Changed ticketing arrangements Central from 5th May and 26th May 2009

[ozbob]

http://servicechanges.translink.com.au/db/servicechange.php?id=362

Central station fare gates - effective 5 May 2009

The fare gates on the concourse level at Central station will be for go card use only from Tuesday 5 May 2009.

Paper ticket holders can still enter and exit the station via the signed areas at the Ann Street barriers on the concourse, next to the ticket window.

[ozbob]

Passed through Central this morning at around 7am.  All go gates closed and green.  Three gates for paper tickets well signed, two either side of the Anne St go card gate array, and one towards the Creek St end of the front of the concourse.  Makes sense to split the two streams. 

I think that at the moment there will be some minor delays as paper ticket holders mass during morning peak but it won't be any great hassle.

[ozbob]

Further changes possibly 26th May.

[Fares_Fair]

Gate Closures at Central Station

It may help fare evasion which is great - but it is a double edged sword for paper ticket holders
( who currently comprise approx. 70% of rail users, as reported in the media ). 

The people massing inconvenience created by putting the majority of passengers through the minority of openings cannot be overlooked and appears to be designed to slow up the
free-flowing paper-ticket holders IMHO.


Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[ozbob]

Attempts at further restricting paper at Central is madness.  At peak the % of go card users is less than 30%, probably about 25% from my observations.  What should be happening is a roll out of fares on the go card that will actively encourage uptake of the go card.  Goodness, they have had long enough.  It would also be nice to think that the go gate reliability problems are solved ...

[ozbob]

Just passed through Central,  the changes for May 26 are now public.  The paper exit towards Anne St  will be closed. Paper ticket users will be squeezed into side gates at each go card gate array.  Both streams will be mixed, and I suspect large masses will form during peaks going out.

There is a notice in todays mX and announcements by station staff.  Not sure if this is the way to GO.

Onboard IMU174,  another toilet equipped Redbank flyer.  No doubt the 4.30pm Nambour will be an EMU.  LOL

[ozbob]

Here is the notice from today's mX

Brisbane mX 18th May 2009 page 8

[ozbob]

Media Release 18 May 2009

SEQ:  More ticket barrier changes at Central highlight the failure of go card uptake

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 said the changes to the ticket barriers at Central Station from the 26th May, further restrict paper ticket holders.  About 70% of rail commuters who pass through Central station use paper tickets.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track encourages Go card use and uptake. There are many benefits for public transport in south-east Queensland if a high uptake of the Go card is gained."

"The way to get Go card uptake is to make the fare structure equal or better to the seasonal paper ticketing, and improving the administrative support for Go card users.  Add capping, off peak and incentive fares to the Go card and use will surge."

"Our members have already expressed significant reservations with the changes announced today, particularly in view of the Go card fare paralysis. Both ticketing streams, paper and Go will now be merged at all Go card gate arrays and much confusion and delay will result at the morning peak in particular as there are further restrictions on exits for paper users."

"Surely, it is now time for equitable fares for all on the Go card?  Why put paper ticket users off side?  It is bad enough coping with the constant delays and cancellations on the network, now this!"

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

The changes from 26th May are not listed in the TransLink web site as of 6.30pm 18th May.

[Fridge]

I would of thought that they would of left the GoGates as is and use the open area next to the ticket office for paper ticket holders instead of closing it. Isn't this reverting back to how it was? The only difference is that they're not leaving the wheelchair gates open.


Now thinking about it, they've spent all that time and effort to heard people into the new arrangements, what a waste of time.  For example at the gate next to Maccas there is no access for paper ticket holders - they took it away and I thought from my observations that it was operating effectively, now under these new arrangements ticket holders will use that entry again.  Looks like a farce to me.

[mufreight]

One could be excused for thinking that Translink is as a matter of policy making things as difficult as possible for those commuters who for their own convenience continue to use or prefer to use paper ticketing with the intention of forcing commuters to use the Go Card system.
The effect is to deter commuters from using public transport, this from a public authority one of the basic purposes of which is to encourage use of public transport.
One must question the real intent of the management of Translink and the integrity of the Go Card system.
Another matter for the Minister to address and hopefully resolve, good luck with this one Minister Nolan.

[ozbob]

Correspondence to the Minister  from http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=83.msg10953#msg10953

19th May 2009

Dear Minister,

The proposed changes for the ticketing barriers at Central Railway Station from 26th May next, are a slap in the face for commuters.

Presently, over 70% of the commuters who pass through Central Railway Station are using paper.  The question that should be asked is why?

The answers are clear.  The fare structure for the go card is inequitable and fails to match the integrated paper ticketing, particularly as daily, weekly and monthly options.
Patrons also note the chronic equipment failures with the go card equipment, particularly the go card gates at Central.  The red crosses are obvious to all.

It would be a lot more logical to address the fares structure for the go card, match or better the paper ticketing. Ensure that the faulty equipment is fixed. Uptake of the go card would then surge.  There is already much resentment from commuters to perverse public transport policies and practices. Why does TransLink make it difficult for commuters to use public transport?

