2015 fares

[ozbob]

No fare changes January 2015.

Current fare tables:

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

30th Decembere 2014

Re: SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

Greetings,

Over Christmas I had the opportunity to visit Melbourne.  During my stay there I had plenty of opportunities to travel on public transport, mainly the suburban rail (Metro) and country rail (V/Line) systems, although I managed to fit in some tram travel as well.

What is immediately apparent is the very reasonable public transport fare structure as compared to the high cost fare structure failure that is SEQ.  People are encouraged to use public transport with an equitable fare cost from the first journey. Base fare costs in SEQ are amongst the highest in the world.

Decent fares are reinforced by sound community initiatives in Victoria.  For example on Christmas Day, public transport was free in Victoria, including country rail. As we observed during the G20, transport authorities in Queensland are unable to act for the community, they simply do not understand that free travel days get people onto public transport for the longer term. No free public transport for the community on Christmas Day in SEQ, we cannot afford it is the bleat!  Rubbish, getting people out and about is an investment for the future as well as a business multiplier.  SEQ is a great case study in how not manage public transport in many respects - bus network review failure, fare system failure being stand-outs.

New Years Eve, there is free public transport in SEQ, but only from 9pm on New Year's Eve (Wednesday 31 December) until 5.30am on New Year's morning (Thursday 1 January). In Victoria Metropolitan trains, trams, buses and regional town buses will be free from 6pm on New Year's Eve until the first scheduled service on New Year's Day. This again shows how mean spirited the authorities are in SEQ.  The only reason they make free travel available for such a narrow window is that the system cannot cope otherwise, they do not grasp the bigger picture as authorities do in other jurisdictions.

2015 and the looming State Election perhaps provides the best opportunity for locking in fare reform for SEQ.  There also needs to be bus network reform for Brisbane as well.  To continue on the present fare path failure will be devastating for the community.  We need a Government that will drive real reform and rise above the spin and mediocrity that characterises much of public policy at present.

Happy New Year!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Reference:

Melbourne December 2014 http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11008.0

Media release 20th December 2014

SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

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 TransLink performance snap shot data for November 2014 has again confirmed that fare 'affordability' remains at crisis levels. Worst KPI is ' affordability ' by a huge measure.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Fares for public transport in SEQ have gone up in real terms (compound) around 83% for go card and 114% for paper single tickets during the period 2010 - January 2014 (1). A recent 5% decrease in November has only had a marginal effect. The Affordability KPI remains most unsatisfactory."

"CPI for the period 2010-2014 has gone up around 10% (2).  The sheer magnitude of the fare increases  stagnated patronage on public transport in SEQ.  Fare box revenue is also on the slide.  To continue on this failed fare path is not in the interests of anyone."

"It is then no surprise then that affordability is again the stand out failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs for November 2014 (3).

"It is a great disappointment to our members, and to many informed public transport users that rather than take the big steps to sort out the failed fare system and the network once and for all, in the shadows of the election a charade poll was put to the public - suggesting that a windfall gain from the cancelled carbon tax can be used to fund cut in fares of 5%."

"Fares on qconnect and TransLinkQLD (Cairns) urban buses are around half to a third the cost of fares in SEQ.  Service improvements would be far more important for these jurisdictions, but they were simply done over by the numbers in SEQ on the poll."

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place immediately for SEQ, rather than just a notional cut.  A fare system that drives patronage around the clock, is affordable and fair to all demographics.  The present free after nine paid journeys is easily rorted and is adding to further cost pressures for high base fares. This failed fare paradigm was introduced by the former State Government as free after 10 paid journeys in a week. The Newman Government simply carried on the basic flawed paradigm by changing it 9 paid journeys in a week as the threshold. The end result has been worsening patronage, a failed fare box and  worsening affordability overall."

"The nine and free fare paradigm is leading to massive fare box leakage and is NOT making fares affordable at all, the TransLink Affordability KPI attests to that.  It is just a massive rort and a drain on the fare box! (4)"

"We have seen fuel prices fall lately.  This in time is going to mean that more people will abandon public transport in SEQ due to the very poor anti-public transport fare system.  Road congestion will only worsen.  Road trauma costs will further exacerbate."

"Will we see some moves to sensible fare and network reform as part of the forthcoming Queensland election?"

"There are very big cost savings to be made to the economy by getting people back on public transport with a sound fare system and a truly connected network.  Fares in SEQ are amongst the worlds most expensive. Token fare cuts do very little without real reform.  Time to act decisively!"

Contact:

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

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg135186#msg135186

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

3. http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2014-Nov-snapshot.pdf  pages 1 & 14

4. 16 Jun 2014: SEQ: Flawed cost estimates for the nine and free go card rort?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10765.0

5. KPI Summary November 2014



6. KPI Affordability November 2014

[ozbob]

Been invited onto 4BC Summer Mornings with Chris Adams today, around 9.15-9.30am for a chat re fares in SEQ.

[ozbob]

Some useful data from BrizCommuter ..

--> 2014 fare reduction - fares still too high?

[ozbob]

Been invited onto 4BC Summer Mornings with Chris Adams today, around 9.15-9.30am for a chat re fares in SEQ.

Great opportunity to state the case for reform.  Hopefully will get some audio up later today.  Presently ' trapped ' at Ikea with the missus ..   

Thanks for the opportunity 4BC and Chris ... 

[ozbob]

Interview on fares on 4BC News Talk Summer Mornings with host Chris Adams and Robert Dow

Click --> here! mp3 12.5 mb

[Fares_Fair]

 

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

2nd January 2015

Re: SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

Greetings,

The stage is being set.  A failure of the Newman Government to act on the Premier's committment in the January 2013 six month action plan for a new fare structure for SEQ is coming home to roost for Queensland votes.

The fare structure for SEQ is an abysmal failure.  TransLink KPIs clearly show that, have for years. Cynical fare cuts will not do it. Fare system reform is urgently needed, as is bus network reform.

Here is an interview I did recently with host Chris Adams on 4BC Newstalk Summer Mornings on fares (31 December 2014)

Interview -->  http://backontrack.org/docs/4bc/31dec14fares.mp3

Have a great day!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

30th Decembere 2014

Re: SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

Greetings,

Over Christmas I had the opportunity to visit Melbourne.  During my stay there I had plenty of opportunities to travel on public transport, mainly the suburban rail (Metro) and country rail (V/Line) systems, although I managed to fit in some tram travel as well.

What is immediately apparent is the very reasonable public transport fare structure as compared to the high cost fare structure failure that is SEQ.  People are encouraged to use public transport with an equitable fare cost from the first journey. Base fare costs in SEQ are amongst the highest in the world.

Decent fares are reinforced by sound community initiatives in Victoria.  For example on Christmas Day, public transport was free in Victoria, including country rail. As we observed during the G20, transport authorities in Queensland are unable to act for the community, they simply do not understand that free travel days get people onto public transport for the longer term. No free public transport for the community on Christmas Day in SEQ, we cannot afford it is the bleat!  Rubbish, getting people out and about is an investment for the future as well as a business multiplier.  SEQ is a great case study in how not manage public transport in many respects - bus network review failure, fare system failure being stand-outs.

New Years Eve, there is free public transport in SEQ, but only from 9pm on New Year's Eve (Wednesday 31 December) until 5.30am on New Year's morning (Thursday 1 January). In Victoria Metropolitan trains, trams, buses and regional town buses will be free from 6pm on New Year's Eve until the first scheduled service on New Year's Day. This again shows how mean spirited the authorities are in SEQ.  The only reason they make free travel available for such a narrow window is that the system cannot cope otherwise, they do not grasp the bigger picture as authorities do in other jurisdictions.

2015 and the looming State Election perhaps provides the best opportunity for locking in fare reform for SEQ.  There also needs to be bus network reform for Brisbane as well.  To continue on the present fare path failure will be devastating for the community.  We need a Government that will drive real reform and rise above the spin and mediocrity that characterises much of public policy at present.

