Pre-election budget - 2014/15 Queensland

[ozbob]

The Treasurer and Minister for Trade, the Honourable Tim Nicholls, will hand down the 2014-15 State Budget on Tuesday, 3 June 2014.

http://www.budget.qld.gov.au/

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

24th May 2014

Where is the new fare structure? crickets ....

Greetings,

In the Six month action plan of January 2013 ( http://www.thepremier.qld.gov.au/plans-and-progress/plans/assets/6-month-action-plan-jan-jun-13.pdf page 6 ) the Premier indicated that he would " Announce new fare structure for public transport in South East Queensland. "

We are still waiting.  Will there be some moves to meet this committment in the forthcoming state budget?   A failing fare system costs money.  Fixing the fare system will save money,  leads to an improved fare box recovery, gets people back onto public transport, which in turn saves more money as congestion is reduced, health care sector costs are reduced, environmental impacts lessened.

The 2013/14 Queensland Budget  increased fares yet again in 2014 by 7.5%, that is not a new fare structure.
Confirming that the free after 9 fare rort is to continue is not a new fare structure.  ( http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9502.msg127364#msg127364 )
Many people now freely confess to taking extra journeys on Mondays/Tuesdays to position themselves for the ' free travel ' rort for the rest of the working week.

The whole accounting process for the free after nine or ten is rather nebulous at best.
For example, when convenient, the Government likes to spin the fact that the subsidy per average  trip is roughly $6 and fares $2.
So the journey to work Friday morning costs on average $8, but the journey home (assuming 10th journey reached) only costs $2 according to the spin merchants and shoddy accounting.

It is time that the correct approach is taken.  A proper fare review with a fare system that will reverse the slide at present.

This fare box leakage is becoming massive, and is only sustainable by the massive fare increases.

Affordability is at the lowest levels ever.  Patronage continues to stall.

A Government that is actually in control would act to reverse the trends of increasing subsidy, worsening affordability and stagnation in patronage.

The poor network design, particularly the Brisbane Transport network compounds the costs.  TransLink attempted to fix the network issues but were pushed aside by hysterical politics, and weak leadership.

It is time for action.  Queensland votes soon.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Asset sales likely as Queensland Treasurer Tim Nicholls says Federal Budget leaves state with few options to reduce debt

[Jonno]

Best way to reduce debt is stop building infrastructure that increases you tax burden.  Grade 1 economics!!!

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> The Newman Government has ruled out funding for a second stage of the light rail in next week's state budget

[Jonno]

But will fund expansion of freeway and major roads Fails Grade1 economics!!

[ozbob]

Will the Queensland Budget address the festering fare mess of SEQ?

29th May 2014

Greetings,

In the Six month action plan of January 2013 ( http://www.thepremier.qld.gov.au/plans-and-progress/plans/assets/6-month-action-plan-jan-jun-13.pdf page 6 ) the Premier indicated that he would " Announce new fare structure for public transport in South East Queensland. "

We are still waiting.  Will there be some moves to meet this committment in the forthcoming state budget?   A failing fare system costs money.  Fixing the fare system will save money,  leads to an improved fare box recovery, gets people back onto public transport, which in turn saves more money as congestion is reduced, health care sector costs are reduced, environmental impacts lessened.

The 2013/14 Queensland Budget  increased fares yet again in 2014 by 7.5%, that is not a new fare structure.
Confirming that the free after 9 fare rort is to continue is not a new fare structure. 
( http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9502.msg127364#msg127364 )

Attempts to spin fare increases of 7.5% as a new fare structure have failed.
In a statement on the 25 October 2012 ( http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2012/10/25/affordability-up-on-lnp-fare-package ) the fare increases of 7.5% were flagged. In January 2013 the Premier then indicated that there would be a new fare structure for SEQ. Has NOT happened.

Many people now freely confess to taking extra journeys on Mondays/Tuesdays to position themselves for the ' free travel ' rort for the rest of the working week. Cashed up 'suits' can rort the system easily, a mother with a couple of children cannot afford the bus fare to the local shops. What a silly anti-public transport fare system. A system that is 'bleeding' massive amounts of money because people cannot afford to to use it, compounded by a very inefficient overall network design.