This cattle like corralling  of paper ticket users will be perceived as nothing other than an attempt to drive go card uptake.  Serious congestion will occur at peaks.
Fix the go card and rapid uptake will occur naturally.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track

[ozbob]

Some feedback received, thanks:

"The paper exit towards Anne St  will be closed" - this is where half the people go through! And one can observe that most people going central are paper ticket holders. This is just blatantly bizarre disregard for their customer base.

[ozbob]

The May 5 notice is no longer linked on the TransLink web site. 

Maybe the new notice is being added shortly ...

[ozbob]

Both 5th May and 26th May on this page --> http://servicechanges.translink.com.au/db/servicechanges.php

Notice for 26th May  here --> http://servicechanges.translink.com.au/db/servicechange.php?id=380

Central station fare gates - effective 26 May 2009

From Tuesday 26 May 2009, there will be changes to the fare gates on the concourse level at Central station.

Paper ticket holders can enter and exit the station via the signed areas on the concourse level.

[O_128]

Considering that last year the current exit at Ann street was built in it seems pointless  now to get rid of it though i do think this is due to people able to go through here undetected. Though before these exits are limited even more the go card needs to be better than a paper ticket to be effective,

[Derwan]

The changes mean that during peak:

Edward St entrance - previously Go Card only - will now have a paper-ticket entrance/exit.
Ann St entrance (Edward St side) - previously both paper and Go Card - will remain both paper and Go Card.
Ann St entrance (Creek St side) - previously paper ticket only - will be permanently closed.
Creek St entrance - previously Go Card only - will now have a paper-ticket entrance/exit.

This means that during peak, the number of paper-ticket entrances/exits will increase from 2 to 3, albeit narrower walkways than the Ann St entrance on the Creek St side.

I dare say the changes are due to the fact that fare evaders can easily tail go card holders at unmanned go-gates.  (I saw someone do it the other day.)  The changes effectively put ticket-checkers at each system of gates.

[ozbob]

I don't think it is going to help much with the trailing.  The sheer numbers at peak will overwhelm the narrow exits.  That is our concern. 
Possibly has safety implications as well.

Far better to ramp up uptake of the Go card by better fares, then under control.  I think the paper crowd will be a bit cranky come next Tuesday ...

[dwb]

Will require both carrot and stick! The carrot needs to lead the stick tho - monthly caps are the major improvement I'm seeking.

[Fares_Fair]

Where is the explanation ?

This mucking around with the entry and exits for no published or announced reason is typical of the disregard shown to the regular commuter.

Many see it as merely an attempt to make life more difficult for the 70% majority rail commuters (i.e. paper-ticket holders) by constantly re-routing our regular entry and exit points.

Clearly this 'technique' isn't working so another method is put in in it's place.

This has the effect of hardening our resolve to remain on paper-tickets !

Train commuters do not like to be corralled or surrepticiously bullied into the 'problem' plagued GoCard system.

I saw GoCard leaflets being handed out at Central station concourse last week.
They were NOT doing a brisk trade. 

I'm certainly not going to BUY a 'problem' plagued Gocard for Rail.

If I used a Bus it would be worth paying for because I would get free rides due to the continual technical problems of on-board readers.

What a debacle this is becoming ...

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[K_Nikora]

Some interesting points raised here, may as well add my two cents...
As annoying as it would be for a paper ticket holder (which I am not, being a twice a day five days a week train commuter, I am quite the happy little go-er) I'm just as annoyed to pay my fare everyday, and watch an unlimited number of "paper ticket holders" stream through the large cattle gate enjoying a nice rought of the system. I'm extremely happy to see the crackdown and limit of space for paper tickets in the hope that we will finally see a change in fare evasion numbers. (No offence, I'm not trying to say all paper ticket holders are fare evaders, just that using a go card on directional fare gates is a good deal harder to cheat the system, would love to one day see every single station gated).
I understand the gripes about space limitations, and certainly I wouldn't want to be part of the crush during peak, but honestly, it's a bit hysterical to claim you're being forced onto the go card, when there are still three points of exit for you from a station.

[Fares_Fair]

Thank you for your comments.
It's true that the paper-ticket system is not as secure as GoCard regarding fare evasion.
It's utilisation of the gated system does make it more difficult to evade payment.

Having said that, the ticketies have only ever been on our train services once (1) with GoCard-readers,
since the non-ubiquitous (28% for Rail) GoCard was introduced over 12 months ago.

They caught many a GoCarder who had not touched on or touched off correctly,
or who had no money on the card.
Fare evasion can be rife for the GoCard also until all stations are fully gated (not just Roma and Central).
I do take your point on that.

We paper-ticket holders won't get GoCards until there are Weekly or Monthly, or 3, 6 and 12 Month capped equivalents on the GoCard. Some may never want to get one, e.g. those who don't have computer access
and don't want the hassle of checking for fines to their GoCard, or trying to get incorrect charges back in a timely manner.

It's also true that the vast majority of paper-ticket holders do not rort the system.
I also am a twice a day, five days a week commuter and I generally use a monthly ticket.
It covers me if I have to make an extra trip at lunch-time e.g.

