PT fares around the nation

[ozbob]

Transperth --> http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares.aspx

Metro Adelaide --> http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Fares

Melbourne myki --> http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/metropolitan-myki-fares/

Sydney fares  --> http://www.transportnsw.info/en/tickets/index.page?

Metro Tasmania  --> http://www.metrotas.com.au/tickets-and-fares

Qld - TransLink (SEQ) --> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares
   
     -  Qconnect (regional) --> http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/travel-and-transport/qconnect/urban-bus-services.aspx

Darwin  --> http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/public/ticket-fares-concessions-and-free-travel

Canberra Action bus fares --> http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares

[ozbob]

Transperth --> http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares.aspx

Smart card called Smartrider.  Has cash fares but not at an outrageous premium.  Autoload (auto topup) gives effectively a 10% discount on normal Smartrider fares http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/SmartRider/AddValueMethods.aspx

Excellent overall fare system. Affordable with options for Seniors and Family groups Familyrider ticket - two adults and up to five children.

Daily caps but no other periodicals.  Perth also has a Free Transit Zone on buses and trains in the Perth City area.

WA Seniors are entitled to travel for free on all Transperth services between 9.00am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday, as well as public holidays  http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/SmartRider/BuyingSmartRider/SeniorsSmartRiders.aspx

[ozbob]

Metro Adelaide --> http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Fares

Adelaide, a little complicated but affordable.

Smart card - Metro card  and Metro ticket

Options for Seniors, On weekends, school holidays and public holidays two children under 15 years of age travel free when accompanied by an adult using a daytrip ticket.

Seniors Metro card - Monday to Friday 7:01am to 9:00am and 3:01pm to 7:00pm, concession rates apply. All other times including Saturday, Sunday and public holidays no charge http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Fares#Seniors_Metrocard

Some recent initiatives - NEW 3-Day Visitor Pass from 14 February 2014  and a NEW 28-Day Pass from 20 January 2014

[ozbob]

Melbourne myki --> http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/metropolitan-myki-fares/

Melbourne and regional Victoria -  myki smart card only.  No paper tickets.

Has a periodical option on the myki ( myki pass) and pay as you go (myki money).  Both can be concurrent on the same card.

Seniors have a flat daily fare, free weekend travel  http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/free-travel-passes/free-weekend-travel/ . Weekend flat fare for all others.  Daily caps on myki money.

The fare structure is excellent and affordable.  The myki equipment itself is a bit problematical, not wearing well and can be slow to respond at times.

Melbourne also has Early Bird train travel - Touch on and off at train stations on Melbourne's electrified train network before 7am on a weekday and automatically receive the free Early Bird fare.

Melbourne only has two ticketing zones (did have three).  This causes some issues at zone boundaries.

[ozbob]

Sydney fares  --> http://www.transportnsw.info/en/tickets/index.page?

Very complicated but overall very affordable. 

Opal smart card being introduced.  Present pilot fares have free travel after 8 paid journeys,  going down a very flawed path as for SEQ go card.

A disappointing aspect of the Opal card is that it will NOT be fully mode integrated.

Seniors Pensioner Excursion ticket $2.50, a Pensioner Excursion Ticket gives all-day unlimited travel http://www.sydneytrains.info/tickets/which/pensioner

It is a wonder that NSW Transport has managed to set up one entry web page for the ticketing!  http://www.transportnsw.info/en/tickets/index.page

[ozbob]

Metro Tasmania  --> http://www.metrotas.com.au/tickets-and-fares

Straightforward affordable fares.  Smart card - Green Card.

Daily caps on Greencard and has paper daily tickets as well.

[ozbob]

Darwin  --> http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/public/ticket-fares-concessions-and-free-travel

Simple and affordable.  No smart card, but do have daily and weekly options.

[ozbob]

Qld - TransLink (SEQ) --> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares

Smart card go card.  Expensive and limited paper single tickets.

Undoubtedly one of the best examples of worst ticketing practice on public transport globally.  Mediocre fare structure, high cost,  go card easily rorted and overall a mess.  Presently a weekly nine journey cap (Seniors two daily journey cap).
   
Qld - Qconnect (regional) --> http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/travel-and-transport/qconnect/urban-bus-services.aspx

Affordable fares, with some regional centres having some periodical options.

[ozbob]

Canberra Action bus fares --> http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares

Myway smart card and single and daily paper tickets.

Straightforward and affordable. 