The whole accounting process for the free after nine or ten is rather nebulous at best.
For example, when convenient, the Government likes to spin the fact that the subsidy per average  trip is roughly $6 and fares $2.
So the journey to work Friday morning costs on average $8, but the journey home (assuming 10th journey reached) only costs $2 according to the spin merchants and shoddy accounting.

It is time that the correct approach is taken.  A proper fare review with a fare system that will reverse the slide at present.  Will this mess be addressed in the forthcoming state budget?

This fare box leakage is becoming massive, and is only sustainable by the massive fare increases.

Affordability is at the worst levels ever.  Patronage continues to stall.

A Government that is actually in control would act to reverse the trends of increasing subsidy, worsening affordability and stagnation in patronage.

The poor network design, particularly the Brisbane Transport network compounds the costs.  TransLink attempted to fix the network issues but were pushed aside by hysterical politics, and weak leadership.

It is time for action.  Queensland votes soon.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Premier does the talking ahead of Treasurer's tough budget choices

As the government prepares to present its final budget to voters before the election, it was Premier Campbell Newman who did the talking.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls is predicted to make an announcement on Monday, outlining the basics of a budget which has no room for the usual pre-election sweeteners.

Instead, the government is counting on its draft action plan - what it could do if earmarked assets were sold - to win over voters.

But first it has to deal with a $600 million write down in coal royalties and a delay in natural disaster relief payments from the federal government, which will see the projected $664 million deficit blow out to $2.27 billion in the next financial year.

On Sunday, the Premier was looking to the future.

"In the next financial year [2015/16], we will be bringing the budget back into surplus for the first time in over a decade, so we have a lower deficit in the current financial year, the deficit this financial year will be lower than is projected, it will be a bit higher in the next financial year and the year after that, as we have been saying, it goes into surplus," Mr Newman said.

"It is the first time in over a decade that the Queensland government and the Queensland tax payers won't have to borrow money and it is a timing issue, it is mainly due to the timing of natural disaster relief payments from the Commonwealth government.

"So I don't see it as a budget deterioration, it is a timing issue."

Joe Hockey's first budget and its cuts has also dealt Queensland some difficult cards, but explaining that will be Mr Nicholls' job from Tuesday onwards.

"The federal budget certainly had impacts on ours and in some cases, the treasurer has made a call with my support, to actually absorb some of those things and in other cases he has had to pass on that impact," Mr Newman said.

"So you will have to wait and see this week."

As for the government's commitments – such as the underground bus and train tunnel, Mr Newman hinted that the state's "difficult decisions", to be laid out this week, may help those become a reality.

"We do have a very strong commitment to delivering the UBaT, it is about making sure that people can get home to their families on time, that they can get to work on time, that they can get around this city easily," he said.

"We have to deliver this over the next five and six years and the government is making a big commitment to that and that is part of the conversation that we are having about the strong choices we have."

With little room to move, the pre-budget announcements weren't as targeted as usual.  A $400 million commitment over the next five years to overhaul the child protection system, as recommended in the Carmody report following his Commission of Inquiry, was announced on Sunday.

Just over $6.5 million had been set aside in the budget to hire 70 child safety officers.

Another $25 million will be spent on child safety initiatives, such as more referral services, support for families to care for children at home instead of out-of-home care, and improved support for indigenous families.

-With AAP

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/premier-does-the-talking-ahead-of-treasurers-tough-budget-choices-20140601-zruc6.html

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Newman Government to ask Queenslanders to swap old assets for new infrastructure

[Stillwater]

On what date will the treasurer bring down the 2014-15 State Budget?

[ozbob]

Tomorrow  .. 3rd June 2014

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Queensland budget: No new taxes, charges or cuts or fees - but concessions up in the air

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Newman Government's 2014 State Budget to cut pensioner concessions

[ozbob]

Budget is due to be delivered 2.30pm today.

Queensland Parliment --> http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/broadcast-chamber/live

[techblitz]

Cost of subsidising average public transport journey rising from $6.58 to $7.10 Public transport patronage forecast to fall by 1.64 million trips in 2014-15

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

3rd June 2014

Concession fares - 2014/15 Queensland Budget

Greetings,

The 2014/15 budget has the proposal to cut back concessions on public transport from 50%  to only 35%.

Fare affordability in SEQ is at crisis levels all ready.  If this goes ahead this will be devastating for those struggling to pay the fares.

Fare evasion will no doubt  continue to climb.  Many Seniors will have reduced social mobility. This will in turn impact  as increased costs on the health sector as health and well being deteriorates.