But the facts of the matter are that over 70% of train commuters use paper-tickets,
yet we are given a vastly smaller area (according to our volume) to enter or egress the station.

I don't believe it's hysterical to cry foul over this clear disadvantage imposed upon us (the majority)
for a (minority) of Rail GoCard users.
That's my 2c worth.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[mufreight]

Typical of Translink mentality, 70% of passengers now forced to use 15% of avaliable exits from a major station, this poses an obvious actual risk to commuter safety very much contary to the QR zero risk safety policies.
This is obviously another disincentive to commuters using rail being applied by Translink, one must question the actual intent, is it to reduce the demand on rail and therfore reduce the presently urgent need for infrastructure upgrades needed to cope with the increasing numbers of rail commuters or is it a blatant attempt to remove the choice of commuters as to the form of ticketing they choose to use and to force cpmmuters to use the Go Card system with all its unresolved faults and failings.
Obviously time for Minister Nolan to consider both Translink as a flawed and failed concept and its direction and also the actions and political effect of the management and administration of Translink.
If this type of action by Translink management it will quickly become politically untenable for Minister Nolan to leave Mr Strachan and his management team to further antagonise a large proportion of commuters.

[ozbob]

I plan to go through Central this morning to see how the changes impact.

Should be fun!

[ozbob]

At Central,  plenty of QR staff in attendance directing punters.  Frequent announcements.  Slight hold ups already,  but generally flowing OK Go card promotion under way LOL.

[ozbob]

As more punters come through starting to pack up a bit.  Seems odd that we (taxpayers)  fork out millions of dollars for a ticketing system that can improve the efficiency of public transport overall but rather then lead with positive change we see the attempts to make it difficult for paper users.  Roll out decent fares and use of the go card will surge!

Good to see TL promoting the Go card!  LOL Bit of a captive audience so to speak   

[ozbob]

When the waves of punters are surging through there is no way that anyone can really check tickets properly, also they cannot guard against trailing at the go gates. large number of staff present at the moment will not be able to be maintained each day.  Better to get everyone on to the go card. Packing up at Anne St gates,  better at sides (to be expected as new exit for paper).  The big difference between number of paper versus number of Go card users very very obvious!

[ozbob]

Suggest need a special entry/exit for disabled users and those with luggage during peaks.

Three trains about to arrive at once,  this should be interesting, the peak!

[mufreight]

No doubt this latest calamity created by Translink will be closely observed by QR Passenger and hopefully also by the Ministers office,
Be a good time for the Minister to do an unanounced trip into Central with a paper ticket in the middle of the peak.

[ozbob]

Summary:  Good job QRCitytrain, plenty of proactive assistance.  Only suggestion have a special exit/entry for disabled & patrons with bags?

TransLink,  time to move forward with the go card.  Fares and support!!

[Fares_Fair]

The changed Gate arrangements are all but amusing (and without explanation, as always) !

I passed throught Central Station this morning through the single gated (Ann St side)
Creek Street  exit.
They were offering out GoCard pamphlets to us just before we passed through the single lane egress. They were not having a good uptake (I saw none taken).

They need better egress for luggage holders and the disabled as Bob has mentioned.

We paper-ticket holders won't get GoCards until there are Weekly or Monthly,
or 3, 6 and 12 Month capped (discounted) equivalents on the GoCard.
Off-Peak discounts are also required.

Maybe if they handed out free GoCards it could help uptake.
But we certainly will not pay extra just for the hassle of the above.

For us (the 70% majority paper-ticket holders) changing gated exits only hardens our resolve.
GET THE FARES FAIR.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[Tavt]

Quick correction Fares: go card... Lower case and two words.
Also, if no one else noticed, the go girls were actually handing out the passenger alert notices at 7am (I took one, but yes it does have a go card flyer on the back, but the girl who handed me mine was calling out "information on the fare gate changes") and towards 8am (when I passed through a second time) were also directing passengers verbally to the gates they could use.
I enjoyed seeing both translink and QR customer service staff working together for a change (as I was told recently at the Ipswich Show, the go card promoters are actually translink staff, and there were a million QR lanyards floating around this morning!). At the end of the day that's what it comes down to for me, paper ticket or go card, we all enjoy friendly staff and good customer service! It may have taken me a little longer to amble out the gates today, but I'll bet there'll be a few platform 2 punters happy to be able to exit through the edward st side of the station now.

[O_128]

well from the outside it just makes central look even uglier than usual surely a full upgrade will be soon?

[ozbob]

Presently at Central,  opposite Anne St front array.  Light pax at the moment, a lot less staff than day one, but I expect things have settled down.

Not sure what can be done for a special entry/exit during the peak.  Maybe gate where the paper only exit/entry was.

Announcements of changed arrangements now and again.

[ozbob]

Still at Central,  overall  things seem to go OK.  Be interesting to watch if and when 90% of punters are on the Go!

[ozbob]

At Central,  having a look at proceedings ...  everything much the same.  No gate failures noted.