Happy New Year!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Reference:

Melbourne December 2014 http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11008.0

Media release 20th December 2014

SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

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 TransLink performance snap shot data for November 2014 has again confirmed that fare 'affordability' remains at crisis levels. Worst KPI is ' affordability ' by a huge measure.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Fares for public transport in SEQ have gone up in real terms (compound) around 83% for go card and 114% for paper single tickets during the period 2010 - January 2014 (1). A recent 5% decrease in November has only had a marginal effect. The Affordability KPI remains most unsatisfactory."

"CPI for the period 2010-2014 has gone up around 10% (2).  The sheer magnitude of the fare increases  stagnated patronage on public transport in SEQ.  Fare box revenue is also on the slide.  To continue on this failed fare path is not in the interests of anyone."

"It is then no surprise then that affordability is again the stand out failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs for November 2014 (3).

"It is a great disappointment to our members, and to many informed public transport users that rather than take the big steps to sort out the failed fare system and the network once and for all, in the shadows of the election a charade poll was put to the public - suggesting that a windfall gain from the cancelled carbon tax can be used to fund cut in fares of 5%."

"Fares on qconnect and TransLinkQLD (Cairns) urban buses are around half to a third the cost of fares in SEQ.  Service improvements would be far more important for these jurisdictions, but they were simply done over by the numbers in SEQ on the poll."

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place immediately for SEQ, rather than just a notional cut.  A fare system that drives patronage around the clock, is affordable and fair to all demographics.  The present free after nine paid journeys is easily rorted and is adding to further cost pressures for high base fares. This failed fare paradigm was introduced by the former State Government as free after 10 paid journeys in a week. The Newman Government simply carried on the basic flawed paradigm by changing it 9 paid journeys in a week as the threshold. The end result has been worsening patronage, a failed fare box and  worsening affordability overall."

"The nine and free fare paradigm is leading to massive fare box leakage and is NOT making fares affordable at all, the TransLink Affordability KPI attests to that.  It is just a massive rort and a drain on the fare box! (4)"

"We have seen fuel prices fall lately.  This in time is going to mean that more people will abandon public transport in SEQ due to the very poor anti-public transport fare system.  Road congestion will only worsen.  Road trauma costs will further exacerbate."

"Will we see some moves to sensible fare and network reform as part of the forthcoming Queensland election?"

"There are very big cost savings to be made to the economy by getting people back on public transport with a sound fare system and a truly connected network.  Fares in SEQ are amongst the worlds most expensive. Token fare cuts do very little without real reform.  Time to act decisively!"

Contact:

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

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg135186#msg135186

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

3. http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2014-Nov-snapshot.pdf  pages 1 & 14

4. 16 Jun 2014: SEQ: Flawed cost estimates for the nine and free go card rort?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10765.0

5. KPI Summary November 2014



6. KPI Affordability November 2014

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2015/1/5/public-transport-passengers-win-with-fare-freeze?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Media Statements
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Monday, January 05, 2015

Public transport passengers win with fare freeze

Passengers will be spared an annual public transport fare increase today following the Newman LNP Government's decision to freeze fares across Queensland in 2015.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the decision to scrap the 2.5 per cent increase due this month, coupled with last year's historic fares cut, would save passengers hundreds of dollars a year.

"This year's fare freeze, on top of last year's five per cent fare reduction, is part of our strong plan to improve the frequency, reliability and affordability of the public transport network," Mr Emerson said.

"As a result of the Newman LNP Government's decision to re-invest carbon tax savings back into public transport, families have more money to spend on the things that matter.

"The combined effect of the fare decrease and fare freeze means a regular weekday passenger travelling to work from the Gold Coast to Brisbane will be $443 per year better off.

"In regional Queensland, a regular weekday passenger in Townsville, for example, travelling four zones from Stockland Shopping Centre to Townsville City will save up to $176 a year."

Mr Emerson said the LNP was delivering on its promise to keep public transport fares as low as possible.

"We know there is still more to do, but only the LNP has a strong plan to ensure public transport is a viable option for Queenslanders ­­- while Labor has no plan and no policies," Mr Emerson said.

"While we introduced the first state-wide public transport fare cut in Queensland's history, the former Transport Minister's legacy was 15 per cent fare increases every year.

"Under the LNP, train reliability has turned around from Labor's three-year low of 86 per cent to our all-time high of 96 per cent - the best result in the country."

[ENDS] 5 January 2015

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

. @scottemerson Look what happened to the last Govt that 'froze fares' ... seriously urgent fare reform is needed, evidence is stark #qldpol

===========

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

. @scottemerson very lazy fare election strategy. You are probably consigning yourself & your Govt to history by not acting to fix #qldpol

[#Metro]

Oh my, first media release that doesn't mention Red Team. Is this because in 2010, Red Team did exactly the same thing and froze fares just before an election?

I guess though it is of low concern, will at least begin to act on one corner of the death spiral.

[ozbob]

 

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

5th January 2015

Re: SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

Greetings,

Re: Public transport passengers win with fare freeze http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2015/1/5/public-transport-passengers-win-with-fare-freeze

The last Government that froze fares (2009) was consigned to history.

A fare freeze does NOT fix the failing fare system.  What happens after the election? The system is still unaffordable and anti-public transport.  It is also prone to rorting, something that urgently needs attention.

The facts speak for themselves.  Enjoy your lunch time bus rides!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

2nd January 2015

Re: SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

Greetings,

The stage is being set.  A failure of the Newman Government to act on the Premier's committment in the January 2013 six month action plan for a new fare structure for SEQ is coming home to roost for Queensland votes.

The fare structure for SEQ is an abysmal failure.  TransLink KPIs clearly show that, have for years. Cynical fare cuts will not do it. Fare system reform is urgently needed, as is bus network reform.

Here is an interview I did recently with host Chris Adams on 4BC Newstalk Summer Mornings on fares (31 December 2014)

Interview -->  http://backontrack.org/docs/4bc/31dec14fares.mp3

Have a great day!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

30th Decembere 2014

Re: SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

Greetings,

Over Christmas I had the opportunity to visit Melbourne.  During my stay there I had plenty of opportunities to travel on public transport, mainly the suburban rail (Metro) and country rail (V/Line) systems, although I managed to fit in some tram travel as well.

What is immediately apparent is the very reasonable public transport fare structure as compared to the high cost fare structure failure that is SEQ.  People are encouraged to use public transport with an equitable fare cost from the first journey. Base fare costs in SEQ are amongst the highest in the world.

Decent fares are reinforced by sound community initiatives in Victoria.  For example on Christmas Day, public transport was free in Victoria, including country rail. As we observed during the G20, transport authorities in Queensland are unable to act for the community, they simply do not understand that free travel days get people onto public transport for the longer term. No free public transport for the community on Christmas Day in SEQ, we cannot afford it is the bleat!  Rubbish, getting people out and about is an investment for the future as well as a business multiplier.  SEQ is a great case study in how not manage public transport in many respects - bus network review failure, fare system failure being stand-outs.

New Years Eve, there is free public transport in SEQ, but only from 9pm on New Year's Eve (Wednesday 31 December) until 5.30am on New Year's morning (Thursday 1 January). In Victoria Metropolitan trains, trams, buses and regional town buses will be free from 6pm on New Year's Eve until the first scheduled service on New Year's Day. This again shows how mean spirited the authorities are in SEQ.  The only reason they make free travel available for such a narrow window is that the system cannot cope otherwise, they do not grasp the bigger picture as authorities do in other jurisdictions.

2015 and the looming State Election perhaps provides the best opportunity for locking in fare reform for SEQ.  There also needs to be bus network reform for Brisbane as well.  To continue on the present fare path failure will be devastating for the community.  We need a Government that will drive real reform and rise above the spin and mediocrity that characterises much of public policy at present.

