Public transport fare concessions for tertiary students

[ozbob]

It is not a ' rort ' it is fare evasion

Rort = Work (a system) to obtain the greatest benefit while remaining within the letter of the law.

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/rort

Taking lunch time bus trips to offset higher cost fares later in the week is a rort!

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Grace period for students without Tertiary Transport Concession Card ends July 1, 1014

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

30th June 2014

Rorting ...

Greetings,

Some interesting comments in this statement:

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2014/6/30/new-card-stamps-out-transport-rort

New card stamps out transport rort

Pretending to be a full time student when actually not, is not a rort, it is actually fare evasion.

The Government fixing this fare evasion opportunity is a good move.

However ..

" ... "For years, passengers have raised concerns about "students in suits" where former students who are no longer enrolled in full-time courses continue to use their old ID to get cheap travel.

"That is unfair to honest passengers and rorting puts more upward pressure on fare ... "

Today, on the public transport network, many people will deliberately be taking short lunch time one stop trips to offset high cost journeys later in the week.  This is rorting and is a consequence of our failed fare system in SEQ.

The correct thing do would be to close off this rort by fixing the failed fare system.  It is costing a lot of foregone fare revenue.

Our transport authorities suffer from double-think!

Don't forget to touch off!

Best wishes
Robert

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


SEQ: Fare affordability crisis worsens http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10748.msg142599#msg142599

Rort = Work (a system) to obtain the greatest benefit while remaining within the letter of the law.
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/rort

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Student concession cards required on Translink services

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Student concession cards required on Translink services

Article has been updated ...

[STB]

TransLink posted on their Facebook page that for anyone who has applied but is still waiting (have read reports that there are students out there who applied way back in January but still have not received the card), is to simply use an Adult card.  Yep TransLink, that's if they can afford it in the first place, students are not made of money you know! 

[STB]

And on that note there is now a petition going...

Cease fines against students until the backlog of Tertiary Transport Concession Cards are processed.

http://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/minister-scott-emerson-cease-fines-against-students-until-the-backlog-of-tertiary-transport-concession-cards-are-processed?share_id=pifmgqKwgt&utm_campaign=autopublish&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition

[ozbob]

Oh. dear.     



Right idea, wrong process.  I understand Cubic were well prepared to do a combined student card/go card ...

That was not done as the ' Govt ' wanted a quick fix.  A quick fix they have, now there will be some angst ...

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Go Card grace period for students

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

1st July 2014

Good Morning,

Not a good start to the Tertiary Transport Concession Card. 

http://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/minister-scott-emerson-cease-fines-against-students-until-the-backlog-of-tertiary-transport-concession-cards-are-processed

No doubt this will add to the fare evasion crisis on public transport in SEQ.

Fixing the fare system would be a good start.  It is suits in full time jobs that are rorting more so than students.

What a mess!  Beyond farce ...  but hey we are in Queensland.

Have a nice day.  Enjoy your lunch time one stop bus train and ferry rides ..

Best wishes
Robert

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

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

Media release 1st June 2014 re-released 1st July 2014



SEQ: Fare evasion crisis on public transport in SEQ

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 a failure to address the unaffordability and system weaknesses with the fare system for public transport in south-east Queensland has lead to a fare evasion crisis.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The April 2014 TransLink data confirms that fare unaffordability is at its worst levels ever."

"Observations by RAIL Back On Track Members around the network on all modes suggest that fare evasion is now out of control.  This is no great surprise with the high cost fares and failing fare system - two very different fare technologies that allow the system to remain wide open. Paper single tickets are now at obscene cost levels - $5.20 for a one zone paper adult ticket!"

"If you think that fare evasion does not occur on buses or ferries think again. Both Sydney and Melbourne fare evasion rates are highest on buses (2, 3, 4). We don't know what the exact situation is in south-east Queensland as data is not published as for other jurisdictions, but it would be naive in the extreme to think it is not much different. Sadly, bus drivers particularly are increasingly being subjected to fare-rage and other unacceptable behaviours. People threatening bus drivers should be sanctioned legally.  High cost fares that many cannot afford to pay does not help at all."

"Compounding the fare evasion crisis is the fact that Queensland is the only state or territory of Australia that does not extend concession public transport fares to the unemployed (5).  Regular commuters in employment are struggling to pay high cost fares in south-east Queensland, how on earth can the unemployed?  They have few options, and now are being forced into criminal behaviours. What a sad outcome for our society, this will be very costly in the longer term."

