New Fares : Articles, discussion, rants and roses ...

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Go card replaces paper tickets

Go card replaces paper tickets

Chris Garry | 1st January 2010

PUBLIC transport users returning from Christmas breaks on Monday face steep fare hikes as the Bligh Government tries to force passengers on to go cards.

Ipswich commuter Lisa Robinson is not happy about the new go card system.

PUBLIC transport users returning from Christmas breaks on Monday face steep fare hikes as the Bligh Government tries to force passengers on to go cards.

From January 4, the cost of travelling on public transport with a paper ticket will increase 40 per cent, as Queensland's TransLink system is overhauled and paper tickets are phased out.

The price increase means travelling from Ipswich to Brisbane Central, seven zones, will cost $7.30 – up from $5.20 – on a paper ticket from Monday.

But if you use a go card, the trip will cost just $5.

Robert Dow, spokesman for commuter group Rail Back on Track, said the paper ticket price hike was unfair because the go card system was riddled with problems.

"The go card system is still not up to scratch and, with the extra use from Monday, there will be a lot of annoyed customers," he said.

A go card reader at Oxley train station, on the Ipswich line, had been out of order for six days before finally being fixed earlier this week.

"There are not enough card readers at train stations and there are problems with equipment failures that really frustrate commuters," Mr Dow said.

Rail commuters spoken to by The Queensland Times expressed anger at the increase.

"I rarely catch the train so there's not much point for me buying a go card," Lisa Robinson said. "You have to pay $20 at the start for it and I don't want to spend that much."

Rosewood resident Mick Leatigaga said the go card was an excellent system.

"The go card is pretty good for me, I never have problems with it," he said. "It's a lot easier than always buying a paper ticket so I think it's good that they're getting rid of the paper tickets."

A TransLink spokesman said go card fares would be increased by 15 per cent per annum over the next three years and every cent collected from the fare changes would be pumped back into better public transport services.

[dwb]

increased by 15 per cent per annum over the next three years

but here's the thing, they are increasing paper fares by 15% + 30% (from 2010) paper singles THIS year, then Go card increases in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.... can they not count?? To me, that is actually FIVE 15% annual price rises (or at the very least 4x 15% rises on an initial 20% rise for Go card!

[ozbob]

From the Sunshine Coast Daily click here!

Go cards pushed as fares go up 40%

Go cards pushed as fares go up 40%

Alan Lander | 1st January 2010

SUNSHINE Coast public transport fares will rise on Monday by up to 40%.

But the hike will be softened if passengers switch to the go-card system, which will only rise by 20%.

The move, according to Translink, is a means to cut public transport subsidies from 75% to 70% and is the first step toward conversion to a ticket-less fare system.

Much publicity has been given to Translink's plan to give away 400,000 go cards with $10 credits on them in 2011.

But Golden Beach resident and regular bus user Muriel Bates was unimpressed to find out her fare hike.

"My fare from Zone 15 to 14 has gone up from $2.90 to $3.90," she said.

"It is unfair being forced to get a go card and if you don't you have to pay extra money.

"I begrudge the extra dollar."

Ms Bates said she was concerned for the elderly who were not necessarily up with plastic card technology.

"They will be hit for a dollar every time (they use services); it's absolutely disgraceful," she said.

A spokesman for the transport minister conceded "there was never a good time for a fares increase", but the rise was a first step in removing paper tickets from the system altogether.

"In 12 months' time we will go ticket-less," he said

"But we are doing a heap of work with seniors and school students before the change in 2011.

"While the fares are rising up to 40%, on the go card they are only going up by 20%."

The spokesman said Translink was seeking to reduce the amount of subsidy it provides for the Coast public transport system.

"It is one of the highest in the state, and Australia is one of the most subsidised in the world," he said.

The extra revenue would all be ploughed back into transport upgrades, with 301,000 more weekly seats provided.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

2 January 2010

Letter to the Editor

New public transport fares for south-east Queensland

On Monday the 4th January 2010 a new fare structure for all TransLink public transport services in south-east Queensland comes into effect.  Commuters will note there are price rises for paper tickets of around 40%, this includes daily, weekly and monthly tickets.  Go card fares are increasing around 20%, however this will position go card fares at what was the paper single fare costs in 2007.  Off peak fares will be available on the go card for the first time.

