2014 fares

[ozbob]

Major Newman's (Ret'd) nickname in the Army was Noddy.  Mine was ' The brew ' ..  known for liking an occasional  ale .. 

Such are the ways of the green machine ...

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

14th September 2013

Mates or community?

Greetings,

In January 2013 the Premier indicated in his six month action plan that a new fare structure for the public transport in SEQ would be done.

We are still waiting.  The Government is just continuing on with the failed fare structure commenced in 2010, with a couple of minor modifications.

Increasing fares by another 7.5% does not make already unaffordable fares any more affordable.  Despite the nonsensical spin trotted out.  7.5% is many times increases in pensions, salary and wages.

There was an interesting revelation in Parliament this week --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg131375#msg131375

It is time TransLink, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Assistant Minister for Public Transport and the Premier acted to sort out the failed fare path.

It makes no sense - economic or moral, to force more and more people off public transport onto the ever worsening maelstrom of road congestion, death and injury.

Can the real leader please stand up?

Best wishes
Robert

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

Thanks 4KQ News for following this up ..   

[ozbob]

More evidence of the failure ...

Couriermail --> Commuter passenger numbers plummet despite free trip incentives

DISHING out free trips to commuters cost taxpayers more than $9 million last year but the costly initiative still failed to boost patronage.

New figures provided to The Courier-Mail by Transport and Main Roads, show just 12 of the 145 train stations in southeast Queensland recorded an increase in passengers in the last year.

Numbers at Central Station were down by 724,000 compared with the previous year, and there were 177,000 fewer passengers at Roma St.

Most suburban stations also posted decreases with the exception of Bowen Hills, Park Rd, South Brisbane, Chelmer and Richlands and the domestic and international airport stations.

Patronage on trains has been on the slide since 2010, largely due to consecutive 15 per cent fare hikes.

The Newman Government reduced the increase to 7.5 per cent this year but has so far been unable to reverse the decline in passengers.

Figures released by Transport Minister Scott Emerson show the "nine-journeys then free" initiative introduced last year was costing an average of nearly $500,000 a week.

But Mr Emerson's spokesman said the total cost was within budget forecasts, of between $8.9 and $9.1 million.

Robert Dow from commuter advocacy group Back on Track said the initiative was a "drain on revenue" that had failed to attract more people to public transport ...

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

16th September 2013

Re: Mates or community?

Greetings,

More concern with the failing leadership in the public transport portfolio.

More evidence of the fare failure ...

Couriermail --> Commuter passenger numbers plummet despite free trip incentives

Quote

    DISHING out free trips to commuters cost taxpayers more than $9 million last year but the costly initiative still failed to boost patronage.

    New figures provided to The Courier-Mail by Transport and Main Roads, show just 12 of the 145 train stations in southeast Queensland recorded an increase in passengers in the last year.

    Numbers at Central Station were down by 724,000 compared with the previous year, and there were 177,000 fewer passengers at Roma St.

    Most suburban stations also posted decreases with the exception of Bowen Hills, Park Rd, South Brisbane, Chelmer and Richlands and the domestic and international airport stations.

    Patronage on trains has been on the slide since 2010, largely due to consecutive 15 per cent fare hikes.

    The Newman Government reduced the increase to 7.5 per cent this year but has so far been unable to reverse the decline in passengers.

    Figures released by Transport Minister Scott Emerson show the "nine-journeys then free" initiative introduced last year was costing an average of nearly $500,000 a week.

    But Mr Emerson's spokesman said the total cost was within budget forecasts, of between $8.9 and $9.1 million.

    Robert Dow from commuter advocacy group Back on Track said the initiative was a "drain on revenue" that had failed to attract more people to public transport ..

The costing ^ is a bit of a con too.  A trip to work Friday morning costs $2 fares plus $6 subsidy.  The 'free trip home' costs $2 (lost revenue) but no subsidy ...  LOL.

What a shambles it all is ...  real costs are around $36 million dollars and one of the reasons why public transport is a basket case.

Enjoy the chaos!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

14th September 2013

Mates or community?

Greetings,

In January 2013 the Premier indicated in his six month action plan that a new fare structure for the public transport in SEQ would be done.

We are still waiting.  The Government is just continuing on with the failed fare structure commenced in 2010, with a couple of minor modifications.

Increasing fares by another 7.5% does not make already unaffordable fares any more affordable.  Despite the nonsensical spin trotted out.  7.5% is many times increases in pensions, salary and wages.