"What should happen now? Get rid of paper single tickets. Give go cards to the unemployed and grant them concession fares. Reset the base fare costs, increase the off peak discount.  Allow children to travel free with a fare paying adult on weekends and public holidays. Get rid of the free after 9 paid journeys in a week and re-introduce 50% fares after this cap.  This will stop the massive fare rorting and fare box leakage by cashed up 'suits' which further reinforces a ' fare-evasion  culture '."

"Commensurate with these fare system changes, fix the poor network design. Take over network planning from BCC and put in place a proper connected, frequent network that uses all modes optimally for all of south-east Queensland. The failure to support TransLink in 2013 with the proposed network changes is now costing our community on many levels."

References:

1. Fare evasion costs public transport users millions, Rail Back on Track says it's time to scrap paper tickets
http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/south/fare-evasion-costs-public-transport-users-millions-rail-back-on-track-says-its-time-to-scrap-paper-tickets/story-fni9r1nj-1226927178393

2. Don't pay the ferryman? Actually, the moochers are on the buses
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/dont-pay-the-ferryman-actually-the-moochers-are-on-the-buses-20140530-399n3.html

3. Victorian Official Fare Evasion Series: October 2013
http://ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/NewFolder-2/Report-Victorian-Offical-Fare-Evasion-Series-October-2013-FINAL.PDF

4. Fare failure SEQ http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9539.msg139720#msg139720

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

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Interviews on ABC Gold Coast FM this morning ..

Myself followed by the Minister.  More denial?

Interviews --> here! Large file  warning ...

Are the students making all this up?  I don't think so.

Three tweets I sent in response to this interview and the claims.

Twitter

. @scottemersonmp Lots waiting for TTCC > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10520.msg143355#msg143355 ... > http://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/minister-scott-emerson-cease-fines-against-students-until-the-backlog-of-tertiary-transport-concession-cards-are-processed ... ping @abcgoldcoast

Twitter

. @scottemersonmp How about some honesty? > http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/go-card-grace-period-for-students-20140630-zsrgf.html ... ... I said the media not me, spin & bluster fail #qldpol ping @abcgoldcoast

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

. @scottemersonmp University of Sunshine Coast U Pass --> http://www.usc.edu.au/university/campus-and-facilities/maps-transport-and-parking/transport/public-transport/u-pass-frequently-asked-questions ... #qldpol ping @abcgoldcoast

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

University of Sunshine Coast U Pass

http://www.usc.edu.au/university/campus-and-facilities/maps-transport-and-parking/transport/public-transport/u-pass-frequently-asked-questions

What is the U-Pass Sponsored go Card?

The U-Pass Sponsored go Card is an Australian-first public transport trial that ultimately aims to combine the Student ID card with the TransLink go card.

Introduced in Semester 1, 2011 and extended to 2014, the U-Pass sponsored go Card is a pilot program sponsored by USC that aims to promote travel behaviour change by encouraging students to leave their car behind and use sustainable public transport to travel to campus.

Each eligible student will be provided with a go Card which they can use on public transport to travel around the Sunshine Coast and the entire TransLink network, from Gympie to Coolangatta.

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

I understand the reason why a U-Pass was not rolled out was that it was a cost essentially, not system limitations.  It obviously works fine ...

LOL  oh dear ...

[ozbob]

U Pass Launched

On 14 February 2011 council, in partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) and TransLink, launched the Australian first public transport U-pass scheme. The U-pass scheme is designed to significantly boost public transport use among students.

This project will be trialled over the next six months during semester 1 by 2000 first year USC students. Each new student who applies will receive a go card containing $70 credit of subsidised travel to use on Sunshine Coast public transport and the entire TransLink network (from Gympie to Coolangatta).

The trial is expected to cost up to $213,000, with council contributing $73,000 towards administration costs through its Public Transport Levy. TransLink is providing $15,000 in equipment, and the university is covering student travel subsidies.

If the trial is successful, all University of the Sunshine Coast students could soon be provided with university identification cards that double as TransLink go cards.

The scheme is aimed at:

    * promoting public transport use
    * reducing vehicle use and congestion
    * boosting safety
    * improving transit services
    * helping the environment.

For more information, please visit the University of the Sunshine Coast website.

Source: Sunshine Coast Council website

[ozbob]

Old thread but I am p%ssed  off by this stupid sh%t today.

My son starts Uni in second semester. He just got his Student ID today so it was not even possible for him to apply for the TTCC before today. We got a Tertiary card that expires at the end of the month! WTF?