Happy New Year!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Reference:

Melbourne December 2014 http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11008.0

Media release 20th December 2014

SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

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 TransLink performance snap shot data for November 2014 has again confirmed that fare 'affordability' remains at crisis levels. Worst KPI is ' affordability ' by a huge measure.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Fares for public transport in SEQ have gone up in real terms (compound) around 83% for go card and 114% for paper single tickets during the period 2010 - January 2014 (1). A recent 5% decrease in November has only had a marginal effect. The Affordability KPI remains most unsatisfactory."

"CPI for the period 2010-2014 has gone up around 10% (2).  The sheer magnitude of the fare increases  stagnated patronage on public transport in SEQ.  Fare box revenue is also on the slide.  To continue on this failed fare path is not in the interests of anyone."

"It is then no surprise then that affordability is again the stand out failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs for November 2014 (3).

"It is a great disappointment to our members, and to many informed public transport users that rather than take the big steps to sort out the failed fare system and the network once and for all, in the shadows of the election a charade poll was put to the public - suggesting that a windfall gain from the cancelled carbon tax can be used to fund cut in fares of 5%."

"Fares on qconnect and TransLinkQLD (Cairns) urban buses are around half to a third the cost of fares in SEQ.  Service improvements would be far more important for these jurisdictions, but they were simply done over by the numbers in SEQ on the poll."

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place immediately for SEQ, rather than just a notional cut.  A fare system that drives patronage around the clock, is affordable and fair to all demographics.  The present free after nine paid journeys is easily rorted and is adding to further cost pressures for high base fares. This failed fare paradigm was introduced by the former State Government as free after 10 paid journeys in a week. The Newman Government simply carried on the basic flawed paradigm by changing it 9 paid journeys in a week as the threshold. The end result has been worsening patronage, a failed fare box and  worsening affordability overall."

"The nine and free fare paradigm is leading to massive fare box leakage and is NOT making fares affordable at all, the TransLink Affordability KPI attests to that.  It is just a massive rort and a drain on the fare box! (4)"

"We have seen fuel prices fall lately.  This in time is going to mean that more people will abandon public transport in SEQ due to the very poor anti-public transport fare system.  Road congestion will only worsen.  Road trauma costs will further exacerbate."

"Will we see some moves to sensible fare and network reform as part of the forthcoming Queensland election?"

"There are very big cost savings to be made to the economy by getting people back on public transport with a sound fare system and a truly connected network.  Fares in SEQ are amongst the worlds most expensive. Token fare cuts do very little without real reform.  Time to act decisively!"

Contact:

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

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg135186#msg135186

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

3. http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2014-Nov-snapshot.pdf  pages 1 & 14

4. 16 Jun 2014: SEQ: Flawed cost estimates for the nine and free go card rort?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10765.0

5. KPI Summary November 2014



6. KPI Affordability November 2014

[Stillwater]

^^ There is no need to mention the Red Team - this is a move that drips with politics.  And the electorate will see it for a cynical exercise, asking what will happen after the election.  Will the fares go up by a bigger margin next year?  Instead of root and branch reform of the fare structure, we see this stunt.  What are the long-term consequences of a falling farebox in circumstances where petrol prices are coming down and the incentive is for people to drive their cars into the city rather than pay among the highest fares in the world for public transport? 

The government should look to how other states are providing flexible and capped fares to increase patronage and reduce congestion on their roads.  Brisbane is still on target to have Los Angeles style traffic congestion, no matter how many traffic tunnels are built.  We have seen in recent days that the (financially) failed Clem7 tunnel was to have been paid for by a congestion tax, which the government of the day did not implement, fearing a voter backlash.  Maybe it is time for a government with backbone to reconsider a congestion tax and direct the additional tax to PT.

Electors would appreciate a government with vision beyond winning the upcoming state election.  Labor would do well to have a comprehensive PT strategy, including fares reform, ready to roll out and to show up a government that is fast running out of bandaids to plaster over every little squirt of blood from what has become a gaping wound.

[ozbob]

Fairfax radio news has followed up!   

Thanks for the interest ..

[ozbob]

^^ There is no need to mention the Red Team - this is a move that drips with politics.  And the electorate will see it for a cynical exercise, asking what will happen after the election.  Will the fares go up by a bigger margin next year?  Instead of root and branch reform of the fare structure, we see this stunt.  What are the long-term consequences of a falling farebox in circumstances where petrol prices are coming down and the incentive is for people to drive their cars into the city rather than pay among the highest fares in the world for public transport? 

The government should look to how other states are providing flexible and capped fares to increase patronage and reduce congestion on their roads.  Brisbane is still on target to have Los Angeles style traffic congestion, no matter how many traffic tunnels are built.  We have seen in recent days that the (financially) failed Clem7 tunnel was to have been paid for by a congestion tax, which the government of the day did not implement, fearing a voter backlash.  Maybe it is time for a government with backbone to reconsider a congestion tax and direct the additional tax to PT.

Electors would appreciate a government with vision beyond winning the upcoming state election.  Labor would do well to have a comprehensive PT strategy, including fares reform, ready to roll out and to show up a government that is fast running out of bandaids to plaster over every little squirt of blood from what has become a gaping wound.

Indeed!  Thanks for your comments ... 

[#Metro]

The problem with a congestion tax is congestion is only around for 4 hours of a weekday.

$4/day x 5 days/week x 52 weeks x ( 6 lanes Riverside expressway x 2000 pphd) divided by 1 million = $12.48 million per year.

A toll tunnel might cost $3 billion to construct, so a rough indicator of payback would be ($13 million / 3 BN) x 100 = 0.48% return per year...

Happy to be corrected in this rough model. Note that the calculation is not 'absolute'. It will be different from different perspectives -  from the gov't perspective additional peak hour buses/trains would need to be added which would necessitate the purchase of new trains and buses. I don't have the exact costs for a new train but I think the ballpark figure is somewhere around 20-30 million each. That would make the calc worse.

A politician would do the same sums but would compare for the political fallout vs benefit. Hence unlikely to be adopted anytime soon.

Some form of charging will come along no doubt, electric cars will force this change. Easy to track vehicles and times and charge accordingly a bit like mobile top ups.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

Proper fare & network reform is needed > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11160.msg150985#msg150985 ... #qldpol #farefailSEQ #qldvotes soon ...

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Queensland public transport fares frozen for 2015

The state government has frozen public transport fares across Queensland for 2015, in a move destined to be seen as an election sweetener.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson announced on Monday that a 2.5 per cent annual fare increase scheduled for January would be scrapped.

"Last year we cut fares by five per cent - that was the first time in Queensland history that we saw a state-wide cut to fares, and this year there's a freeze to fares," he said.

"We've said moving forward fares would be 2.5 per cent [annually] – that's below the CPI."

Mr Emerson said Monday to Friday commuters between Brisbane and the Gold Coast would save approximately $440 per year.

But Robert Dow from Rail Back on Track said the freeze was no substitute for full fare reform.

"This is only a stop-gap measure - it's not addressing the problems with unaffordability of the present fare system," he said.

"And it's not going to turn around patronage, particularly in the context of falling petrol prices."

Mr Dow said the current system was skewed in favour of those who could manipulate the "free travel after nine trips" initiative.

"If you can take a few lunchtime journeys you can offset your high weekly commute quite nicely," he said.

"But if you're a mother with two children trying to get the bus to the local shopping centre...it's an extremely expensive option."

Mr Dow said there were other immediate actions the government could take to provide commuters with some relief .

"They could drop zone one fares to $2.50 and adjust everything from there, and they could increase the off-peak discount to 30 per cent," he said.

"The other thing they could do is they could allow children to travel free with a fare-paying adult on weekends. We think that could greatly help with mobility and act as a business multiplier, getting people out and about."