For the vast majority of public transport commuters moving to the go card is the most affordable option. Unless a commuter regularly does more than 12 journeys in a seven day period from Monday to Sunday, go card is clearly more affordable under the new fare structure than to continue to use paper tickets. All paper tickets are planned to be removed at the end of this year. Also note the Government and TransLink have flagged further annual fare price rises of 15% for the next four years.

Clearly many commuters will be surprised and possibly upset with the quantum of the fare price rises next week.  I would urge all commuters not to vent their disappointment and anger direct to station staff, bus drivers and ferry crew, but rather to elected political representatives and TransLink.  Public transport operators are only doing their job and it is not pleasant to be caught in a commuter cross-fire.

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track

[ozbob]

Media Release 3 January 2010

SEQ:  Public transport fare increases and extra services

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 the  immediate introduction of extra Citytrain  services as commuters begin to pay up to 40% more for their paper tickets or 20% more for go card daily travel from Monday 4th January 2010 (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The TransLink Customer Service Charter says in part 'At the TransLink Transit Authority we are committed to delivering a high quality customer service experience.' (2) Long suffering commuters would like some evidence of this commitment thanks."

"For commuters travelling on the Rosewood line Monday to Friday there is a service that leaves Ipswich for Rosewood at 4.38pm, the next service for Rosewood is 5.51pm!  A gap that is worse than off peak times.  How does this encourage commuters to use public transport?  This farce must be addressed forthwith."

"On the Sunshine Coast line, the PM late peak evening timetable for Nambour has trains leaving Central at 6.07pm, then 7.27pm and next service at 9.28pm.  What an abysmal third world train frequency!"

"Government and TransLink have made a big deal in trying to justify the punitive fare price increases with commitments of 301,000 additional public transport seats per week (3,4).  Commuters would like to see some evidence of this commitment.  Apart from the obvious need for extra peak and off peak services on the Caboolture and Ipswich lines and the network generally, the major gaps on Rosewood and Nambour lines must be addressed promptly, tomorrow would be nice."

References:

1.   New fare structure   http://www.translink.com.au/fares2010.php

2.   http://download.translink.com.au/about/081101_customerservicecharter.pdf

3.   http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=66877

4.   http://download.translink.com.au/ticketing/100104_fares.pdf

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[WTN]

Well said Bob.  I would expect more services from the day the fares go up, otherwise we'd be paying more for the same.

On my bus trip home yesterday afternoon, the driver was reminding every passenger who bought ticket from him what the new price on Monday will be.  When we left Wooloongabba station, the bus was very well loaded so he made an announcement that fares are going through the roof.  Most affected were paper tickets, so he gave a few examples, like a single trip from City to Garden City costs $3.40, but it will cost that much just go one stop (or zone).  He asked passengers not to take it out on the drivers because they only get payrises of 4%, not the 40% that Translink is charging beyond their control.  There were quite a few stunned passengers judging by their looks.

[O_128]

Well said Bob.  I would expect more services from the day the fares go up, otherwise we'd be paying more for the same.

On my bus trip home yesterday afternoon, the driver was reminding every passenger who bought ticket from him what the new price on Monday will be.  When we left Wooloongabba station, the bus was very well loaded so he made an announcement that fares are going through the roof.  Most affected were paper tickets, so he gave a few examples, like a single trip from City to Garden City costs $3.40, but it will cost that much just go one stop (or zone).  He asked passengers not to take it out on the drivers because they only get payrises of 4%, not the 40% that Translink is charging beyond their control.  There were quite a few stunned passengers judging by their looks.

what really annoys me is that Go Card is completely flawed. There was no reason to introduce it. Tickets involve less effort as you dont have to touch on and off, and there are weeklys and monthlys available. But of course the new "world city" must have a paperless ticketing system. So why didnt we jsut by the octopus system from Hong Kong? At least there I can also buy Fuel, Pay for parking and buy food. Now Fares are going up a disgusting 20-40% which is well above inflation. If any private company did this they would be broke. If a bank did this there would be riots.

[ozbob]

From the Gold Coast Bulletin click here!

Commuters urged to expect better

Commuters urged to expect better

Andrew MacDonald   |  January 4th, 2010

GOLD Coasters should demand better public transport after 'vicious' ticket price rises that come into effect today, says a commuter interest group.

Translink customers across southeast Queensland have been slugged 40 per cent more for paper tickets while Go Card prices will increase by 20 per cent as part of a State Government push to install the cards as the only form of ticketing by next year.