There was an interesting revelation in Parliament this week --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg131375#msg131375

It is time TransLink, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Assistant Minister for Public Transport and the Premier acted to sort out the failed fare path.

It makes no sense - economic or moral, to force more and more people off public transport onto the ever worsening maelstrom of road congestion, death and injury.

Can the real leader please stand up?

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

^ Fairfax radio news has followed up, thanks for the interest! 

[ozbob]

Jeff Addison  Sunshine Coast Region Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track was just interviewed on 4BC News Talk, hosts Moyd Kay and Loretta Ryan.  Excellent interview on fares and ways to improve the network. 



Thanks Jeff!

[#Metro]

Any audio links?

[ozbob]

Any audio links?

Pot luck, might be later ..

[Stillwater]

Should we accept the fact that the state government is structuring the fares to act as a disincentive for people to travel by train in order to put a brake on patronage so as to cover for the operational constraints of the system and under-investment in it?

So, the government would see the C-M story as 'good news.'

[ozbob]

Little doubt there were elements of that in the Five year failed fare path embarked upon in 2010.

However, we now have an ever worsening situation with road failure, and PT slide.  I expect that a government for the people would recognise that the 5 year fare path fail  is now out of control and it is time to act!  Yes Sir!!

Plus they are now over halfway to the next election ...

[Stillwater]

 

Then perhaps we should target these seats with a PT agenda - Capalaba, Greenslopes, Ipswwich, Morayfield, Nudgee, Mount Coot-tha and Yeerongpilly.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

17th September 2013

Re: Mates or community?

Greetings,

The second stage of Brisbane bus network changes occur from the 14th October 2013. Details --> http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/seq-bus-network-review-2013/brisbane

The failure of the bus review process now means that the changes for Brisbane are essentially service frequency cuts in the main.  A major gain though is the merger of the 66 and 109 bus routes, something we suggested as obvious in July 2009. See -->  29 July 2009: SEQ: Where's our Buz?  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2538.0

It takes years to get any meaningful changes in SEQ with respect to public transport hey?

A failing fare system, now supported by further service cuts is the consequence of not moving forward with the TransLink bus review.  It is very clear that public transport network planning needs to be removed from Brisbane City Council.  They are not a team player.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

16th September 2013

Re: Mates or community?

Greetings,

More concern with the failing leadership in the public transport portfolio.

More evidence of the fare failure ...

Couriermail --> Commuter passenger numbers plummet despite free trip incentives

Quote

    DISHING out free trips to commuters cost taxpayers more than $9 million last year but the costly initiative still failed to boost patronage.

    New figures provided to The Courier-Mail by Transport and Main Roads, show just 12 of the 145 train stations in southeast Queensland recorded an increase in passengers in the last year.

    Numbers at Central Station were down by 724,000 compared with the previous year, and there were 177,000 fewer passengers at Roma St.

    Most suburban stations also posted decreases with the exception of Bowen Hills, Park Rd, South Brisbane, Chelmer and Richlands and the domestic and international airport stations.

    Patronage on trains has been on the slide since 2010, largely due to consecutive 15 per cent fare hikes.

    The Newman Government reduced the increase to 7.5 per cent this year but has so far been unable to reverse the decline in passengers.

    Figures released by Transport Minister Scott Emerson show the "nine-journeys then free" initiative introduced last year was costing an average of nearly $500,000 a week.

    But Mr Emerson's spokesman said the total cost was within budget forecasts, of between $8.9 and $9.1 million.

    Robert Dow from commuter advocacy group Back on Track said the initiative was a "drain on revenue" that had failed to attract more people to public transport ..

The costing ^ is a bit of a con too.  A trip to work Friday morning costs $2 fares plus $6 subsidy.  The 'free trip home' costs $2 (lost revenue) but no subsidy ...  LOL.

What a shambles it all is ...  real costs are around $36 million dollars and one of the reasons why public transport is a basket case.

Enjoy the chaos!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

14th September 2013

Mates or community?

Greetings,

In January 2013 the Premier indicated in his six month action plan that a new fare structure for the public transport in SEQ would be done.

We are still waiting.  The Government is just continuing on with the failed fare structure commenced in 2010, with a couple of minor modifications.

Increasing fares by another 7.5% does not make already unaffordable fares any more affordable.  Despite the nonsensical spin trotted out.  7.5% is many times increases in pensions, salary and wages.