Has an interesting cap on MyWay - Capped at 40 paid trips per calendar month (any travel beyond 40 paid trips for the calendar month is free provided riders tag on and off), MyWay also has a daily cap.

A 5% discount on MyWay fares if MyWay card recharged with BPAY or Autoload (Direct Debit) http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares/myway_-_prepaid_ticketing

[ozbob]

It is interesting to look at the other states/territories and their fare systems.  In every case the fares are much more affordable than in SEQ.  Various ticketing incentives are used to encourage people to get on board and this in turn gives the broader economic benefits.

There is plenty of scope to develop a much more balanced fare structure than what is presently in use in SEQ. 

It is a facile argument to suggest that fare improvements are not affordable.  A falling fare box, increasing subsidy, and stagnating and falling patronage is actually costing a lot, both directly and indirectly, and is just testament to the grand fare fail in SEQ.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

28th February 2014

Public transport fares around the nation

Greetings,

Below is a brief summary of public transport fare structures around the nation.   It is interesting to look at the other states/territories and their fare systems.  In every case the fares are much more affordable than in SEQ.  Various ticketing incentives are used to encourage people to get on board and this in turn gives the broader economic benefits.

There is plenty of scope to develop a much more balanced fare structure than what is presently in use in SEQ. 

It is a facile argument to suggest that fare improvements are not affordable.  A falling fare box, increasing subsidy, and stagnating and falling patronage is actually costing a lot, both directly and indirectly, and is just a sad testament to the grand fare fail in SEQ.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

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

Transperth --> http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares.aspx

Metro Adelaide --> http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Fares

Melbourne myki --> http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/metropolitan-myki-fares/

Sydney fares --> http://www.transportnsw.info/en/tickets/index.page?

Metro Tasmania --> http://www.metrotas.com.au/tickets-and-fares

Qld - TransLink (SEQ) --> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares

- Qconnect (regional) --> http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/travel-and-transport/qconnect/urban-bus-services.aspx

Darwin --> http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/public/ticket-fares-concessions-and-free-travel

Canberra Action bus fares --> http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares

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

Transperth --> http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares.aspx

Smart card called Smartrider. Has cash fares but not at an outrageous premium. Autoload (auto topup) gives effectively a 10% discount on normal Smartrider fares http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/SmartRider/AddValueMethods.aspx

Excellent overall fare system. Affordable with options for Seniors and Family groups Familyrider ticket - two adults and up to five children.

Daily caps but no other periodicals. Perth also has a Free Transit Zone on buses and trains in the Perth City area.

WA Seniors are entitled to travel for free on all Transperth services between 9.00am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday, as well as public holidays http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/SmartRider/BuyingSmartRider/SeniorsSmartRiders.aspx

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

Metro Adelaide --> http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Fares

Adelaide, a little complicated but affordable.

Smart card - Metro card and Metro ticket

Options for Seniors, On weekends, school holidays and public holidays two children under 15 years of age travel free when accompanied by an adult using a daytrip ticket.

Seniors Metro card - Monday to Friday 7:01am to 9:00am and 3:01pm to 7:00pm, concession rates apply. All other times including Saturday, Sunday and public holidays no charge http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Fares#Seniors_Metrocard

Some recent initiatives - NEW 3-Day Visitor Pass from 14 February 2014 and a NEW 28-Day Pass from 20 January 2014

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

Melbourne myki --> http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/metropolitan-myki-fares/

Melbourne and regional Victoria - myki smart card only. No paper tickets.

Has a periodical option on the myki ( myki pass) and pay as you go (myki money). Both can be concurrent on the same card.

Seniors have a flat daily fare, free weekend travel http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/free-travel-passes/free-weekend-travel/ . Weekend flat fare for all others. Daily caps on myki money.

The fare structure is excellent and affordable. The myki equipment itself is a bit problematical, not wearing well and can be slow to respond at times.

Melbourne also has Early Bird train travel - Touch on and off at train stations on Melbourne's electrified train network before 7am on a weekday and automatically receive the free Early Bird fare.

Melbourne only has two ticketing zones (did have three). This causes some issues at zone boundaries.

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

Sydney fares --> http://www.transportnsw.info/en/tickets/index.page?

Very complicated but overall very affordable.

Opal smart card being introduced. Present pilot fares have free travel after 8 paid journeys, going down a very flawed path as for SEQ go card.

A disappointing aspect of the Opal card is that it will NOT be fully mode integrated.