The new prices could see Gold Coasters pay more than $5400 for a year of daily travel from Varsity Lakes to Brisbane on paper tickets -- about $2190 more than they would have previously paid.

Using Go Cards, commuters could pay $3783 for a year's daily travel between Varsity Lakes and Brisbane.

The price rise will also see the price of a single paper ticket from Robina to the recently opened Varsity Lakes station rise by $1 -- from $2.40 to $3.40.

The price for two adults and two children to Brisbane Airport from Varsity Lakes with a ticket bought online after today's increase: $67.50.

Estimated price of a taxi from Brisbane Airport to Varsity Lakes Train Station: $170.

State Transport Minister Rachel Nolan has promised the additional money raised will be used to fund 301,000 more passengers seats across the southeast Queensland public transport network by July.

The spokesman for commuter advocacy group Rail Back on Track, Robert Dow, said commuters should expect better services for the higher prices.

"It is a pretty vicious price rise in one hit," he said.

"I think it is more than fair to expect some sort of enhanced service, particularly in terms of crowding on the Gold Coast line."

Elanora resident Hayley Kell studies psychology at QUT and travels to Brisbane by train three days a week during the university semester.

She spent about $20 a week on her Go Card to travel to and from Brisbane with a student concession.

"It's probably going to be closer to $25 now," she said.

"It is a bit annoying but it's still cheaper than driving."

The Go Card system involves commuters topping up their accounts online with fares deducted when the card is scanned at transit stations.

The State Government is expected to further increase public transport ticket prices by 15 per cent each year from 2011 to 2014.

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Hike in train ticket prices has commuters angry

Hike in train ticket prices has commuters angry
Article from: The Courier-Mail

John McCarthy

January 03, 2010 11:00pm

SOUTHEAST commuters will today face fare hikes of 20 to 40 per cent as part of the State Government's new transport strategy.

Commuters using a go card will pay up to 20 per cent more, while paper ticket holders will pay the higher rate to encourage people on to the automated system.

For workers travelling from Ipswich, a single journey to the city will now cost $7.30 while Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast travellers will pay $13.10. A weekly ticket for coastal commuters will jump to $104.

Paper tickets for a two-zone trip, taken by more than one-third of all passengers, will rise from $2.90 to $3.90 in January, while the rise in go card fares over the same journey would be 38¢ – from $2.32 to $2.70.

The State Government has promised to issue 400,000 free go cards loaded with $10 credit on registration to encourage take-up.

Go card users who travel between 9am and 3.30pm or after 7pm will get an automatic 10 per cent discount off the single go card fare. This discount will increase by 5 per cent each year up to a full 20 per cent off-peak discount in 2012, Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said.

The increases won't be the last pain experienced by commuters.

The Government intends to increase fares by 15 per cent a year from 2011 to 2014 to reduce subsidies on the network.

Lobby group Rail Back on Track has raised concerns over the impact of the new fare structure on high-use travellers currently using weekly or monthly paper tickets, which will be phased out.

For example, a current Queensland Rail pass for 15 zones between Brisbane and Robina costs $2990 for 12 months. But from this month a go card user travelling five days a week would be slugged $4320 a year.

Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said that moving to the go card would be the most affordable option for the majority of rail users.

"Unless a commuter regularly does more than 12 journeys in a seven-day period from Monday to Sunday, go card is clearly more affordable under the new fare structure than to continue to use paper tickets," he said. "All paper tickets are planned to be removed at the end of this year.

"Clearly many commuters will be surprised and possibly upset with the quantum of the fare price rises."

[ozbob]

Media Release 4 January 2010

SEQ:  Go day is here, more fare options 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 commuters has previously called for a number of immediate improvements to the go card ticketing system (1). From today many users will be taking up the go card as they attempt to avoid the punitive fare increases on paper tickets (2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Government and TransLink are committed to the introduction of the go card with the eventual removal of all paper tickets. The issue is then one of having to start using the go card for all commuters.  Presently around 33% of all public transport trips are on the go card, this will start to rise significantly and rapidly as the fare costs for paper impact as commuters return from holidays and resume their regular commutes."

"From today, off peak fares will be available on the go card. This is a very welcome move but in order to further drive go card uptake and maximise utilisation of public transport further fare options for the go card to include capping and periodical options are needed."