Other States and Territories of Australia do not punish those least able to afford the fares.  Queensland LNP does.

This proposed budget measure is a disaster for Queensland.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

3rd June 2014

Re: Fare ' unaffordability ' crisis worsens for SEQ public transport

Greetings,

Not addressing the fare unaffordability crisis in SEQ in tonight's budget, will no doubt be a harbinger for the end of the present government.  Nothing surer.

Fixing the fare system will actually save money.  A point that our present leaders seem to not grasp.  So be it.  Time for new leaders?

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

30th May 2014

Fare ' unaffordability ' crisis worsens for SEQ public transport

Greetings,

TransLink - Public transport performance data April 2014 is now available. See -->  http://translink.com.au/content/public-transport-performance-data

Fare ' unaffordability ' crisis worsens ' - Rail and ferry are now at the worst levels ever recorded. 

Will the Government finally find the courage and commonsense to act?  Or are they going to continue to hide behind the five year fare fail and blame the previous Government?



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

All KPIs have fallen.  See page 1  http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2014-apr-snapshot.pdf

What a sad indictment on mediocre policy.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Will the Queensland Budget address the festering fare mess of SEQ?

29th May 2014

Greetings,

In the Six month action plan of January 2013 ( http://www.thepremier.qld.gov.au/plans-and-progress/plans/assets/6-month-action-plan-jan-jun-13.pdf page 6 ) the Premier indicated that he would " Announce new fare structure for public transport in South East Queensland. "

We are still waiting.  Will there be some moves to meet this committment in the forthcoming state budget?   A failing fare system costs money.  Fixing the fare system will save money,  leads to an improved fare box recovery, gets people back onto public transport, which in turn saves more money as congestion is reduced, health care sector costs are reduced, environmental impacts lessened.

The 2013/14 Queensland Budget  increased fares yet again in 2014 by 7.5%, that is not a new fare structure.
Confirming that the free after 9 fare rort is to continue is not a new fare structure. 
( http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9502.msg127364#msg127364 )

Attempts to spin fare increases of 7.5% as a new fare structure have failed.
In a statement on the 25 October 2012 ( http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2012/10/25/affordability-up-on-lnp-fare-package ) the fare increases of 7.5% were flagged. In January 2013 the Premier then indicated that there would be a new fare structure for SEQ. Has NOT happened.

Many people now freely confess to taking extra journeys on Mondays/Tuesdays to position themselves for the ' free travel ' rort for the rest of the working week. Cashed up 'suits' can rort the system easily, a mother with a couple of children cannot afford the bus fare to the local shops. What a silly anti-public transport fare system. A system that is 'bleeding' massive amounts of money because people cannot afford to to use it, compounded by a very inefficient overall network design.

The whole accounting process for the free after nine or ten is rather nebulous at best.
For example, when convenient, the Government likes to spin the fact that the subsidy per average  trip is roughly $6 and fares $2.
So the journey to work Friday morning costs on average $8, but the journey home (assuming 10th journey reached) only costs $2 according to the spin merchants and shoddy accounting.

It is time that the correct approach is taken.  A proper fare review with a fare system that will reverse the slide at present.  Will this mess be addressed in the forthcoming state budget?

This fare box leakage is becoming massive, and is only sustainable by the massive fare increases.

Affordability is at the worst levels ever.  Patronage continues to stall.

A Government that is actually in control would act to reverse the trends of increasing subsidy, worsening affordability and stagnation in patronage.

The poor network design, particularly the Brisbane Transport network compounds the costs.  TransLink attempted to fix the network issues but were pushed aside by hysterical politics, and weak leadership.

It is time for action.  Queensland votes soon.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[dancingmongoose]

Mt Isa line up for long term lease
$1B towards Public Transport Infrastructure fund
$1B to BaT
$374M to MBRL

BUDGET 2014: BY THE NUMBERS

BIG PICTURE

Fiscal deficit of $6.1B in 2013-14 and $2.2B in 2014-15.

Aim to balance Budget by 2015-16.

Government wants to sell or lease assets to reduce accumulated debt of $80B to $55B.

This would cut interest payments from $4B to $2.7B a year.