A mate of mine applied on the 21st Feb, not a peep from the useless idiots at the Transport Dept since. So my son will be forced to use the full fare Adult card while attending Uni because the  Minister wanted to make a big announcement about "savings"?

How much is the cost of the TTCC against the fare evaders?

I have the ability to alter the expiry date because I am on the inside but what about the people that aren't?

There was a way to go about this that would have been 10,000% better and easier.

[ozbob]

Who do you believe?  A failed bureaucracy or students?

--> http://t.co/ynaDLcR93d

[STB]

I actually suggested on the TransLink Facebook page of giving students a reciept that would prove that they have applied for the TTCC and that they are waiting for it to arrive (just as already happens with driver licences and medicare cards etc).  Their response - 'Although a receipt is a great idea, public transport operators may have difficulty veryifying the authenticity of the receipt'.   

[ozbob]

LOL ...  they just don't care ...
Bring on #qldvotes ...

[ozbob]

I actually suggested on the TransLink Facebook page of giving students a reciept that would prove that they have applied for the TTCC and that they are waiting for it to arrive (just as already happens with driver licences and medicare cards etc).  Their response - 'Although a receipt is a great idea, public transport operators may have difficulty veryifying the authenticity of the receipt'.   

Student has an ID card and go card. It is not the public transport operators that would be bothered with the receipt, it is SNOs or TOs ... 

hey ho, it is off to mediocrity we go .. 

[STB]

Another student on the TransLink Facebook page has reported (with a photo) of his TTCC card with his name misspelt.  Others are stating that they have contacted the supplier on multiple occasions over months and they keep getting the promise that it will be 15 business days until it arrives.   Others have been told that it may take up to 8 weeks before they get it.  Shambles!

[STB]

Absolutely poorly managed by the LNP I should say.  Any sane person or Government would've just waited until the contract with Cubic ran out in 2016 and then implemented it as part of the new contract post 2016.  And now students will have to somehow foot the bill for the Adult fares while this mess continues.

[ozbob]

Another student on the TransLink Facebook page has reported (with a photo) of his TTCC card with his name misspelt.  Others are stating that they have contacted the supplier on multiple occasions over months and they keep getting the promise that it will be 15 business days until it arrives.   Others have been told that it may take up to 8 weeks before they get it.  Shambles!

I checked out the FB pages.  Rather a sad indictment on the honesty of the advice the Minister is getting .. 

[tuxcomputers]

Brisbanetimes --> Go Card grace period for students

Students that have only just enrolled can only buy a Tertiary card that expires on the 30th June. Exactly how to you travel in a grace period on an expired card?

The announcement is just hot air.

[ozbob]

Thanks Tux.  Judging by student comments all over, many have had issues.  Minister is in denial ..

[tuxcomputers]

Absolutely poorly managed by the LNP I should say.  Any sane person or Government would've just waited until the contract with Cubic ran out in 2016 and then implemented it as part of the new contract post 2016.  And now students will have to somehow foot the bill for the Adult fares while this mess continues.

The system is perfectly capable of implementing a decent solution.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

1st July 2014

Tertiary Transport Concession Cards - backlog

Greetings,

This morning on ABC Gold Coast Minister Emerson said that advice to him indicated there was no backlog with Tertiary Transport Concession Cards.
See --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10520.msg143756#msg143756

A petition set up by students has now reached over 2,300 signatures.
See --> http://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/minister-scott-emerson-cease-fines-against-students-until-the-backlog-of-tertiary-transport-concession-cards-are-processed

Feedback on the TransLink Facebook page also suggests many have had problems with obtaining a TTCC --> https://www.facebook.com/TransLinkQLD/

Does the Minister still insist that all is well?

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

^ Fairfax radio news have followed up.  Thanks for the interest ..   

[ozbob]

FB --> here!

Sprung? --> here!

[ozbob]

Plot thickens.  Brisbanetimes have edited their earlier article.

The original article http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/go-card-grace-period-for-students-20140630-zsrgf.html

Has been edited to remove the pieces about grace period for the mid year entries and now redirects to this now > http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/students-risk-227-onthespot-fine-on-buses-trains-and-ferries-20140630-zsrgf.html

" ... A spokeswoman for Transport Minister Scott Emerson said no grace period would be afforded to mid-year tertiary students nor would they be reimbursed for the extra fare paid while they wait for their TTCC ...

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/students-risk-227-onthespot-fine-on-buses-trains-and-ferries-20140630-zsrgf.html

*This story has been amended to correct errors in supplied information from the minister's office.