Seniors Pensioner Excursion ticket $2.50, a Pensioner Excursion Ticket gives all-day unlimited travel http://www.sydneytrains.info/tickets/which/pensioner

It is a wonder that NSW Transport has managed to set up one entry web page for the ticketing! http://www.transportnsw.info/en/tickets/index.page

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

Metro Tasmania --> http://www.metrotas.com.au/tickets-and-fares

Straightforward affordable fares. Smart card - Green Card.

Daily caps on Greencard and has paper daily tickets as well.

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

Darwin --> http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/public/ticket-fares-concessions-and-free-travel

Simple and affordable. No smart card, but do have daily and weekly options.

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

Canberra Action bus fares --> http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares

Myway smart card and single and daily paper tickets.

Straightforward and affordable.

Has an interesting cap on MyWay - Capped at 40 paid trips per calendar month (any travel beyond 40 paid trips for the calendar month is free provided riders tag on and off), MyWay also has a daily cap.

A 5% discount on MyWay fares if MyWay card recharged with BPAY or Autoload (Direct Debit) http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares/myway_-_prepaid_ticketing

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

Qld - TransLink (SEQ) --> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares

Smart card go card. Expensive and limited paper single tickets.

Undoubtedly one of the best examples of worst ticketing practice on public transport globally. Mediocre fare structure, high cost, go card easily rorted and overall a mess. Presently a weekly nine journey cap (Seniors two daily journey cap).

Qld - Qconnect (regional) --> http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/travel-and-transport/qconnect/urban-bus-services.aspx

Affordable fares, with some regional centres having some periodical options.

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

[ozbob]

So, what should/could happen in SEQ? 

There are 23 zones as it is large area, particularly longitudinal.

Regions ..



TransLink zones



Some local zone anomalies should be sorted as part of a wider adjustment of the fare system.

Clearly, base fares (the flagfall) is simply too high.  Daily capping is problematical because of the wide variation in journey lengths in terms of zones.  A dynamic daily cap could be done if the system could cope.

The concept of free after " x " paid journeys in a week is seriously flawed.  The system is too easily rorted and it is a fools paradigm.  During the go card roll out 50% fares after " x " paid journeys was in place.  It was a crass political move by the former Government to introduce the free after 10, which was easily trumped by the LNP as free after nine.  Both the 50% fares and the free after " x " journeys reflect the limitations on the system, and difficulty with simple capping with huge zonal variation.  So reverting back to 50% fares after " x " journeys is probably the  best of the worst of the options available.

Withdraw paper singles January 2015.

As interim measure I think they should adjust the go card fare table for all zones.  Set zone one peak at $3. 

Increase off peak discount to 30%.

Reintroduce 50% discount after 9 paid journeys in a week.

Keep the present two paid journey daily cap for Seniors but work towards a simple flat fare, similar to Sydney and Melbourne.

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

This would turn around the falling patronage and improve the fare box.   And then give some space for the next generation ticketing system which is due in 2016 I understand.

[ozbob]

Re-sent to all outlets:

10th March 2014

Public transport fares around the nation

Greetings,

Below is a brief summary of public transport fare structures around the nation.   It is interesting to look at the other states/territories and their fare systems.  In every case the fares are much more affordable than in SEQ.  Various ticketing incentives are used to encourage people to get on board and this in turn gives the broader economic benefits.

There is plenty of scope to develop a much more balanced fare structure than what is presently in use in SEQ. 

It is a facile argument to suggest that fare improvements are not affordable.  A falling fare box, increasing subsidy, and stagnating and falling patronage is actually costing a lot, both directly and indirectly, and is just a sad testament to the grand fare fail in SEQ.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

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

Transperth --> http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares.aspx

Metro Adelaide --> http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Fares

Melbourne myki --> http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/metropolitan-myki-fares/

Sydney fares --> http://www.transportnsw.info/en/tickets/index.page?

Metro Tasmania --> http://www.metrotas.com.au/tickets-and-fares

Qld - TransLink (SEQ) --> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares

- Qconnect (regional) --> http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/travel-and-transport/qconnect/urban-bus-services.aspx

Darwin --> http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/public/ticket-fares-concessions-and-free-travel

Canberra Action bus fares --> http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares

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

Transperth --> http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares.aspx

Smart card called Smartrider. Has cash fares but not at an outrageous premium. Autoload (auto topup) gives effectively a 10% discount on normal Smartrider fares http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/SmartRider/AddValueMethods.aspx

Excellent overall fare system. Affordable with options for Seniors and Family groups Familyrider ticket - two adults and up to five children.