FOR SALE

Ergon Energy retail business

SunWater industrial pipelines business

Stanwell Corportation

CS Energy

FOR LONG TERM LEASE

Integrated Port of Townsville

Mt Isa Rail Line Port of Gladstone

PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT

Powerlink Energex Ergon (excluding retail business)

ASSET SALES

The plan would net the Government $33.6B in total.

Of that, $25B to be used to pay down debt.

The remaining $8.6B to be used for infrastructure and investment.

WHERE THE NEW $8.6B WILL GO

INFRASTRUCTURE

Rural and Regional Roads fund - $1.5B

South East Queensland Roads fund - $1.5B Public Transport Rail infrastructure fund - $1B Bus and Train project - $1B

EDUCATION

Future Schools Fund - $1B

REGIONS

Rural and Regional Economic Development fund - $700M Local Government Co-Investment Fund - $500M

HEALTH

Community Hospital Fund - $300M

NATURAL DISASTERS

Future Fund - $500M

INNOVATION

Entrepreneurial and innovation fund - $500M Cultural Infrastructure fund - $100M

OTHER BUDGET MEASURES

PENSIONERS

Cuts to concessions of $54.2M in 2014-15 ($223M over four years).

Pensioners could lose 15 per cent of their concessions

INFRASTRUCTURE

Moreton Bay Rail Link - $374M

Six lanes for Centenary Motorway - $41.4M Toowoomba Second Range Crossing - $30.4M Upgrading the Warrego Highway between Toowoomba and Miles - $18.6M

POLICE

Enforcing government crackdown on criminal motorcycle gangs - $14.2M (over two years)

Second police helicopter based at Archerfield in Brisbane - $3M Legacy way speed camera system including fixed and point to point cameras - $1M (on top of $2.9 million previous year)

TRANSPORT

Road safety - $48.069M

Cost of subsidising average public transport journey rising from $6.58 to $7.10 Public transport patronage forecast to fall by 1.64 million trips in 2014-15

CHILD SAFETY

Record spend in total - $406M

77 new child safety officers

Children over 18 can access government support until they are 21 New Safe Houses

EDUCATION

Education funding increased by 7 per cent increase to $11.8B Numeracy and literacy - $131M

10 new schools

HEALTH

Health funding increased by 6.4 per cent to $13.6B Regional hospital redevelopments - $170M Loss of $44M in preventative health funding, due to Federal Budget cuts.

MINING

Royalty estimates down $626M in 14/15

LNG exports to boost economic growth to 11 year high of 6 per cent G20

Cultural program in three weeks leading up to November summit - $10M

DROUGHT RELIEF

Drought relief over two years - $62M

Community resilience building strategies - $3.9M Expanding mental health support services - $1.45M Fee and rental relief - $3.9M

[Derwan]

Cost of subsidising average public transport journey rising from $6.58 to $7.10. Public transport patronage forecast to fall by 1.64 million trips in 2014-15.

Could this be signalling the introduction of a new fare structure?

Why are they predicting patronage to fall???

Edit: Actually it's probably because they won't be introducing the new fare structure until just before the election - so expect patronage to continue falling until then.

[ozbob]

http://www.budget.qld.gov.au/current-budget/budget-papers/concessions-statement.php

[ozbob]

http://cotaqld.org.au/2014/06/435000-aged-pensioners-worse-off-after-queensland-budget/

435,000 aged pensioners worse off after Queensland Budget

3rd of June 2014

MEDIA RELEASE – COTA Queensland

Over 435,000 aged pensioners will be worse off under the 2014-15 Queensland Budget, unless the Australian Government reinstates its funding contribution for pensioner concessions on energy, rates, and transport. This funding cut will affect not only older people but also veterans, people with disability, carers, and single parents.

Mark Tucker-Evans, Chief Executive of COTA Queensland, has urged the Queensland Premier to continue funding for core concessions even without the Australian Government contribution.

According to the State Budget Concessions Statement 2014-15, individual concessions for electricity, gas, rates, water, car registration, and public transport fares will be reduced unless the Australian Government reinstates its National Partnership funding for concessions.

"Concessions on council rates, motor vehicle registration, energy and public transport are vital to Queensland pensioners – and have been a significant part of the social safety net since the Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card was introduced 20 years ago.

"Concessions on rates, energy and water help older people stay at home longer – this is an overall benefit to the aged care system. Concessions on motor vehicle and public transport help older people stay connected to their communities – this is an overall benefit to the health system.