There was an interesting revelation in Parliament this week --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg131375#msg131375

It is time TransLink, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Assistant Minister for Public Transport and the Premier acted to sort out the failed fare path.

It makes no sense - economic or moral, to force more and more people off public transport onto the ever worsening maelstrom of road congestion, death and injury.

Can the real leader please stand up?

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

Check out @BradTrafficGuy congestion favourite word, forcing people off public transport real smart hey? #qldpol #farefailSEQ

[ozbob]

Letter to the editor Queensland Times 17th September 2013 page 9

Failed fare structure

[ozbob]

More damning indictments on the failed fare path ..

From the Sunday Mail 22nd September 2013 page 33

Families urged to drive to CBD

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 11h

Rather sad indictment on the failed fare path in SEQ ... --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg131857#msg131857 ... #qldpol #farefailSEQ // @scottemersonmp

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

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 11h

Current family/groups tickets in state capitals http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9123.msg128577#msg128577 ... #qldpol #farefailSEQ // @scottemersonmp

[STB]

Just did some quick sums, and the Government is correct, it would cost $24.68 for one return journey from zones 1-4 with two adults and two kids under the Go Card.  I'm assuming the carpark operator based it on the paper ticket fares?

[ozbob]

The sooner paper is withdrawn the better ...  it causes a lot of unnecessary price grief ...

[ozbob]

More damning indictments on the failed fare path ..

From the Sunday Mail 22nd September 2013 page 33

Families urged to drive to CBD

^

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

Doesn't impress me either, the difference being @scottemersonmp can and should fix it .. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg131857#msg131857 ... #qldpol #farefailSEQ

[somebody]

Just did some quick sums, and the Government is correct, it would cost $24.68 for one return journey from zones 1-4 with two adults and two kids under the Go Card.  I'm assuming the carpark operator based it on the paper ticket fares?

Nope.  It's the peak fares ($30.80), not the paper ticket.

Sorry, had to correct that.


On to the point:
<back for a while, to discuss a common purpose>
Met with my local member recently to discuss the path forward wrt to fares.  Basically to get them to back away from the 7.5% increase in Jan 2014 he suggested we'd need to show that the externalities justified the lost revenue which would be in the $15m p.a. ball park, even after adjusting for extra patronage (Anticipated at 7.5% * 0.3 * current patronage).   I've had a look, and I'm struggling to find research which would support this argument.  Can anyone help?

[ozbob]

Welcome back Somebody.

TransLink have done all the modelling although not public.   I have little confidence left in their modelling.

The 2010 five year fare fail was obviously designed to control patronage, hence service and infrastructure (to a point) expenditures.  The big recurrent expenditure is services.

Work is going on as I understand looking across health and other areas of transport/Government that a falling public transport patronage impacts.  From this it might be able to show that money would be saved by actually using what we have a lot better, and will allow some movements with the present fares etc.

[Golliwog]

Did your local member give any indication of what externalities they would/wouldn't include?

In terms of fuel/environmental stuff, CTEE has just released their 2013 version of Australian Transport facts, see: http://www.ptt.com.au/ctee-home/ I haven't ever used it but AFAIK it has a whole bunch of data. Worth checking out.

You'd need to have a reasonable estimate of patronage growth and the relative decrease in car usage, but you could use the injury rates per 10,000 passengers in the Translink reports for rail and bus and compare that to the crash/injury rates for cars. Somewhere around here I'm sure we've posted something about the estimated $ of a death on the road, a serious injury and a minor injury?

Otherwise you could try contacting an academic at UQ/QUT/Griffith in the transport area and see if they have any ideas. I know in our transport engineering class at UQ there was a few lectures on transport externalities and the main gist we got from the lecturer is that they're by nature not the easiest thing to quantify in a number of cases.

[somebody]

Any externality was fair game so long as it could be quantified.

EDIT: spelling

[SurfRail]

This is where the RACQ etc have a massive advantage over groups like us, the PTUA, EcoTransit etc.  If we were bigger and financially equipped we could either have a research officer or commission some work. 

[bcasey]

If you are looking for research into Road Safety, QUT has the "Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland" (CARRS-Q), which are situated in the Kelvin Grove Campus. You might want to contact someone from there, they might have some of the data you are looking for.

[ozbob]

This is where the RACQ etc have a massive advantage over groups like us, the PTUA, EcoTransit etc.  If we were bigger and financially equipped we could either have a research officer or commission some work.