He said a new fare system was due in 2016, and whichever party won the 2015 election would need to consult widely on how it would work.

"I think the big problem with our fares in the past is they haven't gone out and talked to the community," he said.

"The feedback we get is that people want cheap upfront fares...which have daily and perhaps weekly cap options."

[ozbob]

Been invited onto 4BC 1116 News Talk Summer Drive around 5pm this afternoon, for a chat with host Kim Mothershaw on the fare freeze.

[#Metro]

Election must be coming REAL soon. My money is on February. Seems like a real rush by the Gov't to hold it sooner rather than later. I wonder why?

[ozbob]

Been invited onto 4BC 1116 News Talk Summer Drive around 5pm this afternoon, for a chat with host Kim Mothershaw on the fare freeze.

Interview --> here! 12MB mp3

Kim reads a few SMS then interview commences ..

Thanks for the interest and opportunity Kim & 4BC 

After the interview concluded there was a talkback caller who said it cost her $30 for herself and children to go out on the train (4 stations) on the Caboolture line.  Kim was somewhat stunned ..

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

6th January 2015

Re: SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

Good morning!

Here is an interview I did with Kim Mothershaw on 4BC 1116 News Talk Summer Drive, on the ' fare freeze ' yesterday the 5th January 2015.

Interview --> http://backontrack.org/docs/4bc/4bc5jan15.mp3

Interesting that the bloggers on this article at Brisbanetimes are simply not buying the ' fare freeze ', more see it as a political stunt.  Well, that is a surprise NOT!

Queensland public transport fares frozen for 2015 > http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-public-transport-fares-frozen-for-2015-20150105-12hv6z.html

A detailed policy for proper fare and network reform will be a sure vote winner.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

5th January 2015

Re: SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

Greetings,

Re: Public transport passengers win with fare freeze http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2015/1/5/public-transport-passengers-win-with-fare-freeze

The last Government that froze fares (2009) was consigned to history.

A fare freeze does NOT fix the failing fare system.  What happens after the election? The system is still unaffordable and anti-public transport.  It is also prone to rorting, something that urgently needs attention.

The facts speak for themselves.  Enjoy your lunch time bus rides!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

2nd January 2015

Re: SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

Greetings,

The stage is being set.  A failure of the Newman Government to act on the Premier's committment in the January 2013 six month action plan for a new fare structure for SEQ is coming home to roost for Queensland votes.

The fare structure for SEQ is an abysmal failure.  TransLink KPIs clearly show that, have for years. Cynical fare cuts will not do it. Fare system reform is urgently needed, as is bus network reform.

Here is an interview I did recently with host Chris Adams on 4BC Newstalk Summer Mornings on fares (31 December 2014)

Interview -->  http://backontrack.org/docs/4bc/31dec14fares.mp3

Have a great day!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

30th Decembere 2014

Re: SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

Greetings,

Over Christmas I had the opportunity to visit Melbourne.  During my stay there I had plenty of opportunities to travel on public transport, mainly the suburban rail (Metro) and country rail (V/Line) systems, although I managed to fit in some tram travel as well.

What is immediately apparent is the very reasonable public transport fare structure as compared to the high cost fare structure failure that is SEQ.  People are encouraged to use public transport with an equitable fare cost from the first journey. Base fare costs in SEQ are amongst the highest in the world.

Decent fares are reinforced by sound community initiatives in Victoria.  For example on Christmas Day, public transport was free in Victoria, including country rail. As we observed during the G20, transport authorities in Queensland are unable to act for the community, they simply do not understand that free travel days get people onto public transport for the longer term. No free public transport for the community on Christmas Day in SEQ, we cannot afford it is the bleat!  Rubbish, getting people out and about is an investment for the future as well as a business multiplier.  SEQ is a great case study in how not manage public transport in many respects - bus network review failure, fare system failure being stand-outs.

New Years Eve, there is free public transport in SEQ, but only from 9pm on New Year's Eve (Wednesday 31 December) until 5.30am on New Year's morning (Thursday 1 January). In Victoria Metropolitan trains, trams, buses and regional town buses will be free from 6pm on New Year's Eve until the first scheduled service on New Year's Day. This again shows how mean spirited the authorities are in SEQ.  The only reason they make free travel available for such a narrow window is that the system cannot cope otherwise, they do not grasp the bigger picture as authorities do in other jurisdictions.

2015 and the looming State Election perhaps provides the best opportunity for locking in fare reform for SEQ.  There also needs to be bus network reform for Brisbane as well.  To continue on the present fare path failure will be devastating for the community.  We need a Government that will drive real reform and rise above the spin and mediocrity that characterises much of public policy at present.

Happy New Year!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Reference:

Melbourne December 2014 http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11008.0

Media release 20th December 2014

SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

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 TransLink performance snap shot data for November 2014 has again confirmed that fare 'affordability' remains at crisis levels. Worst KPI is ' affordability ' by a huge measure.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Fares for public transport in SEQ have gone up in real terms (compound) around 83% for go card and 114% for paper single tickets during the period 2010 - January 2014 (1). A recent 5% decrease in November has only had a marginal effect. The Affordability KPI remains most unsatisfactory."

"CPI for the period 2010-2014 has gone up around 10% (2).  The sheer magnitude of the fare increases  stagnated patronage on public transport in SEQ.  Fare box revenue is also on the slide.  To continue on this failed fare path is not in the interests of anyone."

"It is then no surprise then that affordability is again the stand out failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs for November 2014 (3).

"It is a great disappointment to our members, and to many informed public transport users that rather than take the big steps to sort out the failed fare system and the network once and for all, in the shadows of the election a charade poll was put to the public - suggesting that a windfall gain from the cancelled carbon tax can be used to fund cut in fares of 5%."

"Fares on qconnect and TransLinkQLD (Cairns) urban buses are around half to a third the cost of fares in SEQ.  Service improvements would be far more important for these jurisdictions, but they were simply done over by the numbers in SEQ on the poll."

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place immediately for SEQ, rather than just a notional cut.  A fare system that drives patronage around the clock, is affordable and fair to all demographics.  The present free after nine paid journeys is easily rorted and is adding to further cost pressures for high base fares. This failed fare paradigm was introduced by the former State Government as free after 10 paid journeys in a week. The Newman Government simply carried on the basic flawed paradigm by changing it 9 paid journeys in a week as the threshold. The end result has been worsening patronage, a failed fare box and  worsening affordability overall."

"The nine and free fare paradigm is leading to massive fare box leakage and is NOT making fares affordable at all, the TransLink Affordability KPI attests to that.  It is just a massive rort and a drain on the fare box! (4)"

"We have seen fuel prices fall lately.  This in time is going to mean that more people will abandon public transport in SEQ due to the very poor anti-public transport fare system.  Road congestion will only worsen.  Road trauma costs will further exacerbate."

"Will we see some moves to sensible fare and network reform as part of the forthcoming Queensland election?"

"There are very big cost savings to be made to the economy by getting people back on public transport with a sound fare system and a truly connected network.  Fares in SEQ are amongst the worlds most expensive. Token fare cuts do very little without real reform.  Time to act decisively!"

Contact:

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

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg135186#msg135186

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

3. http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2014-Nov-snapshot.pdf  pages 1 & 14

4. 16 Jun 2014: SEQ: Flawed cost estimates for the nine and free go card rort?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10765.0

5. KPI Summary November 2014



6. KPI Affordability November 2014

[ozbob]

Media release 11th January 2015

QLD Election 2015: Will the punters be hit with 20% plus fare increases after the show?

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 unaffordability of fares in SEQ must be fixed. A key to fare reform is also fixing the Brisbane bus network. Public transport in Queensland is in such a mess there also needs to be a public inquiry (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Without bus reform, there is every chance 20% plus fare increases will return to SEQ."

