Article: Changes to Go Card on track

[ozbob]

From The Satellite 23 July 2008 page 3 not online

[train_commuter]

What a load of goverment spin! 

I travel from zone 5 to zone 1 for work. I purchase a weekly ticket, which currently costs me $32.80. With this ticket I can travel unlimited for seven days ? typically I only travel Monday to Friday but every few weeks I will also travel on a Saturday or Sunday.

When ticket prices increase on August 4, the price of a weekly ticket will rise to $34.40.

Under the go-card scheme, one way ticket will cost $3.40 from August 4. If I chose to use the go card for my weekly working commute (ie 10 trips) will cost $34.40. No difference to a paper ticket. Plus for each additional trip I make (and as already mentioned I do occasionally travel by train on the weekend) I will have to pay, whereas with a paper ticket I get unlimited trips.

Where is the incentive to use the go card? Not only will it cost me more, but obviously I need to put more than a week?s worth of fares on the card to receive the ?convenience? benefit. This money is better off in my bank account earning interest.

Until the go card has a true frequent use scheme (e.g daily capping, the ability to add on weekly and monthly tickets) I refuse to purchase and use the technology. I wish everyone advocating how the go card is cheaper would either do the proper sums or report it accuractely.

[ozbob]

Welcome train_commuter!

Yes, if you track back through the threads here we have been constantly pushing for an outcome that is equitable.
Start here --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=135.msg279#msg279

Capping and off peak if added to the latest fare structure will make it truly fair for all.

This morning on 612 ABC Radio I had a short interview with Spencer Howson, during that interview I was able to highlight the need for off peak and capping.

There are many folks who are happy with the new fair as it suits their travel, but still we need the final pieces of the puzzle we agree.

Best wishes
Bob