Yo, however we do have TMR and TransLink who are equipped to do this, and they should.  It is something that has been pushed by PTAG members.

Additionally the academics who frequently suggest fares are too expensive need to roll out the real arguments.  After all that is what they do 'research'.

I am confident that there will be some recognition of the ' externalities ' in the new fare path even if that is 2015 and onwards ..   

[ozbob]

If you are looking for research into Road Safety, QUT has the "Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland" (CARRS-Q), which are situated in the Kelvin Grove Campus. You might want to contact someone from there, they might have some of the data you are looking for.

Thanks.  CARRS do have some excellent resources.  --> http://www.carrsq.qut.edu.au/

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

27th September 2013

Fares death spiral hits some families $8000 and more in hip pocket



Greetings,

Every family in Brisbane knows that public transport has become unaffordable. It is an embarrassment that car park operators are now targeting public transport commuters (1). This is the legacy of inaction by failing to implement the TransLink bus review and allowing the five year 'fare fail' path to continue. What is financially unsustainable shall not be sustained. No amount of spin is going to change that.

We can confirm that Secure Car Parking is correct that a family of four will pay almost $31 dollars per day for a simple zone 4 return trip at peak hours. Simple calculations show that such a family, travelling at peak hour to get to work or school will pay around $8000 per year in fares. If the family lives in the Brisbane City Council area, they are also hit with the BCC bus tax which is $400 collected through general rates, taking the cost of Public Transport to an explosive $8400 per year.

To put this in perspective, an average household would pay around $2000 per year in annual electricity prices! Much of this money is being spent to subsidise the hi-waste bus network and carry voluminous amounts of air around Brisbane. The bus network must be reformed as per the TransLink bus review. The true cost is even higher as every passenger who is a taxpayer is also subsidising public transport with 70% subsidies that are not seen in the ticket price.

The worst hit are the unemployed or those on the Centrelink Health Care Card. These people must pay full price in Queensland despite having extremely low income.

Public Transport fares are highly likely to turn into a politically toxic issue at both council and state level, particularly in light of BCC's general service cuts and planned fare increase of 7.5% in three months time.

The way to arrest the slide is to put in place new fare structure, as promised by the Premier in January 2013 (Six month action plan).   Fares are already unaffordable, further fare increases does not make them more affordable, despite the spin that tries to suggest it is.  The public has had enough of the contempt.

Best wishes
Robert

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

1.  Families Urged to drive to CBD http://backontrack.org/docs/cm/sm_22sep13_p33.jpg

[ozbob]

Fare affordability remains as the standout failure in the latest snapshot ..

--> http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2013-aug-snapshot.pdf

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow now

SA State Government announces cheaper bus, train & tram fares & multi-day passes for unlimited travel http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/state-government-announces-cheaper-bus-train-and-tram-fares-and-multiday-passes-for-unlimited-travel/story-fni6uo1m-1226734123455 ... #qldpol #sapol

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

8th October 2013

Greetings

Interesting fare development in South Australia ...

State Government announces cheaper bus, train and tram fares and multi-day passes for unlimited travel -->
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/state-government-announces-cheaper-bus-train-and-tram-fares-and-multiday-passes-for-unlimited-travel/story-fni6uo1m-1226734123455

PUBLIC transport users have been promised monthly discounts of up to $23.30 from December as part of a State Government shake-up of the bus, train and tram ticketing system.

Premier Jay Weatherill today announced five new options - including extended free travel periods for seniors and special passes for tourists - which will be rolled out from December.

However, he would not reveal how much the discounts would cost the State Budget or how many extra people the Government expected to use public transport due to the change.

The new ticket options are:

TWENTY-EIGHT day passes with unlimited travel. The Government estimates the $114 pass, to be launched in January, will save someone who travels twice every weekday $17.60.

BUSINESSES who join a new "commuter club" from April can offer the 28-day pass to their employees with an additional 5 per cent discount, taking the total estimated saving to $23.30.

CHEAPER public holiday and Sunday fares. From December, the current price of $3.29 will be cut to $1.80, saving commuters $1.49 per trip.
EXTENDED free travel for seniors. The new scheme expands existing arrangements that give seniors free travel between 9am and 3pm on weekdays or on weekends and public holidays. From December seniors will not be charged for travelling before 7am or after 7pm.

TOURIST passes will offer one, three and five days of travel. February launch.

