable at all (6).  It is just a massive rort!"

"There are very big cost savings to be made by getting people back on public transport with a sound fare system.  Fares in SEQ are amongst the worlds most expensive.  Time to act!  All political parties need to address the mess that is the fare system in SEQ with sound policy around fare reform."

Contact:

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


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/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/public-transport-performance-data

4.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10571.msg139861#msg139861

5.  The June 2014 Public transport performance data for affordability:

http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2014-jun-snapshot.pdf page 14

Affordability June 2014



6.  16 Jun 2014: SEQ: Flawed cost estimates for the nine and free go card rort?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10765.0

[techblitz]

politicians/councellors most likely have a choice to make.......support lower fares hence support translink review.........or support thier local residents and make sure that bus routes arent cut/streamlned.
Not as easy as it sounds...especially when your trying to buy votes....

[ozbob]

Network review can be a very good thing, it is simplistic to sound an alarmist ' cuts ' ..

If they don't support proper review, will be taken out of their hands as the competitive tender juggernaut rolls on  ...

[ozbob]

A decent fare system can be set up now.  Getting pax back onboard and increasing the fare box is the aim. 

In the medium term there needs to be proper community consultation re fares as part of the next generation ticketing project for 2016.  Never has been.  What do the public actually want?  Periodicals, capping, simple low cost fares for all, not just rorters?   

No brainer stuff really.  If our politicians cannot drive this they should stand aside and let others who will in.

[ozbob]