"In 2009, fares were frozen during an election year. The next year, fares increased by 20% for go card, 40% for paper tickets, slamming minimum wage workers, refugees and those on Centrelink payments. Escalating costs within the Brisbane City Council's bus network also saw repeated 15% fare increases year on year, destroying patronage."

"Is the 2015 election year ' fare freeze ' a harbinger of fare Armageddon and more run-away fare increases? History repeating??"

"In 2013, it was revealed on ABC Radio that Lord Mayor Graham Quirk had asked for increased funding beyond the 4% annual provision - possibly up to 21% more funding from the Queensland Government (2). Had this cost increase been passed on to passengers as more 20% plus fare increases, patronage and bus driver jobs would be threatened. Job security isn't guaranteed by government ownership; it is guaranteed by strong and growing patronage. After all, empty buses don't need drivers."

"Our own research shows inefficiencies within the Brisbane City Council Bus Network is fuelling increased fares (3, 4, 5). What will Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczcuk do to fix the root causes of the problem?"

"RAIL Back on Track calls for Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczuk to reject 20% plus fare increases. In addition, we call for full commitment to bus reform - competitive contracting and comprehensive bus network reform. Independent research by Perth's Auditor General and The University of Queensland confirm bus reform and competitive contracting is the way to go (6)."

"Objectors to bus contracting are well advised to go and ride a CityCat. If it is good enough for Brisbane City Council to contract out special event bus services to five private bus companies, and contract out the Brisbane CityCats, it is good enough for the Queensland Government to do so as well."

"The political party that offers genuine reform of rail and bus networks, together with fare reform, is the political party able to guarantee low cost and abundant public transport for all."

"We look forward to the response by Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczcuk, and swift publication of detailed transport policies on their respective websites which turn around public transport in SEQ ."

Contact:

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

References:

1. Queensland: Call for an Inquiry into Public Transport
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11184.0

2. Speed limit review - and BCC bus review handed to Translink, 04 June 2013 , 8:05 AM by Spencer Howson
http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2013/06/speed-limit-review-and-bcc-bus-review-handed-to-translink.html?site=brisbane&program=612_breakfast

3. Current BCC Bus Network -  http://tiny.cc/checkyourbus

4. New Bus Network Proposal -  http://tiny.cc/newnetwork

5. New Bus Network Survey - http://tiny.cc/busreform

6. The contracting of urban bus services – Recent Australian developments
Ian P. Wallis and David J. Bray, Research in Transportation Economics
Volume 48, December 2014, Pages 48–61.
http://doi:10.1016/j.retrec.2014.09.031

[ozbob]

Media release 24th January 2015

SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis - fare & network reform needed!

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 TransLink performance snap shot data for December 2014 has again confirmed that fare 'affordability' remains at crisis levels. Worst KPI is ' affordability ' by a huge measure. Where are the detailed policy plans to sort out this disaster from the LNP and the ALP?

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Fares for public transport in SEQ have gone up in real terms (compound) around 83% for go card and 114% for paper single tickets during the period 2010 - January 2014 (1). A recent 5% decrease in November has only had a marginal effect. The Affordability KPI remains most unsatisfactory and is a standout failure."

"CPI for the period 2010-2014 has gone up around 10% (2).  The sheer magnitude of the fare increases  stagnated and falling patronage on public transport in SEQ.  Fare box revenue is also on the slide.  To continue on this failed fare path is not in the interests of anyone."

"It is then no surprise then that affordability is again the stand out failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs for December 2014 (3).

"It is a great disappointment to our members, and to many informed public transport users that rather than take the big steps to sort out the failed fare system and the network once and for all, in the shadows of the election a charade poll was put to the public - suggesting that a windfall gain from the cancelled carbon tax can be used to fund cut in fares of 5%."

"Fares on qconnect and TransLinkQLD (Cairns) urban buses are around half to a third the cost of fares in SEQ.  Service improvements would be far more important for these jurisdictions, but they were simply done over by the numbers in SEQ on the poll."

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place immediately for SEQ, rather than just a notional cut.  A fare system that drives patronage around the clock, is affordable and fair to all demographics.  The present free after nine paid journeys is easily rorted and is adding to further cost pressures for high base fares. This failed fare paradigm was introduced by the former State Government as free after 10 paid journeys in a week. The Newman Government simply carried on the basic flawed paradigm by changing it 9 paid journeys in a week as the threshold. The end result has been worsening patronage, a failed fare box and  worsening affordability overall."

"The nine and free fare paradigm is leading to massive fare box leakage and is NOT making fares affordable at all, the TransLink Affordability KPI attests to that.  It is just a massive rort and a drain on the fare box! (4)"

"We have seen fuel prices fall lately.  This in time is going to mean that more people will abandon public transport in SEQ due to the very poor anti-public transport fare system.  Road congestion will only worsen.  Road trauma costs will further exacerbate."

"Will we see some moves to sensible fare and network reform as part of the forthcoming Queensland election?  The Greens have outlined a plan, the LNP and ALP are yet to do so."

"There are very big cost savings to be made to the economy by getting people back on public transport with a sound fare system and a truly connected network.  Fares in SEQ are amongst the worlds most expensive. Token fare cuts do very little without real reform.  Time to act decisively, SEQ votes soon!"

Contact:

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


1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg135186#msg135186

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

3. http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2014-Dec-snapshot.pdf  pages 1 & 14

4. 16 Jun 2014: SEQ: Flawed cost estimates for the nine and free go card rort?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10765.0

5. KPI Summary December2014
http://backontrack.org/images/tl/summarydec14.jpg


6. KPI Affordability December 2014
http://backontrack.org/images/tl/affordabilitydec14.jpg

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

25th January 2015

Re: SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis - fare & network reform needed!

Greetings,

It is some what disturbing that SEQ still has a failed fare system.  There can be no doubt about that, TransLink's own KPIs show that affordability is unacceptable and has been a factor in the patronage dropping off.

Related to this the very poor network design for the bus network in Brisbane.

One week to go to voting day.  The Greens have put forward a good plan for fare & network  reform.  See Lower Fares, Better Services-->  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11136.msg151843#msg151843

Labor have a one liner in a 2014 policy document. '7.62 Labor will review the public transport fare system to improve affordability in South East Queensland' --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11178.msg151090#msg151090

LNP have a vague committment " ... there's more to do " .. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11201.msg151372#msg151372

The failure of the fare system for SEQ has been obvious for years.  In fact in January 2013, the Premier Campbell Newman in the Six Month Action indicated that there would be a new fare structure for SEQ by June 2013.

"Announce new fare structure for public transport in South East Queensland." http://www.thepremier.qld.gov.au/plans-and-progress/plans/assets/6-month-action-plan-jan-jun-13.pdf  page 6

Another broken promise.

We are still waiting. A 5% fare cut (courtesy of carbon tax repeal) and not increasing fares in the face of an election is NOT a new fare structure. Increasing fares 3 times CPI instead of 6 times CPI is NOT a new fare structure.

The last time a Government pulled the fare freeze con in the shadows of an election they were eventually sent to political oblivion.

QLD Election 2015: Will the punters be hit with 20% plus fare increases after the show? http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11195.0

The public of SEQ is being treated like idiots by the LNP and ALP.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 11th January 2015

QLD Election 2015: Will the punters be hit with 20% plus fare increases after the show?

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 unaffordability of fares in SEQ must be fixed. A key to fare reform is also fixing the Brisbane bus network. Public transport in Queensland is in such a mess there also needs to be a public inquiry (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Without bus reform, there is every chance 20% plus fare increases will return to SEQ."

"In 2009, fares were frozen during an election year. The next year, fares increased by 20% for go card, 40% for paper tickets, slamming minimum wage workers, refugees and those on Centrelink payments. Escalating costs within the Brisbane City Council's bus network also saw repeated 15% fare increases year on year, destroying patronage."

"Is the 2015 election year ' fare freeze ' a harbinger of fare Armageddon and more run-away fare increases? History repeating??"