Mr Weatherill said the recent implementation of the electronic Metrocard had given the Government capacity to roll out new ticketing options.

"These five new initiatives are the most substantial reform to our fares, in relation to public transport, that we've seen for many a decade," he said.

"They're about getting more people on our bus, train and tram network.
"They're about making sure that we take advantage of the capacity we do have."

Opposition Leader Steven Marshall said SA had the highest single trip fares in the nation, which were being cut "at five minutes to midnight, just before an election".

"We are expecting to see a substantial uplift in public transport usage," he said.

"They've got no credibility whatsoever in terms of cost of living," Mr Marshall said.
"I think it's good the Government has finally got around to doing something, but they're doing it with just over five months (until) the next state election."

He said the Opposition would announce its own transport policies before the election.

The policy is the Government's third in two weeks, as it gears up for the election in March. It has also released plans for a future fund and new job skills programs.

The Government has come under fire in the past year over its failure to ensure buses run on time and unexpected delays in the operation of new and upgraded rail lines.

Mr Weatherill said the cost to taxpayers of the new discount scheme would be accounted for in the midyear Budget review, expected to be released in December.

"We've made some estimates associated with that, but they're relatively modest costs," he said.

"We are expecting to see a substantial uplift in public transport usage."

The policy is the third in a series from the Government as it gears up for the election in March.

In the last two weeks it has released plans for a future fund and new job skills programs.

Opposition Leader Steven Marshall said SA had the highest single trip fares in the nation, which were being cut "at five minutes to midnight, just before an election".

"They've got no credibility what so ever in terms of cost of living," he said.

"I think it's good the Government has finally got around to doing something, but they're doing it with just over five months the next state election."

Mr Marshall said the Opposition would announce its own transport policies before the election.

"What people would get under a Liberal government is certainty," he said.

"When we say we are going to do something, that's precisely what we would do."

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

27th September 2013

Fares death spiral hits some families $8000 and more in hip pocket



Greetings,

Every family in Brisbane knows that public transport has become unaffordable. It is an embarrassment that car park operators are now targeting public transport commuters (1). This is the legacy of inaction by failing to implement the TransLink bus review and allowing the five year 'fare fail' path to continue. What is financially unsustainable shall not be sustained. No amount of spin is going to change that.

We can confirm that Secure Car Parking is correct that a family of four will pay almost $31 dollars per day for a simple zone 4 return trip at peak hours. Simple calculations show that such a family, travelling at peak hour to get to work or school will pay around $8000 per year in fares. If the family lives in the Brisbane City Council area, they are also hit with the BCC bus tax which is $400 collected through general rates, taking the cost of Public Transport to an explosive $8400 per year.

To put this in perspective, an average household would pay around $2000 per year in annual electricity prices! Much of this money is being spent to subsidise the hi-waste bus network and carry voluminous amounts of air around Brisbane. The bus network must be reformed as per the TransLink bus review. The true cost is even higher as every passenger who is a taxpayer is also subsidising public transport with 70% subsidies that are not seen in the ticket price.

The worst hit are the unemployed or those on the Centrelink Health Care Card. These people must pay full price in Queensland despite having extremely low income.

Public Transport fares are highly likely to turn into a politically toxic issue at both council and state level, particularly in light of BCC's general service cuts and planned fare increase of 7.5% in three months time.

The way to arrest the slide is to put in place new fare structure, as promised by the Premier in January 2013 (Six month action plan).   Fares are already unaffordable, further fare increases does not make them more affordable, despite the spin that tries to suggest it is.  The public has had enough of the contempt.

Best wishes
Robert

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

1.  Families Urged to drive to CBD http://backontrack.org/docs/cm/sm_22sep13_p33.jpg

[ozbob]

Media release 6th November 2013



SEQ: Santa to deliver more high fare cost explosions?

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 says that as it stands public transport passengers are in for more nasty fare surprises from Santa - across the board 7.5% fare hikes in January 2014.

"Fares in SEQ have become unaffordable and are reaching ridiculous levels (1). The cost to travel just one zone on a paper ticket will break the $5 barrier for the first time. 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."

"South East Queensland has some of the highest fares in the world and they are set to become even higher. It is our opinion that the source of these fare hikes lies with Brisbane City Council and their bus cost explosion because they rejected the TransLink bus review. This is pushing up fares to very high levels not only in Brisbane but in neighbouring council areas as well. Brisbane City Council insists on conserving its 'taxi style' direct service bus network. The effect is that everyone will pay 'taxi style fares'. And that's really what we are seeing. The high costs are going to hurt pensioners, people on welfare, low income earners but most of all, unemployed job-seekers who do not qualify for concession fares in Queensland (2).