Daily caps but no other periodicals. Perth also has a Free Transit Zone on buses and trains in the Perth City area.

WA Seniors are entitled to travel for free on all Transperth services between 9.00am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday, as well as public holidays http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/SmartRider/BuyingSmartRider/SeniorsSmartRiders.aspx

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

Metro Adelaide --> http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Fares

Adelaide, a little complicated but affordable.

Smart card - Metro card and Metro ticket

Options for Seniors, On weekends, school holidays and public holidays two children under 15 years of age travel free when accompanied by an adult using a daytrip ticket.

Seniors Metro card - Monday to Friday 7:01am to 9:00am and 3:01pm to 7:00pm, concession rates apply. All other times including Saturday, Sunday and public holidays no charge http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Fares#Seniors_Metrocard

Some recent initiatives - NEW 3-Day Visitor Pass from 14 February 2014 and a NEW 28-Day Pass from 20 January 2014

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

Melbourne myki --> http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/metropolitan-myki-fares/

Melbourne and regional Victoria - myki smart card only. No paper tickets.

Has a periodical option on the myki ( myki pass) and pay as you go (myki money). Both can be concurrent on the same card.

Seniors have a flat daily fare, free weekend travel http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/free-travel-passes/free-weekend-travel/ . Weekend flat fare for all others. Daily caps on myki money.

The fare structure is excellent and affordable. The myki equipment itself is a bit problematical, not wearing well and can be slow to respond at times.

Melbourne also has Early Bird train travel - Touch on and off at train stations on Melbourne's electrified train network before 7am on a weekday and automatically receive the free Early Bird fare.

Melbourne only has two ticketing zones (did have three). This causes some issues at zone boundaries.

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

Sydney fares --> http://www.transportnsw.info/en/tickets/index.page?

Very complicated but overall very affordable.

Opal smart card being introduced. Present pilot fares have free travel after 8 paid journeys, going down a very flawed path as for SEQ go card.

A disappointing aspect of the Opal card is that it will NOT be fully mode integrated.

Seniors Pensioner Excursion ticket $2.50, a Pensioner Excursion Ticket gives all-day unlimited travel http://www.sydneytrains.info/tickets/which/pensioner

It is a wonder that NSW Transport has managed to set up one entry web page for the ticketing! http://www.transportnsw.info/en/tickets/index.page

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

Metro Tasmania --> http://www.metrotas.com.au/tickets-and-fares

Straightforward affordable fares. Smart card - Green Card.

Daily caps on Greencard and has paper daily tickets as well.

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

Darwin --> http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/public/ticket-fares-concessions-and-free-travel

Simple and affordable. No smart card, but do have daily and weekly options.

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

Canberra Action bus fares --> http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares

Myway smart card and single and daily paper tickets.

Straightforward and affordable.

Has an interesting cap on MyWay - Capped at 40 paid trips per calendar month (any travel beyond 40 paid trips for the calendar month is free provided riders tag on and off), MyWay also has a daily cap.

A 5% discount on MyWay fares if MyWay card recharged with BPAY or Autoload (Direct Debit) http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares/myway_-_prepaid_ticketing

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

Qld - TransLink (SEQ) --> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares

Smart card go card. Expensive and limited paper single tickets.

Undoubtedly one of the best examples of worst ticketing practice on public transport globally. Mediocre fare structure, high cost, go card easily rorted and overall a mess. Presently a weekly nine journey cap (Seniors two daily journey cap).

Qld - Qconnect (regional) --> http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/travel-and-transport/qconnect/urban-bus-services.aspx

Affordable fares, with some regional centres having some periodical options.

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

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

10th March 2014

Fixing the failed fares in SEQ - an interim solution

Greetings,

So, what should/could happen in SEQ? 

There are 23 zones as it is large area, particularly longitudinal.

Regions ..

http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/travel-information/network-information/maps/translink-regions.jpg

TransLink zones

http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/travel-information/network-information/maps/130401_inner-brisbane-zones.jpg


Some local zone anomalies should be sorted as part of a wider adjustment of the fare system.

Clearly, base fares (the flagfall) is simply too high.  Daily capping is problematical because of the wide variation in journey lengths in terms of zones.  A dynamic daily cap could be done if the system could cope.