"In 2013, it was revealed on ABC Radio that Lord Mayor Graham Quirk had asked for increased funding beyond the 4% annual provision - possibly up to 21% more funding from the Queensland Government (2). Had this cost increase been passed on to passengers as more 20% plus fare increases, patronage and bus driver jobs would be threatened. Job security isn't guaranteed by government ownership; it is guaranteed by strong and growing patronage. After all, empty buses don't need drivers."

"Our own research shows inefficiencies within the Brisbane City Council Bus Network is fuelling increased fares (3, 4, 5). What will Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczcuk do to fix the root causes of the problem?"

"RAIL Back on Track calls for Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczuk to reject 20% plus fare increases. In addition, we call for full commitment to bus reform - competitive contracting and comprehensive bus network reform. Independent research by Perth's Auditor General and The University of Queensland confirm bus reform and competitive contracting is the way to go (6)."

"Objectors to bus contracting are well advised to go and ride a CityCat. If it is good enough for Brisbane City Council to contract out special event bus services to five private bus companies, and contract out the Brisbane CityCats, it is good enough for the Queensland Government to do so as well."

"The political party that offers genuine reform of rail and bus networks, together with fare reform, is the political party able to guarantee low cost and abundant public transport for all."

"We look forward to the response by Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczcuk, and swift publication of detailed transport policies on their respective websites which turn around public transport in SEQ ."

Contact:

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

References:

1. Queensland: Call for an Inquiry into Public Transport
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11184.0

2. Speed limit review - and BCC bus review handed to Translink, 04 June 2013 , 8:05 AM by Spencer Howson
http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2013/06/speed-limit-review-and-bcc-bus-review-handed-to-translink.html?site=brisbane&program=612_breakfast

3. Current BCC Bus Network -  http://tiny.cc/checkyourbus

4. New Bus Network Proposal -  http://tiny.cc/newnetwork

5. New Bus Network Survey - http://tiny.cc/busreform

6. The contracting of urban bus services – Recent Australian developments
Ian P. Wallis and David J. Bray, Research in Transportation Economics
Volume 48, December 2014, Pages 48–61.
http://doi:10.1016/j.retrec.2014.09.031

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

27th January 2015

Re: SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

Good morning!

Here is an interview I did with Kim Mothershaw on 4BC 1116 News Talk Summer Drive, on the ' fare freeze ' on the 5th January 2015.

Interview --> http://backontrack.org/docs/4bc/4bc5jan15.mp3

Interesting that the bloggers on this article at Brisbanetimes are simply not buying the ' fare freeze ', more see it as a political stunt.  Well, that is a surprise NOT!

Queensland public transport fares frozen for 2015 > http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-public-transport-fares-frozen-for-2015-20150105-12hv6z.html

A detailed policy for proper fare and network reform will be a sure vote winner.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

25th January 2015

Re: SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis - fare & network reform needed!

Greetings,

It is some what disturbing that SEQ still has a failed fare system.  There can be no doubt about that, TransLink's own KPIs show that affordability is unacceptable and has been a factor in the patronage dropping off.

Related to this the very poor network design for the bus network in Brisbane.

One week to go to voting day.  The Greens have put forward a good plan for fare & network  reform.  See Lower Fares, Better Services-->  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11136.msg151843#msg151843

Labor have a one liner in a 2014 policy document. '7.62 Labor will review the public transport fare system to improve affordability in South East Queensland' --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11178.msg151090#msg151090

LNP have a vague committment " ... there's more to do " .. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11201.msg151372#msg151372

The failure of the fare system for SEQ has been obvious for years.  In fact in January 2013, the Premier Campbell Newman in the Six Month Action indicated that there would be a new fare structure for SEQ by June 2013.

"Announce new fare structure for public transport in South East Queensland." http://www.thepremier.qld.gov.au/plans-and-progress/plans/assets/6-month-action-plan-jan-jun-13.pdf  page 6

Another broken promise.

We are still waiting. A 5% fare cut (courtesy of carbon tax repeal) and not increasing fares in the face of an election is NOT a new fare structure. Increasing fares 3 times CPI instead of 6 times CPI is NOT a new fare structure.

The last time a Government pulled the fare freeze con in the shadows of an election they were eventually sent to political oblivion.

QLD Election 2015: Will the punters be hit with 20% plus fare increases after the show? http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11195.0

The public of SEQ is being treated like idiots by the LNP and ALP.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 11th January 2015

QLD Election 2015: Will the punters be hit with 20% plus fare increases after the show?

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 unaffordability of fares in SEQ must be fixed. A key to fare reform is also fixing the Brisbane bus network. Public transport in Queensland is in such a mess there also needs to be a public inquiry (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Without bus reform, there is every chance 20% plus fare increases will return to SEQ."

"In 2009, fares were frozen during an election year. The next year, fares increased by 20% for go card, 40% for paper tickets, slamming minimum wage workers, refugees and those on Centrelink payments. Escalating costs within the Brisbane City Council's bus network also saw repeated 15% fare increases year on year, destroying patronage."

"Is the 2015 election year ' fare freeze ' a harbinger of fare Armageddon and more run-away fare increases? History repeating??"

"In 2013, it was revealed on ABC Radio that Lord Mayor Graham Quirk had asked for increased funding beyond the 4% annual provision - possibly up to 21% more funding from the Queensland Government (2). Had this cost increase been passed on to passengers as more 20% plus fare increases, patronage and bus driver jobs would be threatened. Job security isn't guaranteed by government ownership; it is guaranteed by strong and growing patronage. After all, empty buses don't need drivers."

"Our own research shows inefficiencies within the Brisbane City Council Bus Network is fuelling increased fares (3, 4, 5). What will Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczcuk do to fix the root causes of the problem?"

"RAIL Back on Track calls for Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczuk to reject 20% plus fare increases. In addition, we call for full commitment to bus reform - competitive contracting and comprehensive bus network reform. Independent research by Perth's Auditor General and The University of Queensland confirm bus reform and competitive contracting is the way to go (6)."

"Objectors to bus contracting are well advised to go and ride a CityCat. If it is good enough for Brisbane City Council to contract out special event bus services to five private bus companies, and contract out the Brisbane CityCats, it is good enough for the Queensland Government to do so as well."

"The political party that offers genuine reform of rail and bus networks, together with fare reform, is the political party able to guarantee low cost and abundant public transport for all."

"We look forward to the response by Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczcuk, and swift publication of detailed transport policies on their respective websites which turn around public transport in SEQ ."

Contact:

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

References:

1. Queensland: Call for an Inquiry into Public Transport
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11184.0

2. Speed limit review - and BCC bus review handed to Translink, 04 June 2013 , 8:05 AM by Spencer Howson
http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2013/06/speed-limit-review-and-bcc-bus-review-handed-to-translink.html?site=brisbane&program=612_breakfast

3. Current BCC Bus Network -  http://tiny.cc/checkyourbus

4. New Bus Network Proposal -  http://tiny.cc/newnetwork

5. New Bus Network Survey - http://tiny.cc/busreform

6. The contracting of urban bus services – Recent Australian developments
Ian P. Wallis and David J. Bray, Research in Transportation Economics
Volume 48, December 2014, Pages 48–61.
http://doi:10.1016/j.retrec.2014.09.031

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

14th February 2015

Fare reform for SEQ

Greetings,

RAIL Back On Track received a letter from Mr Mulherin on behalf of the ALP during the election campaign.

A copy of the letter may be viewed here > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11178.msg151987#msg151987

In this letter is detailed a commitment for fare reform:

"A future Labor government will deliver a detailed review of the fare structure.  This review will be conducted by an expert panel to establish a future fare structure that is fair, affordable, and designed to boost patronage across the network. "

The fare structure for SEQ is a disaster.  We hope that as an interim measure concession fares for the unemployed can be introduced immediately. 