"To be fair, there is some good news for passengers though, Queensland Rail will see the largest upgrade to train frequency in Queensland's history come into effect in January which will increase the value for money that rail passengers experience."

"RAIL Back on Track calls for the total abolition of paper ticketing. Melbourne has abolished paper tickets and sells transit smart cards on buses. Why can't Queensland do the same? Cross River ferries that perform the same functions as a bridge should be made free for the same reasons pedestrians are not given $5 tolls to walk across the Victoria or Story Bridges."

"The public will not pay ever escalating fares. Ultimately the Queensland Government needs to deal with the root source of the problem: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane Transport."

References:

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

2. 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]

The SEQ fare fail demands resolution Premier ...

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

From Transit Australia October 2013 pages 292-293

The Yandina Black Hole
On the Need for Better Public Transport for the Sunshine Coast

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

13th November 2013

Re: SEQ: Santa to deliver more high fare cost explosions?

Greetings,

The failed fare path in SEQ is turning out to be a real test of political competence.

It is beyond doubt that the fare structure for SEQ is a disaster at many levels.

To simply continue on with it would be a grave mistake and condemn SEQ to years of transport mediocrity.

Time for the new fare structure committed to by the Premier in January 2013.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 6th November 2013



SEQ: Santa to deliver more high fare cost explosions?

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 says that as it stands public transport passengers are in for more nasty fare surprises from Santa - across the board 7.5% fare hikes in January 2014.

"Fares in SEQ have become unaffordable and are reaching ridiculous levels (1). The cost to travel just one zone on a paper ticket will break the $5 barrier for the first time. 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."

"South East Queensland has some of the highest fares in the world and they are set to become even higher. It is our opinion that the source of these fare hikes lies with Brisbane City Council and their bus cost explosion because they rejected the TransLink bus review. This is pushing up fares to very high levels not only in Brisbane but in neighbouring council areas as well. Brisbane City Council insists on conserving its 'taxi style' direct service bus network. The effect is that everyone will pay 'taxi style fares'. And that's really what we are seeing. The high costs are going to hurt pensioners, people on welfare, low income earners but most of all, unemployed job-seekers who do not qualify for concession fares in Queensland (2).

"To be fair, there is some good news for passengers though, Queensland Rail will see the largest upgrade to train frequency in Queensland's history come into effect in January which will increase the value for money that rail passengers experience."

"RAIL Back on Track calls for the total abolition of paper ticketing. Melbourne has abolished paper tickets and sells transit smart cards on buses. Why can't Queensland do the same? Cross River ferries that perform the same functions as a bridge should be made free for the same reasons pedestrians are not given $5 tolls to walk across the Victoria or Story Bridges."

"The public will not pay ever escalating fares. Ultimately the Queensland Government needs to deal with the root source of the problem: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane Transport."

References:

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

2. 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]

2013 fare table ..  http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/current-fares

Adult
Zones go card off-peak Single paper ticket
1    $3.28    $2.63    $4.80
2    $3.85    $3.08    $5.60
3    $4.56    $3.65    $6.70
4    $5.13    $4.11    $7.50
5    $5.84    $4.68    $8.50
6    $6.55    $5.24    $9.50
7    $7.12    $5.70    $10.40
8    $7.69    $6.16    $11.20
9    $8.26    $6.61    $12.00
10    $9.54    $7.64    $13.90
11    $10.11    $8.09    $14.70
12    $10.53    $8.43    $15.30
13    $10.96    $8.77    $15.90
14    $11.82    $9.46    $17.20
15    $12.81    $10.25    $18.60
16    $13.81    $11.05    $20.10
17    $15.08    $12.07    $21.90
18    $15.94    $12.76    $23.20
19    $16.79    $13.44    $24.40
20    $18.08    $14.47    $26.30
21    $18.92    $15.14    $27.50
22    $19.91    $15.93    $28.90
23    $20.91    $16.73    $30.40

Please note: Prices are in $AUD and include GST.