"The unravelling of these concession arrangements is a failure of Federation," said Mr Tucker-Evans.

"I would encourage Queensland's 12 Senators, regardless of their political affiliation, to work together to reinstate Australian Government funding to Queensland of $54.2 million in the 2014-15 budget."


3 June 2014
- See more at: http://cotaqld.org.au/2014/06/435000-aged-pensioners-worse-off-after-queensland-budget/#sthash.astIUmKl.Pt33v1IJ.dpuf

[ozbob]

Treasurer and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Tim Nicholls

Draft Plan of action: Strongest Choice now the Smartest

Treasurer Tim Nicholls today released the Government's Draft Plan of action to reduce the $80 billion state debt and $4 billion interest bill - the 'Strongest and Smartest Choice' for Queensland.

"Our Draft Plan is the strongest choice because we have always been committed to fixing the state's finances and ridding Queenslanders of the burden of $450,000 an hour interest repayments, even if there were no easy ways to do so," Mr Nicholls said.

"It is the smartest choice, because to achieve that goal we are proposing a program of asset transactions, including sales, long-term leases and an innovative proposal for private sector participation, rather than increasing taxes or reducing services that Queenslanders rely on.

"At their current value, the asset transactions proposed to reduce debt could potentially deliver proceeds of $33.6 billion, enough to return state debt to more sustainable levels and invest in vital infrastructure needed for a growing Queensland."

The assets under consideration and the proposed transaction methods are:

    Private sector investment: Electricity networks (Powerlink, Energex, Ergon Energy – excluding retail business)
    Long-term lease: Integrated Port of Townsville and Mt Isa Rail Line; Port of Gladstone
    Sale: Ergon Energy retail business; SunWater industrial pipelines business; electricity generation businesses (Stanwell Corporation, CS Energy); and other non-core business functions such as a coal mine.

Mr Nicholls said the Government's innovative private sector investment proposal will allow Government to retain 100% ownership of ordinary shares in the three electricity network businesses, but invite private sector participation via a hybrid instrument.

This would involve the private sector funding infrastructure investment in exchange for a share in the revenue streams of these entities. The Government would also retain a share of revenue.

None of the proposed transactions would take place until the Government has secured a mandate for them at the next state election.

Mr Nicholls said the Government had considered the spending and saving priorities voiced by everyday Queenslanders, as well as the advice of economic experts like the Independent Queensland Commission of Audit, as it formulated a methodical plan to reduce the $80 billion state debt.

"The recent Federal Budget also had an impact, making two of the choices available to the State Government – to significantly increase tax or reduce services – less palatable," he said.

"More than 70,000 Queenslanders gave their own feedback on the debt challenge through the Strong Choices campaign, with more than 55,000 submitting their own People's Budgets.

"The main message from Queenslanders was clear: they supported strong action to reduce the debt as a priority.

"We know everyday Queenslanders are already dealing with cost of living pressures and we will not burden them with a 'double whammy' of tax increases on top of tax increases, or reduce services that have already been made more efficient.

"Not everyone will agree with all the choices we make about how to pay for things in the future.

"But Queenslanders will know we have funding certainty, so we can invest in the things we need for a growing and ageing population, like hospitals, schools and roads."

The Draft Plan of action outlines how three-quarters of the expected proceeds from the proposed asset transactions - $25 billion – will be used to pay down the State debt to $55 billion, a level recommended as sustainable by the Independent Queensland Commission of Audit.

"The new debt level would mean Queensland's annual interest bill would drop from $4 billion to $2.7 billion," Mr Nicholls said.

"We propose to then deposit the remaining quarter of the proceeds – about $8.6 billion – in the new Strong Choices Investment Program, a suite of new infrastructure and investment funds designed to build more schools, hospitals, roads and other vital infrastructure during the next six years."

Mr Nicholls said the Strong Choices Investment Program would include:

    Rural and Regional Roads Fund, $1.5 billion
    South East Queensland Roads Fund, $1.5 billion
    Public Transport Rail Infrastructure Fund, $1 billion
    Bus and Train Project, $1 billion
    Future Schools Fund, $1 billion
    Rural and Regional Economic Development Fund, $700 million
    Local Government Co-Investment Fund, $500 million
    Future Fund (Natural Disasters), $500 million
    Entrepreneurial and Innovation Fund, $500 million
    Community Hospitals Fund, $300 million
    Cultural Infrastructure Fund, $100 million.

