Public transport fare concessions for tertiary students

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

2nd July 2014

Tertiary Transport Concession Cards - backlog

Greetings,

It would appear that thousands of students are being held to ' fare ' ransom by the ' non-existent ' backlog of Tertiary Transport Concession Cards (TTCC).

Petition has soared to over 3200 now.  http://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/scott-emerson-cease-fines-against-students-until-the-backlog-of-tertiary-transport-concession-cards-are-processed
Amazing response for a situation that does not exist according to the Transport Minister.

In another stunning development, it would appear that staff are now acting to support the students that have been hit with the high cost full fares on the TransLink public transport because of the ' non-existent ' backlog Tertiary Transport Concession Cards.

According to this Facebook post -->  https://www.facebook.com/TransLinkQLD/posts/917758271583572

... 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 ...

Hello hello?  Is this a sign that the staff acknowledge there are issues despite the Ministerial denials?

A sign of further unrest and discontent the students have set up another Facebook page called "Where are the Translink officers at?"  --> https://www.facebook.com/pages/Where-are-the-Translink-officers-at/323186621171908  Very sad development.

The situation is easily resolved.  Students who have applied for a TTCC and are still waiting should be permitted to travel on concession fares.  This could be facilitated by a written receipt.  They would only have to show this to Senior Network Officers or Transit Officers when needed.  The students will have their ID cards and go card anyway.

Why is public transport policy so botched in Queensland?  Whilst students struggle, cashed up suits take lunch time one stop bus trips to offset high cost fares.  Yes, it is fare fail south-east Queensland.

Best wishes
Robert

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

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]

5.30am News 4BC:   I made these points.  Minister says it takes 10 working days for the TTCC, and there is no backlog.

TransLink say it takes 15 working days.  Some students have reported they have waited months.

6.00am News:  Minister says there is no backlog, only takes 10 days for the TTCC.  If students waiting longer they should contact Translink.

Who do you believe?  Thousands of students or a failing transport bureaucracy?

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

Even Alfred knows the answer to that question ...

6.30am News:  Made this suggestion, allowing students to continue to use their concession go cards together with a receipt of TTCC application until they receive their TTCC would be sensible.

[ozbob]

Some comments from the petition ...  Minister for Transport  'There is no back log, 10 days to get a TTCC'

Who do you believe?

I'm a FULL TIME student in possession of a valid ID card. I am still waiting for my card to arrive a month later! i don't feel that I should have to pay $15 a day to get to and from university. I did everything I could to ensure I abide by the "rules" but this is absolutely absurd.

I submitted my application to translink early March, have re-submitted it since, and still do not have my card. Even though I submitted my application nearly four months in advance I'm still at risk of being fined when travelling.

Fares are already absurdly high, compared to other capital cities, and compared to the quality of public transport offered (particularly to outlying parts of Brisbane). Students who can substantiate that their forms have been submitted and they have a legitimate claim to a TTCC should be made exempt from fines.

This entire system is quite simply outrageous. The really telling point is that inspectors were in place at the UQ Lakes bus stop to enforce the measure on the first day. One would have thought Central Station would be a better place to look for 'fake' students.

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.

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

[ozbob]

What a diabolical mess.  Out there terrorizing real full time students whilst the real rorters are running around Brisbane doing one stoppers!

One doesn't have to make stuff up in Queensland ..

Bring it on  #qldvotes

[dancingmongoose]

How much money is this costing Translink? Printing out cards aint free. Maybe their failure at getting the cards out is an attempt to break even with the costs thanks to all the fines handed out?

[STB]

5.30am News 4BC:   I made these points.  Minister says it takes 10 working days for the TTCC, and there is no backlog.

TransLink say it takes 15 working days.  Some students have reported they have waited months.

6.00am News:  Minister says there is no backlog, only takes 10 days for the TTCC.  If students waiting longer they should contact Translink.

And TransLink have been telling students on the FB page that it can take up to 15 working days, while if they haven't received their cards, of which many have been waiting months for to no avail, to contact the supplier themselves AB Note Australia. 

[ozbob]

Latest: Ministerial Statement Generation device.  Saves staff, improves ' frontline ' services ...  it's a winner spinner!

[ozbob]

5.30am News 4BC:   I made these points.  Minister says it takes 10 working days for the TTCC, and there is no backlog.