Consideration should also be given to further direct fare cost relief such as increasing the off peak discount pending the review.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Media release 18th February 2015

SEQ: Fix the SEQ TransLink fares - first steps

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 Palaszczuk Government needs to move immediately to sort out the failed fare system for SEQ. Affordability is rock-bottom and community is suffering from a loss of mobility.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The ALP in their 2014 policy platform indicated that they would introduce concessions on public transport for the unemployed and sort out the unaffordability of SEQ fares (1)."

"It is time to act.  Concession fare eligibility for all Health Care Card holders could be introduced overnight.  Similarly off peak fare discount could be increased to 30%. Consideration should also be given to a further immediate fare cut in SEQ. These interim measures would then help reverse the patronage slide and buy time for a more detailed fare review as promised by Mr Tim Mulherin during the recent election campaign (2)."

"The Palaszczuk Government is concerned about jobs. Assisting the unemployed to be able to afford to use public transport would greatly assist the unemployed in seeking employment and maintaining social mobility and quality of life."

References:

1. http://www.queenslandlabor.org/wp-content/uploads/2014QldPolicyPlatform_web.pdf

2. Letter from Mr Tim Mulherin 20 January 2015 http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11178.msg151987#msg151987

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Queensland Times  Your say --> http://www.qt.com.au/news/your-say-government-should-cut-fares-unemployed/2546841/

Government should cut fares for unemployed

THE new government should consider the immediate introduction of concession public transport fares for the unemployed.

As we have constantly pointed out, every other state and territory in Australia can manage to do this, and with fare structures much more affordable than the failed fare system in south-east Queensland!

Robert Dow, Rail Back On Track, Goodna

[ozbob]

Media release 25th February 2015

SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

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 TransLink performance snap shot data for January 2015 has again confirmed that fare 'affordability' remains at crisis levels. Worst KPI is ' affordability ' by a huge measure. When will the State Government act to sort out this festering fare failure in line with election commitments?

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Fares for public transport in SEQ have gone up in real terms (compound) around 83% for go card and 114% for paper single tickets during the period 2010 - January 2014 (1). A recent 5% decrease in November 2014 has only had a marginal effect. The Affordability KPI remains the most unsatisfactory of the KPIs and is a standout failure."

"CPI for the period 2010-2014 has gone up around 10% (2).  The sheer magnitude of the fare increases  stagnated and falling patronage on public transport in SEQ.  Fare box revenue is also on the slide.  To continue on this failed fare path is not in the interests of anyone."

"It is then no surprise then that affordability is again the stand out failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs for January 2015 (3).

"It is a great disappointment to our members, and to many informed public transport users that rather than take the big steps to sort out the failed fare system and the network once and for all, in the shadows of the election a charade poll was put to the public - suggesting that a windfall gain from the cancelled carbon tax can be used to fund cut in fares of 5%."

"Fares on qconnect and TransLinkQLD (Cairns) urban buses are around half to a third the cost of fares in SEQ.  Service improvements would be far more important for these jurisdictions, but they were simply done over by the numbers in SEQ on the poll."

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place immediately for SEQ, rather than just a notional cut.  A fare system that drives patronage around the clock, is affordable and fair to all demographics.  The present free after nine paid journeys is easily rorted and is adding to further cost pressures for high base fares. This failed fare paradigm was introduced by the former Bligh State Government as free after 10 paid journeys in a week. The Newman Government simply carried on the basic flawed paradigm by changing it 9 paid journeys in a week as the threshold. The end result has been worsening patronage, a failed fare box and  worsening affordability overall."

"The nine and free fare paradigm is leading to massive fare box leakage and is NOT making fares affordable at all, the TransLink Affordability KPI attests to that.  It is just a massive rort and a drain on the fare box! (4)"

"We have seen fuel prices fall lately.  This in time is going to mean that more people will abandon public transport in SEQ due to the very poor anti-public transport fare system.  Road congestion will only worsen.  Road trauma costs will further exacerbate."

"There are very big cost savings to be made to the economy by getting people back on public transport with a sound fare system and a truly connected network.  Fares in SEQ are amongst the worlds most expensive. Token fare cuts do very little without real reform, a lesson hopefully learned by the Newman Government."

Contact:

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

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg135186#msg135186

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

3. http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2015-Jan-snapshot.pdf  pages 1 & 14
KPI Summary Jan 2015


http://backontrack.org/images/tl/summaryjan15.jpg

Affordability KPI Jan 2015


http://backontrack.org/images/tl/affordabilityjan15.jpg

4. 16 Jun 2014: SEQ: Flawed cost estimates for the nine and free go card rort?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10765.0

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

1st March 2015

Re: SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

Greetings,

Time some moves were made to sort out the mess that is the fare system for SEQ.

Labor has given commitments for reform.  Time to get cracking.  Rolling out concession fares for the unemployed and Health Care Card holders should happen immediately, this will assist the unemployed find jobs as they will be more mobile.  A measured fare review process should be commenced as soon as possible.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 25th February 2015

SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

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 TransLink performance snap shot data for January 2015 has again confirmed that fare 'affordability' remains at crisis levels. Worst KPI is ' affordability ' by a huge measure. When will the State Government act to sort out this festering fare failure in line with election commitments?

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Fares for public transport in SEQ have gone up in real terms (compound) around 83% for go card and 114% for paper single tickets during the period 2010 - January 2014 (1). A recent 5% decrease in November 2014 has only had a marginal effect. The Affordability KPI remains the most unsatisfactory of the KPIs and is a standout failure."

"CPI for the period 2010-2014 has gone up around 10% (2).  The sheer magnitude of the fare increases  stagnated and falling patronage on public transport in SEQ.  Fare box revenue is also on the slide.  To continue on this failed fare path is not in the interests of anyone."

"It is then no surprise then that affordability is again the stand out failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs for January 2015 (3).

"It is a great disappointment to our members, and to many informed public transport users that rather than take the big steps to sort out the failed fare system and the network once and for all, in the shadows of the election a charade poll was put to the public - suggesting that a windfall gain from the cancelled carbon tax can be used to fund cut in fares of 5%."

"Fares on qconnect and TransLinkQLD (Cairns) urban buses are around half to a third the cost of fares in SEQ.  Service improvements would be far more important for these jurisdictions, but they were simply done over by the numbers in SEQ on the poll."

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place immediately for SEQ, rather than just a notional cut.  A fare system that drives patronage around the clock, is affordable and fair to all demographics.  The present free after nine paid journeys is easily rorted and is adding to further cost pressures for high base fares. This failed fare paradigm was introduced by the former Bligh State Government as free after 10 paid journeys in a week. The Newman Government simply carried on the basic flawed paradigm by changing it 9 paid journeys in a week as the threshold. The end result has been worsening patronage, a failed fare box and  worsening affordability overall."

"The nine and free fare paradigm is leading to massive fare box leakage and is NOT making fares affordable at all, the TransLink Affordability KPI attests to that.  It is just a massive rort and a drain on the fare box! (4)"

"We have seen fuel prices fall lately.  This in time is going to mean that more people will abandon public transport in SEQ due to the very poor anti-public transport fare system.  Road congestion will only worsen.  Road trauma costs will further exacerbate."

"There are very big cost savings to be made to the economy by getting people back on public transport with a sound fare system and a truly connected network.  Fares in SEQ are amongst the worlds most expensive. Token fare cuts do very little without real reform, a lesson hopefully learned by the Newman Government."