"I encourage all Queenslanders to read the Draft Plan of Action and to nominate projects in their towns or regions that could benefit from one of the investment funds outlined within the Strong Choices Investment Program."

The Draft Plan for Action can be read online or downloaded at www.StrongChoices.qld.gov.au.

[ENDS] 3 June 2014

[SurfRail]

[ozbob]

Twitter

Jackie Trad ‏@jackietrad 3m

0 new $ for BaT tunnel in #qldbudget - even Newman knows it's a dud! #qldpol #wrongchoices

[ozbob]

Media release 3rd June 2014

SEQ: Budget fails to address the fare failure 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 the 2014/15 State Budget has let the opportunity to fix the failed fare system slide by.  This will be very costly as subsidies increase and patronage continues to fall, with commensurate broader flow on costs to the health sector, with congestion and environmental impacts.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"In what can only be described as a serious indictment on the public transport authorities, patronage on the SEQ public transport is projected to fall and the average cost of subsidy of each trip to increase in the budget. This is perverse."


"The fact that concession fares look like also being set at 35% instead of 50% of full fares, prior to the next years fare increase, means it is only going to cost more in the longer term directly and indirectly."

"The correct thing to do is fix the fare system. Easily done. This will in turn decrease the public subsidy and see patronage climb. Very desirable outcomes.  Outcomes that will not be achieved however under this Government."

Reference:

1. http://www.budget.qld.gov.au/

Contact:

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

[SurfRail]

$1.77 zone 1 concession fare will become around a $2.35 concession fare if the 2.5% capped increases and reduction of concession discount to 35% of base fare happen at once.

Increase for non-concessions - 2.5%
Increase for concessions - around 33%

I do believe we have a winner for biggest single fare hike since TransLink ticketing commenced in mid-2004.

To apply the words of a far more competent politician than the current sinkhole could ever dream of throwing up, they are gutless spivs.

[Derwan]

So if the asset sales aren't going to fund BaT..... what is?

[techblitz]

I do believe we have a winner for biggest single fare hike since TransLink ticketing commenced in mid-2004.

Yep kind of hints it doesnt it...

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

3rd June 2014

Re: SEQ: Budget fails to address the fare failure in SEQ

Greetings,

The real effects of setting concession fares at 35% discount of full fares (presently half 50%).

Zone one go card fare $3.53  present concession $1.77.  65% of $3.53 = $2.29  add to that 2.5% increase planned for Jan 2015 than  fare = $2.35

Then $2.35 - $1.77 =  .58/1.77 = 33% fare increase.  This can only be described as savage for the least able to afford it.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Twitter

Jackie Trad ‏@jackietrad

As 2016 rail crisis looms Newman wastes another year with $0 for public transport project #wrongchoices #qldbudget http://t.co/THvK72dmWl

[ozbob]

http://nationalseniors.com.au/about-us/press-%26-media/qld-budget-treats-seniors-political-football

Qld budget treats seniors like a political football
03 Jun 2014

The Queensland Government has insulted the state's seniors in today's budget by planning to slash funding to a range of concessions, consumer lobby group for the over 50s, National Seniors Australia said.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls today handed down Queensland's 2014/15 budget, blaming a $50 million federal funding cutback (only 15% of total concession funding) across seven state-based concessions; electricity, council rates, water, gas, vehicle registration, bus and rail transport.

But the scope of the cutbacks will not be known until 1 October, leaving many of the state's most vulnerable to worry how they will pay for their basic needs once the reduced concessions start to bite, National Seniors chief executive Michael O'Neill said.

"This budget is disrespectful to older Queenslanders and shows a complete lack of understanding about what means to live on a fixed income," he said.

"Furthermore, it is insulting to then try and make older Queenslanders a political football between Brisbane and Canberra.

"These cuts will impose financial hardship on the oldest and most vulnerable who will go without to make ends meet.

"It says much about the priorities of the Newman Government that they are willing to provide additional funding toward V8 Supercars and Gold Coast theme parks at the expense of older Queenslanders."

National Seniors' research has shown that around 600,000 Queensland voters are aged 65 and over and that the proposed cuts will leave seniors hundreds of dollars out of pocket on top of recent hikes in utility costs.

"A single person receiving the full age pension of $842.80 a fortnight amounting to a little over $21,000 per annum is living frugally and today's state budget only makes life more difficult," O'Neill said.