TransLink say it takes 15 working days.  Some students have reported they have waited months.

6.00am News:  Minister says there is no backlog, only takes 10 days for the TTCC.  If students waiting longer they should contact Translink.

And TransLink have been telling students on the FB page that it can take up to 15 working days, while if they haven't received their cards, of which many have been waiting months for to no avail, to contact the supplier themselves AB Note Australia. 

Hopeless!  Outsourcing the outsourcing!!   

[STB]

Hearing word on the grapevine that students with misprinted TTCC cards that have errors on them are being fined and/or warned.  If this is true, this is stunning and sad.

EDIT: Correction, I've been pointed in the direction that Jackie Trad's office has mentioned that students have approached her office stating that they have been fined for not having their TTCC, despite presumably still waiting for it to arrive and having their student ID cards.

[tuxcomputers]

5.30am News 4BC:   I made these points.  Minister says it takes 10 working days for the TTCC, and there is no backlog.

Did he explicitly state "there is no backlog" or did he say something along the lines "as far as I know, there is no back log"?

Big difference, one is a firm positive statement the other has plausible deniability.

If he made a explicit firm statement then it is time to break out the bubbly because it will be the first time in history a politician did NOT use weasel words.

[ozbob]

"There is no back log"  and said it yesterday as well --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10520.msg143756#msg143756

"There is no back log, despite what Robert says ... "  Hey ho ... lol

[tuxcomputers]

"There is no back log"  and said it yesterday as well --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10520.msg143756#msg143756

"There is no back log, despite what Robert says ... "  Hey ho ... lol

So why are there so many students waiting months....because there is no backlog?....does not compute...does not compute....

[ozbob]

Well ... possible options:

1.  Advice he is being given is incorrect.

2.  He knows, but cannot find the courage to admit it is botched on his watch, hence "no back logs".

3.  Doesn't care.

4.  His Segway has a flat battery ...

[ozbob]

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.

Yo!  ALP were bad, this mob is just diabolical.  They are really not interested in the community at large at all.

Upsetting the student body is rather dumb. Students generally well understand the need for a TTCC, they just don't get the delays and the way they are being treated by Emerson et al.

Another nail in the LNP political coffin, nothing more certain.

Bring it on #qldvotes ...

[dancingmongoose]

I'm a mind reader!
https://www.facebook.com/TransLinkQLD/posts/918395154853217?comment_id=918409328185133&offset=0&total_comments=4&notif_t=feed_comment_reply

[ozbob]

^  LOL

[James]

Upsetting the student body is rather dumb. Students generally well understand the need for a TTCC, they just don't get the delays and the way they are being treated by Emerson et al.

Another nail in the LNP political coffin, nothing more certain.

From what I've seen, numerous students have just thrown their toys out of the pram regarding needing to get another card. The LNP knows that students are not their voting base and are left-leaning, hence actually don't have much political capital to lose. It is nothing but demographic targeting. In theory, TTCC goes well, government looks "tough" on fare evasion, concerned motherhood groups comment on how it is good that the government is putting in useless red tape, LNP gains more votes.

Of course, since they managed to screw up implementation it is now egg on the Minister's face and likely to lose votes on all levels. Oops.

[ozbob]

Student's families parents etc. are a bit upset about this.  They carry the can in the end.  Listened to a few talk back calls today from parents.  They are not happy at all.  Pretty dumb stuff in fact. Easily resolved (allow students who have applied for a TTCC to concession travel - easy to check) but must appear to be doing something, even if a flawed process.

I expect that a student will challenge a fine eventually in court.  I think with every chance of getting off providing they are a full time student and have applied for a TTCC at the time of the fine.

[STB]

Upsetting the student body is rather dumb. Students generally well understand the need for a TTCC, they just don't get the delays and the way they are being treated by Emerson et al.

Another nail in the LNP political coffin, nothing more certain.

From what I've seen, numerous students have just thrown their toys out of the pram regarding needing to get another card. The LNP knows that students are not their voting base and are left-leaning, hence actually don't have much political capital to lose. It is nothing but demographic targeting. In theory, TTCC goes well, government looks "tough" on fare evasion, concerned motherhood groups comment on how it is good that the government is putting in useless red tape, LNP gains more votes.

Of course, since they managed to screw up implementation it is now egg on the Minister's face and likely to lose votes on all levels. Oops.

