14 Mar 09: SEQ: Call for weekend family/group tickets on the TransLink network

[ozbob]

Media Release 14 Mar 2009

SEQ:  Call for weekend family/group tickets on the TransLink network

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has called for a concession family ticketing scheme to be made available on the TransLink network for weekend travel.  A family or group ticket could allow a full a paying adult to travel with up to six children under the age of 18 years in a group during weekends for free.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"NSW also has a family ticket which allows an adult travelling with more than one child only paying for themselves and the first child.  All other children travel for free (1)."

"Victoria has the Family Traveller ticket allows adults to take up to two children (aged 16 years and under) free during off-peak times.  At other times, one child can travel free and one child needs to have a valid ticket (2)."

"Western Australia has the FamilyRider ticket.  Provides unlimited all day travel for up to 7 passengers (two of whom can be standard fare passengers). The ticket is valid all day Saturday, Sunday & public holidays, and after 9.00am on weekdays during school holidays, and after 6.00pm Monday to Thursday & 3.00pm on Friday (3)."

"Some Australian Governments can see the benefits of encouraging adults and children to use public transport.  Queensland struggles to grasp the big transport picture."

"The 2009 election campaign is a great opportunity to put forward and then introduce ticketing innovation that benefits the community and the environment."

"RAIL Back On Track calls for a TransLink family/group ticket that allows an up to 6 children under 18 years of age to accompany a fare single paying adult for no charge to be made available for weekend travel on the TransLink network.  This can work as a valuable education tool as it encourages adults and children to get out on their public transport and shows them what a valuable asset it is."

References:

1.  http://www.131500.com.au/faresandpasses/tickets_family.asp
2.  http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/fares-tickets/v-line-fares-tickets/#8
3.  http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/Ticketstypes/tabid/274/Default.aspx

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

8th July 2012

Lack of family ticket arrangements public transport in Queensland

Greetings,

A tweet I noticed earlier today, sums up the struggle people are having accessing public transport.

Family trip to city cost us $35 in bus fares. There are only 5 of us. Not like we're the Duggars. And only 10km round trip! @brisbanecityqld

https://twitter.com/katelhunter/status/221854828563931136

We have attempted in the past to highlight the dismal situation on public transport in south-east Queensland for families.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2006.0

Consider these examples from interstate:

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NSW --> Family Funday Sunday

Funday FamilyEvery Sunday you can explore Sydney and surrounds with your family, without spending a lot, with our Family Funday Sunday tickets.

For $2.50 per person, your family can enjoy a fun day out with unlimited travel on Sydney's buses, trains, ferries and light rail every Sunday. The ticket will even take you to Newcastle and Wollongong!

V/Line --> Family Traveller

Allows one adult to take up to two children (aged 16 years and under) free during off-peak times. At all other times, one child can travel free and one child needs to have a valid ticket.

Perth --> FamilyRider

FamilyRider allows unlimited system-wide travel for a group of up to seven people (two of whom can be standard fare passengers) on weekends and public holidays.  Cost $9.30


FamilyRider can also be used after 6.00pm Monday to Thursday, after 3.00pm on Fridays and after 9.00am on weekdays during school holidays.
FamilyRider is available after 8.30am in zones 5 to 9 during school holidays.
FamilyRider is only available as a cash ticket on the day of travel.

Melbourne has capped myki on weekends.  $3.30 daily cap.  http://www.myki.com.au/Fares/Metro-fares


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Queensland is a transport backwater ...

Best wishes
Robert

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