[Fares_Fair]

Sent to all outlets:

3rd June 2014

Re: SEQ: Budget fails to address the fare failure in SEQ

Greetings,

The real effects of setting concession fares at 35% discount of full fares (presently half 50%).

Zone one go card fare $3.53  present concession $1.77.  65% of $3.53 = $2.29  add to that 2.5% increase planned for Jan 2015 than  fare = $2.35

Then $2.35 - $1.77 =  .58/1.77 = 33% fare increase.  This can only be described as savage for the least able to afford it.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Do politicians not have parents?

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Public transport fares rise under Queensland State Budget 2014, but future increases capped

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

4th June 2014

Comment: SEQ: Budget fails to address the fare failure in SEQ

Greetings,

The fundamental issue with public transport in SEQ is poor network design.  This in turn leads to high operating costs and the failed high cost fares.

The failure to support TransLink in 2013 with the proposed network changes is now coming home to roost.  Public transport users are being belted because of a failed political leadership group, previously ALP now LNP.

The present political leadership is apparently unable to make the real tough decisions and get on with it.  No, they just continue down the failed fare path with a failed fare system, rather than fixing it.

The limited data made available publicly already has the unaffordability of fares in SEQ at the worst levels ever.  Increasing fares for concession holders by over 30% is going to break them, particularly as fare increases since 2010 have been around 100% already.  This does not include the loss of periodical tickets such as daily, weekly, monthly and yearly tickets which means for some fare increases have been several hundreds of per cent.

We have reported our observations with fare evasion.  It is out of control on the network, and will probably get worse from here.  Two distinct technologies - go card and the obscenely priced paper tickets - is just making it worse for users and the authorities.

For the Minister for Transport to claim that hundreds of millions of dollars will be saved by only increasing fares 2.5% annually for the next three years is nonsense.  Because the network and fare system is in failure mode the costs of that mediocrity will swamp any notion of theoretical savings from only CPI increases or thereabout.  In fact commuters are not saving anything really but are having to pay more as taxpayers to continue to support failed political leadership.  Driving people away from public transport costs a lot more than a sound fare path.

I intend to conduct 'education' sessions for Seniors and other disadvantaged groups on the go card.  The go card is easily rorted and with the projected fare increases the only defence people will have will be to rort the system.  This in turn is going to lead to even more fare box leakage and increased fare subsidies.  Fix it?  No, lets just keeping on wandering down the path of mediocrity.

Smart jurisdictions understand that public transport (transit) delivers 300% year on year financial return of investment*.  Here in Queensland the preferred path is clearly high cost road congestion and grid lock.

It is time there was an inquiry into the failed public transport network and fare system in SEQ.

Best wishes
Robert

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

* http://www.planetizen.com/node/69020

From an individual household's perspective, public transit investments are often very cost effective. According to analysis described in our study, Raise My Taxes, Please! Evaluating Household Savings From High Quality Public Transit Service, providing high quality public transit service typically requires about $268 in annual subsidies and $108 in additional fares per capita, but reduces vehicle, parking and road costs an average of $1,040 per capita. This is more than a 300% annual financial return on investment, in addition to other benefits including congestion reductions, reduced traffic accidents, pollution emission reductions, improved mobility for non-drivers, and improved public fitness and health. Physically and economically disadvantaged people tend to enjoy particularly large savings and benefits since they rely on alternative modes and are price sensitive.

Media release 3rd June 2014

SEQ: Budget fails to address the fare failure 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 the 2014/15 State Budget has let the opportunity to fix the failed fare system slide by.  This will be very costly as subsidies increase and patronage continues to fall, with commensurate broader flow on costs to the health sector, with congestion and environmental impacts.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"In what can only be described as a serious indictment on the public transport authorities, patronage on the SEQ public transport is projected to fall and the average cost of subsidy of each trip to increase in the budget. This is perverse."

"The fact that concession fares look like also being set at 35% instead of 50% of full fares, prior to the next years fare increase, means it is only going to cost more in the longer term directly and indirectly."

"The correct thing to do is fix the fare system. Easily done. This will in turn decrease the public subsidy and see patronage climb. Very desirable outcomes.  Outcomes that will not be achieved however under this Government."