I think students are okay for the concept of a TTCC, although ideally it should be an integrated student ID/Go Card ala the Seniors+ Card.  The anger has been quite correctly at the botched implementation of it and then the ignorance of the Government and Transport Minister, Scott Emerson enforcing the rules despite the botched implementation of it and ensuring backlog of people needing cards, many who have been waiting months for, and therefore either having to pay full adult fares or risk a fine, when they hardly have an income to keep themselves going.

[ozbob]

+ >

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

3rd July 2014

Re: Tertiary Transport Concession Cards - backlog

Greetings,

It is clear there is a back log for many with the Tertiary Transport Concession Cards despite the public denials by Minister Emerson.

Who do you believe? Thousands of students or a failing bureaucracy?

A RAIL Back On Track Member has posted this comment:

http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10520.msg143849#msg143849

I think students are okay for the concept of a TTCC, although ideally it should be an integrated student ID/Go Card ala the Seniors+ Card.  The anger has been quite correctly at the botched implementation of it and then the ignorance of the Government and Transport Minister, Scott Emerson enforcing the rules despite the botched implementation of it and ensuring backlog of people needing cards, many who have been waiting months for, and therefore either having to pay full adult fares or risk a fine, when they hardly have an income to keep themselves going.

Succinct summing up.  Not the students fault.

The TTCC botched implementation  is another 'world class' example of  bureaucratic mediocrity and failure that characterises  public transport policy for south-east Queensland.

Nothing new hey?

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

2nd July 2014

Tertiary Transport Concession Cards - backlog

Greetings,

It would appear that thousands of students are being held to ' fare ' ransom by the ' non-existent ' backlog of Tertiary Transport Concession Cards (TTCC).

Petition has soared to over 3200 now.  http://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/scott-emerson-cease-fines-against-students-until-the-backlog-of-tertiary-transport-concession-cards-are-processed
Amazing response for a situation that does not exist according to the Transport Minister.

In another stunning development, it would appear that staff are now acting to support the students that have been hit with the high cost full fares on the TransLink public transport because of the ' non-existent ' backlog Tertiary Transport Concession Cards.

According to this Facebook post -->  https://www.facebook.com/TransLinkQLD/posts/917758271583572

... 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 ...

Hello hello?  Is this a sign that the staff acknowledge there are issues despite the Ministerial denials?

A sign of further unrest and discontent the students have set up another Facebook page called "Where are the Translink officers at?"  --> https://www.facebook.com/pages/Where-are-the-Translink-officers-at/323186621171908  Very sad development.

The situation is easily resolved.  Students who have applied for a TTCC and are still waiting should be permitted to travel on concession fares.  This could be facilitated by a written receipt.  They would only have to show this to Senior Network Officers or Transit Officers when needed.  The students will have their ID cards and go card anyway.

Why is public transport policy so botched in Queensland?  Whilst students struggle, cashed up suits take lunch time one stop bus trips to offset high cost fares.  Yes, it is fare fail south-east Queensland.

Best wishes
Robert

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

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]

Mind boggling that they would continue to wear this political grief.

Simple fix.

Allow students with an ID card (full time status) and who have applied for a TTCC to continue to access concession fares whilst the ' non existent back log ' clears ...

It is not that difficult for a TTCC application to be confirmed as needed.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> New Facebook page started by student tells Brisbane train commuters where TransLink officers are

[dancingmongoose]

Couriermail --> New Facebook page started by student tells Brisbane train commuters where TransLink officers are

TransLink said anyone caught rorting public transport can expect to receive a $227 fine.

sh%t you're in trouble Bob!

[ozbob]

Even TransLink do not understand what rorting means.

Cashed up suits can rort away every day.  Cross the river at lunch time? One stop bus ride? Central to Roma St and nice stroll back to the office? 

Legitimate full time students are harrassed because of bureaucratic bungling.  Yo, fare fail SEQ in full flight ...

IDIOTS!

Fare evasion is not rorting!  Fare evasion is breaking the law!! LOL

Oxford Dictionary Australian/NZ http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/rort

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

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> New Facebook page started by student tells Brisbane train commuters where TransLink officers are

Wow, political damage is mounting.  And such an easy fix ... 