Contact:

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

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg135186#msg135186

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

3. http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2015-Jan-snapshot.pdf  pages 1 & 14
KPI Summary Jan 2015


http://backontrack.org/images/tl/summaryjan15.jpg

Affordability KPI Jan 2015


http://backontrack.org/images/tl/affordabilityjan15.jpg

4. 16 Jun 2014: SEQ: Flawed cost estimates for the nine and free go card rort?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10765.0

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times published 2nd March 2015 page 21

Get on board with fare review

[ozbob]

Media release 5th March 2014

SEQ: Time for the promised fare review

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 it is time the State Government moved forward with a fare review for SEQ.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The ALP when in opposition gave a committment to conduct a review of the failed fares for SEQ  ' to establish a future fare structure that is fair, affordable, and designed to boost patronage across the network '(1)."

"The unaffordability of fares is the key failure of the TransLink Key Performance Indicators (2). There is no doubt that the previous two State Governments and TransLink have failed to deliver a fare system that is equitable, drives patronage and assists in mobilising our community."

"It is important that proper community consultation be undertaken as part of a review.  Top down implementation of anti-public transport fare structures has just resulted in a failed fare mess, and has proved very costly in real dollars and in a political sense."

References:

1. Letter from Tim Mulherin 20th January 2015
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11178.msg151987#msg151987

2. SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11294.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> Our Rolls-Royce fares for a basic public transport

Kathy Sundstrom

THE new Labor Government has promised a full review of public transport fares within the next 12 months, in the wake of a study that revealed fares in Queensland had gone up 114% in the past five years.

The increase is slightly less for go card users at 83% but public transport in Queensland remains substantially higher than in any other state.

Rail Back on Track, a community support group for rail and public transport, wrote to the new government requesting intervention, after the latest snapshot data confirmed fare affordability remained alarmingly bad.

Spokesman Robert Dow said a 5% decrease in November had had only a marginal effect.

"The sheer magnitude of the fare increases stagnated and caused falling patronage on public transport in SEQ," Mr Dow said.

"It is no surprise then that affordability is again the stand-out failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs."

Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Jackie Trad said Labor would move to address the problem.

"Within the next 12 months, we will conduct a comprehensive, expert-led review of the TransLink fare structure to establish a system that is fair, affordable, will work to improve patronage, and will deliver a sustainable fare revenue stream that will allow the network to grow," she said.

"This review will involve extensive consultation with the public, including regular commuters, infrequent travellers, leading transport experts, and key transport industry stakeholders."

Coast commuter Jeff Addison has also completed a survey on public transport fares in south-east Queensland compared to the rest of Australia and the results are staggering.

"A 5km peak journey in south-east Queensland is 97% more expensive than Perth," Mr Addison said.

"It is more expensive to use a train than a small car for up to a 40km peak journey.

"Our fares are the most expensive train fares in the world, outside of the United Kingdom and Scandinavia.

"We are also 400% more expensive than Singapore in relation to average income."

Mr Addison said the rail journey from Nambour to Brisbane could be cost effective for one person, but blew out as soon as more than one person was involved.

"For families with children, it's cost prohibitive and more beneficial to drive," Mr Addison said.

"There is no incentive for family travel as pricing is based on a single user. This is one of the unfortunate downfalls of the current system.

"To encourage people to use public transport, there has to be a cost-benefit.

"The loss of the day tripper and weekly and monthly ticket system has also had an effect," he said.

"Other states have been able to incorporate these into their smart cards (like the go card). Our state was one of the first to roll out the smart card in 2008 and now it is one of the dumbest available.

"The Opal card in New South Wales gives discounted travel for day use, ours for a set number of days (three or five) in a row.

"The daily cap on Opal is $15 across the entire network (bus, trains and ferries from as far afield as Nambour would be from Brisbane). We have no such option.

"On Sunday, travel with the Opal card is capped at $2.50.

"The whole system needs to revised and revised to make it fair so people are encouraged to use it."

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

8th March 2015

Fare review on the way ...

Greetings,

Some news on the fare review front.

An article in the Sunshine Coast Daily, viz. Our Rolls-Royce fares for a basic public transport

has reported that with respect to the failed fare structure for SEQ:

" ... Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Jackie Trad said Labor would move to address the problem.

"Within the next 12 months, we will conduct a comprehensive, expert-led review of the TransLink fare structure to establish a system that is fair, affordable, will work to improve patronage, and will deliver a sustainable fare revenue stream that will allow the network to grow," she said.

"This review will involve extensive consultation with the public, including regular commuters, infrequent travellers, leading transport experts, and key transport industry stakeholders. ..."

Well, this is very welcome news indeed. Thank you.

However in the interim, moves need to done to allow the unemployed and other Health Care Card holders access to concession fares ASAP.  Fares in SEQ are particularly unaffordable even for those in employment.

A further act of faith would be to allow children when in the company of a fare paying adult to travel free on public transport on weekends and public holidays. The lack of any basic group or family ticket means many citizens are not able to afford to use public transport in SEQ when travelling with children.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 5th March 2014

SEQ: Time for the promised fare review

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 it is time the State Government moved forward with a fare review for SEQ.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The ALP when in opposition gave a committment to conduct a review of the failed fares for SEQ  ' to establish a future fare structure that is fair, affordable, and designed to boost patronage across the network '(1)."

"The unaffordability of fares is the key failure of the TransLink Key Performance Indicators (2). There is no doubt that the previous two State Governments and TransLink have failed to deliver a fare system that is equitable, drives patronage and assists in mobilising our community."

"It is important that proper community consultation be undertaken as part of a review.  Top down implementation of anti-public transport fare structures has just resulted in a failed fare mess, and has proved very costly in real dollars and in a political sense."

References:

1. Letter from Tim Mulherin 20th January 2015
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11178.msg151987#msg151987

2. SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11294.0

Contact:

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

[Stillwater]

^ That SCD story was headlined on Page 1 with these words -- The Rip-off Express: We'd Like to Get Off Now.  The story was accompanied by a personal account by the reporter, Kathy Sundstrom, who went to Brisbane for a day out with her mum and three kids.  The family group travelled Nambour to Central Station, Central Station to Mt Coot-tha, Mt Coot-tha, to Southbank, and from there to Hamilton, back to Central, and on the train again to Nambour.  Total cost on paper tickets: $234.  Go-card would have been $193.96.

Family of five, $234, even before the cost of an ice cream and a hot dog each.

The same trip in Sydney would have cost the family $52.20 or $12.50 all-up on a Sunday.
In Perth, the family day rider (up to seven in the family) costs $11.80.
Melbourne: $100 in peak or $70 off-peak.
Adelaide: $34.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Opinion: Brisbane can't be world-class without an efficient, affordable and accessible public transport system

^ good effort this.

[ozbob]

Media release 22nd March 2015



SEQ: Time for fare action

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 it is time the State Government moved forward with a fare review for SEQ.  The implementation of concession fares for Health Care Card holders should be done immediately.  The unemployed need equitable and affordable access to public transport in Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The ALP when in opposition gave a committment to conduct a review of the failed fares for SEQ  ' to establish a future fare structure that is fair, affordable, and designed to boost patronage across the network ' (1).
The ALP have also made a committment to extend concession fares to the unemployed  ' ... will maintain public transport concessions and extend them to recipients of the Newstart allowance ' (2). "

"The unaffordability of fares is the key standout failure of the TransLink Key Performance Indicators (3). There is no doubt that the previous two State Governments and TransLink have failed to deliver a fare system that is equitable, drives patronage and assists in mobilising our community. The failure to properly sort the SEQ fares  is a very sad indictment on previous Governments."

"It is important that proper community consultation be undertaken as part of a review.  Top down implementation of anti-public transport fare structures has just resulted in a failed fare mess, and has proved very costly in real dollars and in a political sense."

References:

1. Letter from Tim Mulherin 20th January 2015
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11178.msg151987#msg151987

2. http://www.queenslandlabor.org/wp-content/uploads/2014QldPolicyPlatform_web.pdf

3. http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2015-Feb-snapshot.pdf

KPI Summary http://backontrack.org/images/tl/summaryfeb15.jpg



Affordability KPI http://backontrack.org/images/tl/affordabilityfeb15.jpg



Contact:

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