The concept of free after " x " paid journeys in a week is seriously flawed.  The system is too easily rorted and it is a fools paradigm.  During the go card roll out 50% fares after " x " paid journeys was in place.  It was a crass political move by the former Government to introduce the free after 10, which was easily trumped by the LNP as free after nine.  Both the 50% fares and the free after " x " journeys reflect the limitations on the system, and difficulty with simple capping with huge zonal variation.  So reverting back to 50% fares after " x " journeys is probably the  best of the worst of the options available.

Withdraw paper singles January 2015.

As interim measure I think they should adjust the go card fare table for all zones.  Set zone one peak at $3. 

Increase off peak discount to 30%.

Reintroduce 50% discount after 9 paid journeys in a week.

Keep the present two paid journey daily cap for Seniors but work towards a simple flat fare, similar to Sydney and Melbourne.

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

This would turn around the falling patronage and improve the fare box.   And then give some space for the next generation ticketing system which is due in 2016 I understand.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Re-sent to all outlets:

10th March 2014

Public transport fares around the nation

Greetings,

Below is a brief summary of public transport fare structures around the nation.   It is interesting to look at the other states/territories and their fare systems.  In every case the fares are much more affordable than in SEQ.  Various ticketing incentives are used to encourage people to get on board and this in turn gives the broader economic benefits.

There is plenty of scope to develop a much more balanced fare structure than what is presently in use in SEQ. 

It is a facile argument to suggest that fare improvements are not affordable.  A falling fare box, increasing subsidy, and stagnating and falling patronage is actually costing a lot, both directly and indirectly, and is just a sad testament to the grand fare fail in SEQ.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

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

Transperth --> http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares.aspx

Metro Adelaide --> http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Fares

Melbourne myki --> http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/metropolitan-myki-fares/

Sydney fares --> http://www.transportnsw.info/en/tickets/index.page?

Metro Tasmania --> http://www.metrotas.com.au/tickets-and-fares

Qld - TransLink (SEQ) --> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares

- Qconnect (regional) --> http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/travel-and-transport/qconnect/urban-bus-services.aspx

Darwin --> http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/public/ticket-fares-concessions-and-free-travel

Canberra Action bus fares --> http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares

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

Transperth --> http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares.aspx

Smart card called Smartrider. Has cash fares but not at an outrageous premium. Autoload (auto topup) gives effectively a 10% discount on normal Smartrider fares http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/SmartRider/AddValueMethods.aspx

Excellent overall fare system. Affordable with options for Seniors and Family groups Familyrider ticket - two adults and up to five children.

Daily caps but no other periodicals. Perth also has a Free Transit Zone on buses and trains in the Perth City area.

WA Seniors are entitled to travel for free on all Transperth services between 9.00am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday, as well as public holidays http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/SmartRider/BuyingSmartRider/SeniorsSmartRiders.aspx

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

Metro Adelaide --> http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Fares

Adelaide, a little complicated but affordable.

Smart card - Metro card and Metro ticket

Options for Seniors, On weekends, school holidays and public holidays two children under 15 years of age travel free when accompanied by an adult using a daytrip ticket.

Seniors Metro card - Monday to Friday 7:01am to 9:00am and 3:01pm to 7:00pm, concession rates apply. All other times including Saturday, Sunday and public holidays no charge http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Fares#Seniors_Metrocard

Some recent initiatives - NEW 3-Day Visitor Pass from 14 February 2014 and a NEW 28-Day Pass from 20 January 2014

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

Melbourne myki --> http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/metropolitan-myki-fares/

Melbourne and regional Victoria - myki smart card only. No paper tickets.

Has a periodical option on the myki ( myki pass) and pay as you go (myki money). Both can be concurrent on the same card.

Seniors have a flat daily fare, free weekend travel http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/free-travel-passes/free-weekend-travel/ . Weekend flat fare for all others. Daily caps on myki money.

The fare structure is excellent and affordable. The myki equipment itself is a bit problematical, not wearing well and can be slow to respond at times.

Melbourne also has Early Bird train travel - Touch on and off at train stations on Melbourne's electrified train network before 7am on a weekday and automatically receive the free Early Bird fare.

Melbourne only has two ticketing zones (did have three). This causes some issues at zone boundaries.

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

Sydney fares --> http://www.transportnsw.info/en/tickets/index.page?

Very complicated but overall very affordable.

Opal smart card being introduced. Present pilot fares have free travel after 8 paid journeys, going down a very flawed path as for SEQ go card.

A disappointing aspect of the Opal card is that it will NOT be fully mode integrated.