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> New Facebook page started by student tells Brisbane train commuters where TransLink officers are

TransLink said anyone caught rorting public transport can expect to receive a $227 fine.

sh%t you're in trouble Bob!

[dancingmongoose]

The mediocrity continues...

[STB]

This page has come from completely self inflicted idiocy from Scott Emerson and the LNP, combined with the high fares and limited funds that students have.  Was able to see this coming from a mile away.  Amazed that the LNP are holding out despite this.

[ozbob]

As a retired academic, I am very happy to advocate on this for the students.  I am well aware of the bureaucratic obstacles that students have to navigate at times.  Add in external processes it just gets more clumsy.

It is such a simple fix.  Amazingly inept by the authorities and Government ...

I would not be surprised to see more public grief on this at all.

[STB]

Report in from a mate of mine...(from Facebook).

Today I saw Translink officers fining and giving out warnings to a heap of uni/tafe students in both Garden City, Brisbane and Redlands who haven't yet received the new TTCC card yet from Translink. Not enough Universities or TAFE's have been contacted about the TTCC yet alone students from the LNP State Government. Scott Emerson is a freaking joke!

[STB]

Eh, the TransLink FB page is now blocking any content or people who post content that may be seen as political in nature or any articles relating to the TTCC.   

There was even a post by the TL FB page that took a slightly darker tone warning people about taking a 'costly exercise' if they wanted to take any fines that they got (through no fault of their own for not having the card on them due to the botched implementation of the TTCC), in taking legal avenues, which has now been mentioned.

[techblitz]

^ posts of a political nature have always been frowned on by the TL FB staff..since day one. Theyve threatened to ban a few people publicly already since implementation....

[dancingmongoose]

This whole exercise is a debacle. Thankfully I finished my course last month so haven't had to worry about any of this utter bullsh%t. But here's a few things:

My institute did not inform me or anyone else about the need for a card. The only place I was informed was via the Translink facebook page and website, and of course this forum and similar pages such as the translink ripoff. Not every tertiary education student will visit these pages, especially if they make use of third party apps.

Not every student studying after July 1st 2014 will have been studying before July 1st 2014. There are courses that start mid year, as well as ones beginning January next year. I did not receive my student ID until after I commenced studying. Where is the 'grace' period for them?

Any ex-students on concession go-cards will still be able to rort the system by just getting a TTCC. Not current ones of course, but in the future, if I start a course now and get a TTCC then leave, I've still got my cheaper fares. I just need to go through more hassle to do it.

All in all this is a diabolical shamble. Wasn't there an election promise to change the fare system? Well they've delivered it, and it's a freakin aberration.

[Stillwater]

I am waiting to see tertiary students print colourful tags and attach them to their backpacks in a protest that other commuters can see, and sympathise.

I AM A TERTIARY STUDENT AND I VOTE.
WHERE IS MY CONCESSION TICKET CARD?

[ozbob]

This confirms (yet again) the LNP Newman Government is not really interested in doing the right thing for the community generally.  BaT is a 'world class' example of political expediency before sound policy.  This TTCC failure to not acknowledge the bureaucratic bungling, hence leaving a significant number of students stranded is another. 

It will bite them in the longer term. Nothing surer ...

[dancingmongoose]

The Where are the TL officers page approaches 3.5K likes. Strength in numbers

[Derwan]

So students get receipts when they apply for TTCC's?  Are the receipts dated? If so, we need somewhere for them to upload scans/photos of the receipts to see how long it's taking... with the final day-count when the card actually arrives.

Perhaps the minister believes that students are lying and that WE are being mislead - and not him.  Evidence would go a long way. 

[aldonius]

Not every student studying after July 1st 2014 will have been studying before July 1st 2014. There are courses that start mid year, as well as ones beginning January next year. I did not receive my student ID until after I commenced studying. Where is the 'grace' period for them?

/thread.

[ozbob]

So students get receipts when they apply for TTCC's?  Are the receipts dated? If so, we need somewhere for them to upload scans/photos of the receipts to see how long it's taking... with the final day-count when the card actually arrives.

Perhaps the minister believes that students are lying and that WE are being mislead - and not him.  Evidence would go a long way. 

The Minister has been informed of real examples of full time students waiting long periods for the TTCC.  Honestly, it is not hard for the authorities to check that a student has applied for a TTCC.  Students would need to keep a copy of the application.

It is more about appearing to be tough. So be it ...