Reference:

1. http://www.budget.qld.gov.au/

Contact:

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

Sent to all outlets:

3rd June 2014

Re: SEQ: Budget fails to address the fare failure in SEQ

Greetings,

The real effects of setting concession fares at 35% discount of full fares (presently half 50%).

Zone one go card fare $3.53  present concession $1.77.  65% of $3.53 = $2.29  add to that 2.5% increase planned for Jan 2015 than  fare = $2.35

Then $2.35 - $1.77 =  .58/1.77 = 33% fare increase.  This can only be described as savage for the least able to afford it.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[#Metro]

It is good news that the fare increases are capped at CPI for the next three years, that is a significant thing. That is a significant achievement that caps off the cost explosion.

The obvious question is 'how are they paying for this' given that taxes are not going to go up?
There are a few possibilities:

- Shy away from introducing new services; This will probably hit the BCC bus network rather than trains as the NGR funding IS in the budget and train frequencies on the Caboolture line must increase as a result of Kippa Ring opening.

- Network redesign? I hope so.

- Guards off trains

- 33% cost explosion for concession fares. This will be a one off hit but interestingly, this would bring QLD PT fares concession (35 %) closer in line with TransPerth, where the discount is 40%.

I sincerely hope that these savings are not being made from "magic pudding" sources, as given their extent it would simply be a reallocation of costs rather than a true reduction. The subsidy rate is going up and the number of pax forecast is to fall - this is further empirical proof of the Death Spiral Theory.

Fixing the cost explosion on PT is actually not complicated, only two major things would have to be done to fix it up:


1. Guards off trains (and converted to train drivers) - save ~ 50% on system costs and higher frequencies will also stimulate patronage (= more revenue)

2. Contract out, redesign the BCC bus network and feed rail where appropriate, flush out duplication etc.

Do those two things and you'd have things on a sound footing.

Pity that the unemployed STILL don't get the concession fares. Getting a job sooner means getting work sooner and paying tax sooner as well, I thought this was to be encouraged. It would not be a difficult task to link the expiry of one's Centrelink card to GoCard I would imagine, given that they managed to get CityCycle and GoCard to talk to each other.

[#Metro]

In addition to my comments, the capping at CPI effectively shuts down the BCC-Translink ATM nexus, and any further increases in the bus operations costs will have to come from City Hall in the form of cuts, rate increases or both.

What is not sustainable will not be sustained.

On the seniors having their concessions reduced, my view is that concessions should be given out to people who have low incomes. From what I can see from the Seniors Card website there is no proof of financial distress requirement (happy to be corrected on this) - just age - and therefore it would not be unreasonable to limit the concession to pensioners and those in financial distress only.

Using this same principle, concessions would be better used in helping unemployed and jobseekers as they face homelessness with the current policy ideas from the Blue team. 6 months with no payment, that's nuts.

[ozbob]

http://www.qld.gov.au/seniors/legal-finance-concessions/applying-seniors-card/

There are requirements to be meet.  Rather than punishing various demographics, the correct thing to do is fix the failed public transport network and fare system.  Anything else is just aberrant nonsense.  Newman is a petty tyrant, his 'war' with Abbott being played on the most vulnerable.  What a mess.

Queensland will no longer be honouring reciprocal senior fares as well.  This means Queenslanders visiting other states will now miss out no doubt.

[ozbob]

" The subsidy rate is going up and the number of pax forecast is to fall - this is further empirical proof of the Death Spiral Theory. "

They admit failure .. 

[ozbob]

On the bright side, both Newman and Abbott governments are now terminal. 

I wouldn't be suprised to see a coalition of PUP and ALP after the next state election ..

PUP must be laughing ... 

[#Metro]

Death Spiral Theory is an effective, predictive theory accurately describing what will happen to PT and politician's responses. The fare increase in this case is happening on the concessions side. I expect there are major plans afoot to fund the rest of the 3 years at CPI.



Applying CPI as brakes will hopefully stop the process, but remember, without reform within QR (guards) and the bus network (BCC) the subsidy will continue to escalate forcing funds to come from somewhere... the numbers must add up at the end of the day, they have to.

[ozbob]

... - 33% cost explosion for concession fares. This will be a one off hit but interestingly, this would bring QLD PT fares concession (35 %) closer in line with TransPerth, where the discount is 40% ..

But the fare system for Perth is much better overall, cheaper fares with incentives for users to use the network.  Not punished as for SEQ ...