Seniors Pensioner Excursion ticket $2.50, a Pensioner Excursion Ticket gives all-day unlimited travel http://www.sydneytrains.info/tickets/which/pensioner

It is a wonder that NSW Transport has managed to set up one entry web page for the ticketing! http://www.transportnsw.info/en/tickets/index.page

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

Metro Tasmania --> http://www.metrotas.com.au/tickets-and-fares

Straightforward affordable fares. Smart card - Green Card.

Daily caps on Greencard and has paper daily tickets as well.

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

Darwin --> http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/public/ticket-fares-concessions-and-free-travel

Simple and affordable. No smart card, but do have daily and weekly options.

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

Canberra Action bus fares --> http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares

Myway smart card and single and daily paper tickets.

Straightforward and affordable.

Has an interesting cap on MyWay - Capped at 40 paid trips per calendar month (any travel beyond 40 paid trips for the calendar month is free provided riders tag on and off), MyWay also has a daily cap.

A 5% discount on MyWay fares if MyWay card recharged with BPAY or Autoload (Direct Debit) http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares/myway_-_prepaid_ticketing

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

Qld - TransLink (SEQ) --> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares

Smart card go card. Expensive and limited paper single tickets.

Undoubtedly one of the best examples of worst ticketing practice on public transport globally. Mediocre fare structure, high cost, go card easily rorted and overall a mess. Presently a weekly nine journey cap (Seniors two daily journey cap).

Qld - Qconnect (regional) --> http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/travel-and-transport/qconnect/urban-bus-services.aspx

Affordable fares, with some regional centres having some periodical options.

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

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

23 March 2014

SEQ fares - compared to rest of Australia ...

Greetings,

Below is a brief summary of public transport fare structures around the nation. It is interesting to look at the other states/territories and their fare systems. In every case the fares are much more affordable than in SEQ. Various ticketing incentives are used to encourage people to get on board and this in turn gives the broader economic benefits.

There is plenty of scope to develop a much more balanced fare structure than what is presently in use in SEQ.

It is a facile argument to suggest that fare improvements are not affordable. A falling fare box, increasing subsidy, and stagnating and falling patronage is actually costing a lot, both directly and indirectly, and is just a sad testament to the grand fare fail in SEQ.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

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


Transperth --> http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares.aspx

Metro Adelaide --> http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Fares

Melbourne myki --> http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/metropolitan-myki-fares/

Sydney fares --> http://www.transportnsw.info/en/tickets/index.page?

Metro Tasmania --> http://www.metrotas.com.au/tickets-and-fares

Qld - TransLink (SEQ) --> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares

- Qconnect (regional) --> http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/travel-and-transport/qconnect/urban-bus-services.aspx

Darwin --> http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/public/ticket-fares-concessions-and-free-travel

Canberra Action bus fares --> http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares

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

Transperth --> http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares.aspx

Smart card called Smartrider. Has cash fares but not at an outrageous premium. Autoload (auto topup) gives effectively a 10% discount on normal Smartrider fares http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/SmartRider/AddValueMethods.aspx

Excellent overall fare system. Affordable with options for Seniors and Family groups Familyrider ticket - two adults and up to five children.

Daily caps but no other periodicals. Perth also has a Free Transit Zone on buses and trains in the Perth City area.

WA Seniors are entitled to travel for free on all Transperth services between 9.00am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday, as well as public holidays http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/SmartRider/BuyingSmartRider/SeniorsSmartRiders.aspx

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

Metro Adelaide --> http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Fares

Adelaide, a little complicated but affordable.

Smart card - Metro card and Metro ticket

Options for Seniors, On weekends, school holidays and public holidays two children under 15 years of age travel free when accompanied by an adult using a daytrip ticket.

Seniors Metro card - Monday to Friday 7:01am to 9:00am and 3:01pm to 7:00pm, concession rates apply. All other times including Saturday, Sunday and public holidays no charge http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Fares#Seniors_Metrocard

Some recent initiatives - NEW 3-Day Visitor Pass from 14 February 2014 and a NEW 28-Day Pass from 20 January 2014

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

Melbourne myki --> http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/metropolitan-myki-fares/

Melbourne and regional Victoria - myki smart card only. No paper tickets.

Has a periodical option on the myki ( myki pass) and pay as you go (myki money). Both can be concurrent on the same card.

Seniors have a flat daily fare, free weekend travel http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/free-travel-passes/free-weekend-travel/ . Weekend flat fare for all others. Daily caps on myki money.

The fare structure is excellent and affordable. The myki equipment itself is a bit problematical, not wearing well and can be slow to respond at times.