Spin and bluster, retrospective attempts to hide the blunders ..

Time for this mob to walk ..

[STB]

Absolutely poorly managed by the LNP I should say.  Any sane person or Government would've just waited until the contract with Cubic ran out in 2016 and then implemented it as part of the new contract post 2016.  And now students will have to somehow foot the bill for the Adult fares while this mess continues.

The system is perfectly capable of implementing a decent solution, don't blame the system.

I'm not doubting the system, but the contract and the handling by the Government seems obvious.

[ozbob]

My card has expired before July. How is this reasonable? I am unable to apply for a new card until I can enrol for next semester, but with the current backlog, I won't be expecting to receive a replacement any time soon. This has been ill-conceived, and poorly implemented. It is completely outrageous that some of the most financially vulnerable members of society should be expected to pay for the mistakes of an inefficient bureaucracy.

I have been waiting for over a month to get my card which should have taken 15 days max. I cannot afford and should not have to pay for adult fares or a $227 fine due to Translink's incompetence.

and it goes on ..

http://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/scott-emerson-cease-fines-against-students-until-the-backlog-of-tertiary-transport-concession-cards-are-processed

[STB]

From the TransLink FB page (edited for readability).
https://www.facebook.com/TransLinkQLD/posts/917758271583572

From a student called - Jemma Lanyon

Hey Translink,

Me again! Your handling of the TTCC fiasco has been disgraceful.

I hadn't received my TTCC (yes, I applied early) and was concerned about the risk I would run travelling on a concession go card without one. At first I called your call centre to find out a) the status of my application b) any measures I could use to avoid a fine in the interim (other than purchasing an adult ticket, since I don't feel that as a valid, currently enrolled tertiary student I should be penalised for your system.

Your call centre told me it wasn't anything to do with them and gave me the number of the card issuer. That was an automated message saying 'send us an email and we'll reply in 24hrs. If we don't reply within 24hrs, get back to us and we'll definitely get back to you in 24hrs'. Not very helpful when I needed to travel this afternoon. I called the department of transport and main roads- they didn't even know what a TTCC was. They did a google search and told me how to apply for one. Again, not super helpful. They did however say that they WERE to do with Translink. So I called Translink back and when spoke to a supervisor who simply told me to buy an adult ticket. I protested that that was totally unfair. He said he couldn't help me and was affronted when I suggested that his job was in fact customer support and as a customer I did not feel very supported. I gave up on Translink and went into the Department of Transport office on Elizabeth St. They said it had nothing to do with them, but grudgingly dug a little further and came back to me with a different number for Translink. I tried that, and while the lady was very nice, she pretty much just said that I probably wouldn't get a fine, but it was up to me to take that risk. Finally, totally fed up, I called the Minister of Transport's office. They didn't know much, but said they'd look into it and get someone to call me back. A wonderful lady named Kristen (I don't know where she works..) called me back and organised for me to get refunds on adult tickets until I get my TTCC. Amazing!

One individual did what everyone else told me could not be done.

Please, get your story straight Translink. Make sure you have the necessary information to enable customers to navigate your ridiculous system.

PS did you know TTCC are just as easy to get fraudulently as student IDs? All you have to do is enrol in courses, apply for the card, then drop the courses.

Yes, I am a legitimate student. Just making a point.

PPS I'll be sending you my phone bill.

Note that someone in Transport or the Minister's Office has offered to refund her adult fares until she gets the TTCC!   

[ozbob]

ROFL!  Well spotted ... 





^ Alfred would be very much at home here in Queensland ... 

[tuxcomputers]

So legit students starting in second semester have to pay full price until they clear the backlog of TTCC cards  because.......

[STB]

A page has started up in response to the TTCC, the backlog and angry students.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Where-are-the-Translink-officers-at/323186621171908

This page is NOT for fare evading. This page is just to post the locations of translink officers so people without TTCC can travel without getting caught

Started earlier this afternoon, already up at 405 'likes' and growing.

[ozbob]

^ bit sad that some students feel the need to do that.

[ozbob]

Been an interesting day.  Even Alfred could have seen today's meltdown arriving .. 

Sent to all outlets:

1st July 2014

Good Morning,

Not a good start to the Tertiary Transport Concession Card. 

http://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/minister-scott-emerson-cease-fines-against-students-until-the-backlog-of-tertiary-transport-concession-cards-are-processed

No doubt this will add to the fare evasion crisis on public transport in SEQ.