Concession
Zones go card  off-peak Single paper ticket
1    $1.64    $1.32    $2.40
2    $1.93    $1.54    $2.80
3    $2.28    $1.83    $3.40
4    $2.57    $2.06    $3.80
5    $2.92    $2.34    $4.30
6    $3.28    $2.62    $4.80
7    $3.56    $2.85    $5.20
8    $3.85    $3.08    $5.60
9    $4.13    $3.31    $6.00
10    $4.77    $3.82    $7.00
11    $5.06    $4.05    $7.40
12    $5.27    $4.22    $7.70
13    $5.48    $4.39    $8.00
14    $5.91    $4.73    $8.60
15    $6.41    $5.13    $9.30
16    $6.91    $5.53    $10.10
17    $7.54    $6.04    $11.00
18    $7.97    $6.38    $11.60
19    $8.40    $6.72    $12.20
20    $9.04    $7.24    $13.20
21    $9.46    $7.57    $13.80
22    $9.96    $7.97    $14.50
23    $10.46    $8.37    $15.20

Please note: Prices are in $AUD and include GST.

[ozbob]

No sign of a fare table for 2014 yet ...

[ozbob]

CPI last year 2.1% fares to go up another 7.5% Jan 2014? Affordability is not improved by >CPI increases ...

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

[ozbob]

2010  go card fares increased 20%, paper 40%

2011  fares increased 15%

2012  fares increased 15%

2013  fares increased 7.5%

2014  fare increase 7.5%

Simple terms 65% go card, paper 85%

Compound (real increase) fare increases 83% for go card, paper 114% for paper

CPI for this period  around 9.5%

This is the fundamental reason why fare affordability is the standout failure for the KPIs  http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2013-sep-snapshot.pdf

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

20th November 2013

Re: SEQ: Santa to deliver more high fare cost explosions?

Greetings,

Still no sign of the new fare tables for public transport fares for 2014 on the TransLink website.

If as expected the fares go up another 7.5% from January 2014, this means that over the period 2010-2014 go card fares have increased in real (compound) terms 83%, paper tickets 114%. ( http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg135183#msg135183 ) CPI over this period is around 9.5%.  It is little wonder then that affordability is the standout failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction  KPIs (  http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2013-sep-snapshot.pdf ).

Worse of course is the failure to maintain patronage, which means huge and increasing costs for congestion, health costs, worsening environmental impacts.

Increasing fares around 10 times the increases people receive in wages, pensions and other income is not making it affordable.

It is a very serious situation.  The Five Year Fare Path is an abject failure.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 6th November 2013



SEQ: Santa to deliver more high fare cost explosions?

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 says that as it stands public transport passengers are in for more nasty fare surprises from Santa - across the board 7.5% fare hikes in January 2014.

"Fares in SEQ have become unaffordable and are reaching ridiculous levels (1). The cost to travel just one zone on a paper ticket will break the $5 barrier for the first time. 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."

"South East Queensland has some of the highest fares in the world and they are set to become even higher. It is our opinion that the source of these fare hikes lies with Brisbane City Council and their bus cost explosion because they rejected the TransLink bus review. This is pushing up fares to very high levels not only in Brisbane but in neighbouring council areas as well. Brisbane City Council insists on conserving its 'taxi style' direct service bus network. The effect is that everyone will pay 'taxi style fares'. And that's really what we are seeing. The high costs are going to hurt pensioners, people on welfare, low income earners but most of all, unemployed job-seekers who do not qualify for concession fares in Queensland (2).

"To be fair, there is some good news for passengers though, Queensland Rail will see the largest upgrade to train frequency in Queensland's history come into effect in January which will increase the value for money that rail passengers experience."

"RAIL Back on Track calls for the total abolition of paper ticketing. Melbourne has abolished paper tickets and sells transit smart cards on buses. Why can't Queensland do the same? Cross River ferries that perform the same functions as a bridge should be made free for the same reasons pedestrians are not given $5 tolls to walk across the Victoria or Story Bridges."

"The public will not pay ever escalating fares. Ultimately the Queensland Government needs to deal with the root source of the problem: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane Transport."

References:

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

2. 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

[mufreight]

On the subject of fares another 7.5% hike will make public transport even more unaffordable for many with a further drop in patronage, the last hike took fares beyond the affordability of of many and from some stations saw a drop of patronage in excess of 10%.
Another 7.5% hike is not only unwarranted but will force many to add to the congestion on the road system in vehicles that are past their safe use by date with increased congestion, increased traffic accidents and an increased burden on the hospital system as a consequence.
There is no justification for a fare increase in 2014 and if there is to be an increase it should be limited to the CPI.