Melbourne also has Early Bird train travel - Touch on and off at train stations on Melbourne's electrified train network before 7am on a weekday and automatically receive the free Early Bird fare.

Melbourne only has two ticketing zones (did have three). This causes some issues at zone boundaries.

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

Sydney fares --> http://www.transportnsw.info/en/tickets/index.page?

Very complicated but overall very affordable.

Opal smart card being introduced. Present pilot fares have free travel after 8 paid journeys, going down a very flawed path as for SEQ go card.

A disappointing aspect of the Opal card is that it will NOT be fully mode integrated.

Seniors Pensioner Excursion ticket $2.50, a Pensioner Excursion Ticket gives all-day unlimited travel http://www.sydneytrains.info/tickets/which/pensioner

It is a wonder that NSW Transport has managed to set up one entry web page for the ticketing! http://www.transportnsw.info/en/tickets/index.page

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

Metro Tasmania --> http://www.metrotas.com.au/tickets-and-fares

Straightforward affordable fares. Smart card - Green Card.

Daily caps on Greencard and has paper daily tickets as well.

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

Darwin --> http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/public/ticket-fares-concessions-and-free-travel

Simple and affordable. No smart card, but do have daily and weekly options.

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

Canberra Action bus fares --> http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares

Myway smart card and single and daily paper tickets.

Straightforward and affordable.

Has an interesting cap on MyWay - Capped at 40 paid trips per calendar month (any travel beyond 40 paid trips for the calendar month is free provided riders tag on and off), MyWay also has a daily cap.

A 5% discount on MyWay fares if MyWay card recharged with BPAY or Autoload (Direct Debit) http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares/myway_-_prepaid_ticketing

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

Qld - TransLink (SEQ) --> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares

Smart card go card. Expensive and limited paper single tickets.

Undoubtedly one of the best examples of worst ticketing practice on public transport globally. Mediocre fare structure, high cost, go card easily rorted and overall a mess. Presently a weekly nine journey cap (Seniors two daily journey cap).

Qld - Qconnect (regional) --> http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/travel-and-transport/qconnect/urban-bus-services.aspx

Affordable fares, with some regional centres having some periodical options.

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

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

26th March 2014

fares and pork ..

Greetings,

The pork barrel is on the roll in Melbourne town ..

Commuters in Melbourne's outer suburbs to see public transport costs slashed by up to $1200 a year in proposed changes by State Government -->

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/commuters-in-melbournes-outer-suburbs-to-see-public-transport-costs-slashed-by-up-to-1200-a-year-in-proposed-changes-by-state-government/story-fni0fit3-1226864736211

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

23 March 2014

SEQ fares - compared to rest of Australia ...

Greetings,

Below is a brief summary of public transport fare structures around the nation. It is interesting to look at the other states/territories and their fare systems. In every case the fares are much more affordable than in SEQ. Various ticketing incentives are used to encourage people to get on board and this in turn gives the broader economic benefits.

There is plenty of scope to develop a much more balanced fare structure than what is presently in use in SEQ.

It is a facile argument to suggest that fare improvements are not affordable. A falling fare box, increasing subsidy, and stagnating and falling patronage is actually costing a lot, both directly and indirectly, and is just a sad testament to the grand fare fail in SEQ.

Best wishes,

Robert

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

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


Transperth --> http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares.aspx

Metro Adelaide --> http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Fares

Melbourne myki --> http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/metropolitan-myki-fares/

Sydney fares --> http://www.transportnsw.info/en/tickets/index.page?

Metro Tasmania --> http://www.metrotas.com.au/tickets-and-fares

Qld - TransLink (SEQ) --> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares

- Qconnect (regional) --> http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/travel-and-transport/qconnect/urban-bus-services.aspx

Darwin --> http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/public/ticket-fares-concessions-and-free-travel

Canberra Action bus fares --> http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares

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

Transperth --> http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares.aspx

Smart card called Smartrider. Has cash fares but not at an outrageous premium. Autoload (auto topup) gives effectively a 10% discount on normal Smartrider fares http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/SmartRider/AddValueMethods.aspx

Excellent overall fare system. Affordable with options for Seniors and Family groups Familyrider ticket - two adults and up to five children.

Daily caps but no other periodicals. Perth also has a Free Transit Zone on buses and trains in the Perth City area.

WA Seniors are entitled to travel for free on all Transperth services between 9.00am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday, as well as public holidays http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/SmartRider/BuyingSmartRider/SeniorsSmartRiders.aspx

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

Metro Adelaide --> http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Fares

Adelaide, a little complicated but affordable.