"A monthly periodical travel option for example would allow a user unrestricted travel in their zones, and if they subsequently travel outside their nominated zones normal go card fares would apply.  This is smart and seamless.  It encourages commuters to make use of public transport as first choice. This saves the community money overall as congestion is reduced, environmental impacts lessened and there is less road trauma;  reduced deaths and injury impacting on the health sector."

"A lot of users will be moving to the go card in the coming weeks and months. Community education for new go card users needs to be stepped up.  TransLink has extensive web resources on the go card, but not everyone has access to the web (3).  Information booths at key rail and bus stations are needed, as well as targeted information sessions for various community groups would be worthwhile."

"RAIL Back On Track has compiled a list of Go card survival tips for new users! This is based on user experience over the past two years and is accessible at http://backontrack.org/ "

"In view of the considerable increase in fare costs from today, community expectations for improved frequency of bus, rail and ferry services and better customer support is high and justified.  Time to GO!"

References:

1.   27 Dec 2009: SEQ: Go day looming, support and actions needed now
     http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3198.0

2.   New fare structure   http://www.translink.com.au/fares2010.php

3.   http://www.translink.com.au/go.php

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Ready to pay more for public transport?

Ready to pay more for public transport?
MARISSA CALLIGEROS
January 4, 2010 - 5:34AM

The State Government has tipped a surge in the uptake of electronic Go Cards in the new year, but Queensland's peak commuter lobby group says there are not enough card readers at busy train stations to cope with demand in 2010.

The cost of a paper ticket on public transport will rise from up to 40 per cent today in a bid to persuade public transport users to take up the electronic card. Go Card fares will increase by 20 per cent.

The Government announced in October paper tickets would cease to exist by the end of 2010 with a new fare structure beginning in January.

After the announcement the uptake of Go Cards increased 85 per cent with up to 1300 cards now sold daily.

"Many customers who haven't used a Go Card in the past are already making the switch with the number of Go Cards issued since the October announcement increasing from about 700 a day to more than 1300 a day," Translink spokesman Andrew Berkman said.

Under the new price scheme, paper tickets for a two-zone trip - currently taken by more than one-third of all passengers - will rise from $2.90 to $3.90, or 34 per cent, while the rise in Go Card fares over the same journey would only be 38 cents, from $2.32 to $2.70.

Go Card passengers who travel in off-peak times, from 9am to 3.30pm and after 7pm, will be rewarded with 10 per cent off their fares.

However there will be no worms for early bird commuters, who have not been gifted with discounts, although commuter lobby group Rail: Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said it would not deter people taking up the Go Card in the next two weeks.

But he said the State Government had failed to ensure there were enough Go Card readers at train stations at Oxley, Morayfield, Petrie, Boondall, Morningside and Caboolture to cope with increased patronage.

"When a train pulls into these stations you have a big wave of commuters who all need to touch-off with their Go Card. At some of these stations there is only one Go Card reader. People start to rush and push and shove ... this is a safety issue," Mr Dow said.

"There are already lengthy queues for people leaving these stations at peak times and basically only 30 per cent of commuters currently use a Go Card. Imagine the queues when every single commuter has a Go Card."

Mr Berkman said the Go Card system was well-placed to handle increased demand.

"The network is well placed to handle the continued increase in go card users, particularly when patronage returns to peak levels. As Go Card uptake continues TransLink will monitor and continue to assess the need for additional Go Card readers at train stations," he said.

[ozbob]

The AVVMs at Oxley have the new fares.  AVVM platform 3 Cash Only, and the AVVM on platforms 1/2 No Notes when I checked earlier this morning ...

A three zone fare Adult Single now $4.70  AVVM Platform 3 Oxley



AVVM Platforms 1/2 Oxley



Photographs R Dow 4th January 2010

[ozbob]

Interview on new fare strategy radio 4BC 4th January 2010 7.10am, Robert Dow with 4BC announcers Russell and Chris

Click --> here! MP3 8.8MB

Thanks for the interest 4BC.

[ozbob]

An interview was conducted by Coast FM ABC.  Covered much the same general ground as 4BC but with particular reference to Sunshine and Gold Coast examples.

Thanks for the interest ABC.

[Mozz]

Just listened to the 4BC version - good interview Robert, some excellent points made re benefits of gocard and how things could be improved. It was refreshing to have interviewers who also appeared to understand the topic.