Fixing the fare system would be a good start.  It is suits in full time jobs that are rorting more so than students.

What a mess!  Beyond farce ...  but hey we are in Queensland.

Have a nice day.  Enjoy your lunch time one stop bus train and ferry rides ..

Best wishes
Robert

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

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

Media release 1st June 2014 re-released 1st July 2014



SEQ: Fare evasion crisis on public transport in SEQ

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 a failure to address the unaffordability and system weaknesses with the fare system for public transport in south-east Queensland has lead to a fare evasion crisis.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The April 2014 TransLink data confirms that fare unaffordability is at its worst levels ever."

"Observations by RAIL Back On Track Members around the network on all modes suggest that fare evasion is now out of control.  This is no great surprise with the high cost fares and failing fare system - two very different fare technologies that allow the system to remain wide open. Paper single tickets are now at obscene cost levels - $5.20 for a one zone paper adult ticket!"

"If you think that fare evasion does not occur on buses or ferries think again. Both Sydney and Melbourne fare evasion rates are highest on buses (2, 3, 4). We don't know what the exact situation is in south-east Queensland as data is not published as for other jurisdictions, but it would be naive in the extreme to think it is not much different. Sadly, bus drivers particularly are increasingly being subjected to fare-rage and other unacceptable behaviours. People threatening bus drivers should be sanctioned legally.  High cost fares that many cannot afford to pay does not help at all."

"Compounding the fare evasion crisis is the fact that Queensland is the only state or territory of Australia that does not extend concession public transport fares to the unemployed (5).  Regular commuters in employment are struggling to pay high cost fares in south-east Queensland, how on earth can the unemployed?  They have few options, and now are being forced into criminal behaviours. What a sad outcome for our society, this will be very costly in the longer term."

"What should happen now? Get rid of paper single tickets. Give go cards to the unemployed and grant them concession fares. Reset the base fare costs, increase the off peak discount.  Allow children to travel free with a fare paying adult on weekends and public holidays. Get rid of the free after 9 paid journeys in a week and re-introduce 50% fares after this cap.  This will stop the massive fare rorting and fare box leakage by cashed up 'suits' which further reinforces a ' fare-evasion  culture '."

"Commensurate with these fare system changes, fix the poor network design. Take over network planning from BCC and put in place a proper connected, frequent network that uses all modes optimally for all of south-east Queensland. The failure to support TransLink in 2013 with the proposed network changes is now costing our community on many levels."

References:

1. Fare evasion costs public transport users millions, Rail Back on Track says it's time to scrap paper tickets
http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/south/fare-evasion-costs-public-transport-users-millions-rail-back-on-track-says-its-time-to-scrap-paper-tickets/story-fni9r1nj-1226927178393

2. Don't pay the ferryman? Actually, the moochers are on the buses
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/dont-pay-the-ferryman-actually-the-moochers-are-on-the-buses-20140530-399n3.html

3. Victorian Official Fare Evasion Series: October 2013
http://ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/NewFolder-2/Report-Victorian-Offical-Fare-Evasion-Series-October-2013-FINAL.PDF

4. Fare failure SEQ http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9539.msg139720#msg139720

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

Contact:

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

[Derwan]

Generally students would be on some sort of benefit from the Government and therefore would be eligible for a health care card.

If only Queensland offered concession for health care card holders like every other state... this probably wouldn't be as big of an issue! 

[dancingmongoose]

Petition has passed 3K signatures

Where are the TL officers page has practically reached now passed 800 likes so far

[STB]

A retailer who sells the Go Cards has popped up and posted on the TransLink FB page, stating that she's having to turn students away from buying the concession cards even though they have their student ID cards on them.

https://www.facebook.com/TransLinkQLD/posts/917835108242555

Rosie Trappes

As someone who issues Go Cards at a newsagency on a tertiary institution campus, I find your new TTCC policy extremely problematic and unfair. I'm having to turn back students and try to explain to them that they have to pay double fares until you manage to deal with the backlog of cards you're dealing with, and who knows when that'll be finished. Students are students and shouldn't need additional ID to prove it.

[SurfRail]

If anybody from the Minister's office is reading this - your boss is a fu%kwit.  Possibly you as well, for failing to rein him in.  You are collectively the least competent overseers of the public transport system I have seen in over a decade.

[STB]

Petition has passed 3K signatures

Where are the TL officers page has practically reached now passed 800 likes so far

Make that over 1,000 likes now on that new FB page.

And that petition now has 3,224 signatures, which I would predict will grow a bit more.