Smart card - Metro card and Metro ticket

Options for Seniors, On weekends, school holidays and public holidays two children under 15 years of age travel free when accompanied by an adult using a daytrip ticket.

Seniors Metro card - Monday to Friday 7:01am to 9:00am and 3:01pm to 7:00pm, concession rates apply. All other times including Saturday, Sunday and public holidays no charge http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Fares#Seniors_Metrocard

Some recent initiatives - NEW 3-Day Visitor Pass from 14 February 2014 and a NEW 28-Day Pass from 20 January 2014

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

Melbourne myki --> http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/metropolitan-myki-fares/

Melbourne and regional Victoria - myki smart card only. No paper tickets.

Has a periodical option on the myki ( myki pass) and pay as you go (myki money). Both can be concurrent on the same card.

Seniors have a flat daily fare, free weekend travel http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/free-travel-passes/free-weekend-travel/ . Weekend flat fare for all others. Daily caps on myki money.

The fare structure is excellent and affordable. The myki equipment itself is a bit problematical, not wearing well and can be slow to respond at times.

Melbourne also has Early Bird train travel - Touch on and off at train stations on Melbourne's electrified train network before 7am on a weekday and automatically receive the free Early Bird fare.

Melbourne only has two ticketing zones (did have three). This causes some issues at zone boundaries.

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

Sydney fares --> http://www.transportnsw.info/en/tickets/index.page?

Very complicated but overall very affordable.

Opal smart card being introduced. Present pilot fares have free travel after 8 paid journeys, going down a very flawed path as for SEQ go card.

A disappointing aspect of the Opal card is that it will NOT be fully mode integrated.

Seniors Pensioner Excursion ticket $2.50, a Pensioner Excursion Ticket gives all-day unlimited travel http://www.sydneytrains.info/tickets/which/pensioner

It is a wonder that NSW Transport has managed to set up one entry web page for the ticketing! http://www.transportnsw.info/en/tickets/index.page

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

Metro Tasmania --> http://www.metrotas.com.au/tickets-and-fares

Straightforward affordable fares. Smart card - Green Card.

Daily caps on Greencard and has paper daily tickets as well.

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

Darwin --> http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/public/ticket-fares-concessions-and-free-travel

Simple and affordable. No smart card, but do have daily and weekly options.

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

Canberra Action bus fares --> http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares

Myway smart card and single and daily paper tickets.

Straightforward and affordable.

Has an interesting cap on MyWay - Capped at 40 paid trips per calendar month (any travel beyond 40 paid trips for the calendar month is free provided riders tag on and off), MyWay also has a daily cap.

A 5% discount on MyWay fares if MyWay card recharged with BPAY or Autoload (Direct Debit) http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares/myway_-_prepaid_ticketing

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

Qld - TransLink (SEQ) --> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares

Smart card go card. Expensive and limited paper single tickets.

Undoubtedly one of the best examples of worst ticketing practice on public transport globally. Mediocre fare structure, high cost, go card easily rorted and overall a mess. Presently a weekly nine journey cap (Seniors two daily journey cap).

Qld - Qconnect (regional) --> http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/travel-and-transport/qconnect/urban-bus-services.aspx

Affordable fares, with some regional centres having some periodical options.

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

[ozbob]

Melbourne fares are already very affordable, this ^ is just desperate polyticks ...

[#Metro]

$100 million! Imagine what you could do to the bus network with $100 million! You could exchange buses for limousines.

[ozbob]

The fare changes I am suggesting for SEQ are sustainable, equitable and affordable, in fact will improve the fare box.

The latest desperate move from the Vic Libs is just blatant pork barreling, ill advised polyticks and will be very costly for all. 

I note  informed PT users in Melbourne are not supportive at all, they can see through the pork haze ..

[ozbob]

Updated links:

Transperth > http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Tickets-Fares/Fares

Adelaide Metro > http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets/Fares

Melbourne Metropolitan > http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/metropolitan-myki-fares/

Sydney > http://www.transportnsw.info/en/tickets/ticket-types/index.page?

Metro Tasmania > http://www.metrotas.com.au/fares/urban-fares/

SEQ TransLink > http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares

  Queensland Urban bus services >  http://www.qld.gov.au/transport/public/transport/timetables/qconnect/

NT > http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/public/fares-concessions-and-subsidised-travel

Canberra > http://www.action.act.gov.au/fares