[ozbob]

Thanks,  go card user guide has been updated ==> http://download.translink.com.au/go/091223_userguide.pdf

On http://www.translink.com.au/go_downloads.php

[dwb]

I travelled inbound this morning and was charged the correct new off-peak fare.

I have finished my research into how Translink could change their approach to determining fares and it can be viewed on the web or downloaded from here:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/24740277/How-TransLink-could-engage-the-community-to-produce-an-equitable-and-future-focused-fare-structure

[ozbob]

Howdy,

I have been out on bus and rail today.  Haven't had a chance yet to check my history.

Heads up, channel 10, channel nine, ABC Tv had a comment or too on our behalf.

Long live the punter!

[Jon Bryant]

One of the good things to come out of all the discussion around fares is the general public repeating over and over that public transport reduces congestion and putting more people on the roads is only going to make the situation worse.  Pitty the politicians have not made(or publically admitted to)the link between all their pet "road projects" and encouraging more poeple onto the roads/travelling further more often. 

[O_128]

Seems people are already taking to driving. Manly had alot of free spaces this morning when usually it is full

[Arnz]

Seems people are already taking to driving. Manly had alot of free spaces this morning when usually it is full

Bit too early to judge, some people are still on holiday for 1 or 2 more weeks.  I'd wait till mid January before judging on things.

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Stampede for go card engulfs TransLink

Stampede for go card engulfs TransLink
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Ursula Heger

January 05, 2010 12:00am

PUBLIC transport authorities have been swamped by inquiries after commuters were stung with fare hikes of up to 40 per cent.

TransLink received more than 1500 ticketing inquiries by 4pm yesterday – double the normal figure – after fare increases designed to encourage commuters to switch from paper tickets to go cards were introduced across the region.

The hikes increased go card fares by up to 20 per cent overnight while paper tickets cost up to 40 per cent more.

The Opposition said the rises, which mean passengers travelling with paper tickets within three zones will have to pay an extra $1.30, amounted to "fare-gouging".

Bundamba commuter Eliza Bellhouse said she had to pay about $3 more to travel from Robina to Ipswich yesterday.

"It means I have less for everything else – I budget a certain amount for transport every week because I rely on it to get to work," she said.

Benjamin Strathie said he hoped the State Government would follow through on a promise to improve public transport services.

Opposition Transport spokeswoman Fiona Simpson called the hikes "fare-gouging", and said it would force commuters back to cars.

"This is blackmail for commuters who have been using paper tickets and who have rejected the go card because of its failure rate," she said.

"(There has been) something like 70,000 complaints from commuters about this go card since it came in, and there has been more than 13,000 failures of go card readers.

"Clearly, you want to have incentives for people to use public transport, you don't want to be pricing people out of public transport and getting them back in their cars, that leads to congestion."

Deputy Premier Paul Lucas said the increases were about a "fair go" for taxpayers, with $789.2 million poured into public transport subsidies in the southeast last year.

"For every $1 put in by the fare payers, $3 is put in by the taxpayer," he said. "We have to get back to (paying) about 30 cents in the dollar (for public transport fares), 70 cents in the dollar (for taxpayers) which is what it was in 2004-05."

He said paper tickets would be phased out by year end, and fares would continue to rise in the next few years.

Since the announcement of increased ticketing last October, the number of go cards sold each day has almost doubled from 700 to 1300.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Fare's fair for Brisbane commuters: Lucas

Fare's fair for Brisbane commuters: Lucas
STEVE GRAY AND PETRINA BERRY
January 4, 2010 - 3:58PM

The Queensland government has defended new year public transport fare rises, saying it has introduced a paperless ticketing scheme where other states have failed.

The price rises, which were introduced today, add 20 per cent to the cost of travel on southeast Queensland's "go" card commuter network.

But Acting Premier Paul Lucas says the region has an electronic ticketing system "that actually works".

"Victoria's myki system, there's still problems in delivering, New South Wales has scrapped its TCard system," Mr Lucas told reporters.

"This state has the best integrated ticketing system in Australia."

Commuters persisting with paper tickets face a 40 per cent jump in the cost of bus, train and ferry travel until paper tickets are phased out later this year.

The opposition claims the increases will worsen the region's already notorious traffic congestion by forcing commuters back into their cars.

Mr Lucas said for those using go cards, commuter fares were the same as they were for paper ticket users in 2007.

He said for every dollar paid by commuters, the taxpayer subsidised $3 - a subsidy of 75 cents in the dollar - and the government aimed to reduce this to around 70 cents with price rises in coming years.

"Fair's fair, we want to get to a system where for every 30 cents you pay, the taxpayer pays 70 cents," Mr Lucas said.

Paper tickets for a one zone trip will rise from $2.40 to $3.40, meanwhile go cards for the same journey will increase by 38 cents to $2.30.

Opposition transport spokeswoman Fiona Simpson told reporters in Brisbane this would turn people away from public transport.

"This is blackmail for commuters who have been using paper tickets and who rejected the go card because of its failure rate," Ms Simpson said.

"(There have been) something like 70,000 complaints from commuters about this go card (and) there has been more than 30,000 failures of go card readers.

"To put fares up like this would see more people choose to get back into their cars, back on the roads and (create) more congestion."

About a third of all journeys, or 1.25 million weekly trips, are now taken with go cards.

The government says the fare increases will fund the expansion of the region's public transport network.

AAP

[dwb]

But some infrastructure is included in the cost of the subsidy? so the fact that they're finally building some means they want to jack up the prices? what about roads tho, they don't look for 30% recovery.

what would be a more appropriate measure is splitting operational costs from maintenance and expansion costs and aiming to achieve 70% recovery of that.... which may only be 25% of overall budget.

My two cents anyway, but we'll never know the numbers bc they haven't released any of their economic modelling, nor the fare strategy :X

[O_128]

The myki has been online for a week and has a few minor problems yet there is a multitude of fare options and much better equipment. The Go card has been around nearly 2 years and no improvements have been made. More Spin from the government as usual.

[Nightwriter]

Its amazing how many people aren't aware of the fare increase implications beyond 2010.  I've been directing a few of my colleagues to the fare table that has been released by Translink, and lets just say, there aren't many happy campers by the time they reach 2014.

The only positive note is that one will be riding her bicycle to work more often, the others are threatening to carpool into work - another few cars on the roads 

[O_128]

Its amazing how many people aren't aware of the fare increase implications beyond 2010.  I've been directing a few of my colleagues to the fare table that has been released by Translink, and lets just say, there aren't many happy campers by the time they reach 2014.

The only positive note is that one will be riding her bicycle to work more often, the others are threatening to carpool into work - another few cars on the roads 

Where is the ACCC surely this is illegal. Oil companies cant do this, supermarkets and retailers cant yet the government can raise fares and whatever else they like. This should be ringing alarm bells for many people yet all it shows is how we really are a communist country branded democratic.

[#Metro]

A long post.

Perhaps they expect huge demand in the future and also more costs associated with infrastructure etc.
The price of petrol is partly due to the OPEC cartel, and then on top of that is tarrifs/taxes/excise and local demand (Read: holidays).

Supermarkets can't do it because of competition- their opponents will undercut prices.
If they really have to they usually shrink the size of their products (i.e. Breakfast Cereal boxes shrink, bottle volumes get smaller) while holding the prices constant.

I don't know if ACCC can do anything (http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/54137).
TransLink is an Authority that represents the state, and it has a monopoly of all PT services in a network industry.
They can increase their prices. Its not anti-competitive simply because no other competitors exist.

IMHO people don't worry too much about future rises because a dollar today is more valued than a dollar in 2014 or whatever.
Although I think the price rises are reasonable (compared to the prices in Melbourne).
Given the infrastructure improvements (Nth Busway, Sth Busway, Boggo Rd Busway, INB Busway, funding for new services, station upgrades at Indro, Gold Coast, Track duplications etc) and extra services we demand (More BUZ, fast tracked projects, 15 min off peak frequency) it seems reasonable to me.

Although TL has monopoly powers over PT prices, it cannot raise ticket prices to infinity for two reasons:
(1) Public Unpopularity keeps the politicians on their toes
(But isn't TL supposed to be independent? Who set the ticket prices- Translink or TMR & The Transport Minister?)

(2)Unlike other network industries (water, gas, electricity) people can refuse to use the service
(car, carpool, bicycle, walk, not buy a ticket), which increases losses for TL if they charge too much.

[dwb]

Where is the ACCC surely this is illegal. Oil companies cant do this, supermarkets and retailers cant yet the government can raise fares and whatever else they like. This should be ringing alarm bells for many people yet all it shows is how we really are a communist country branded democratic.

Are you kidding me?? If we were a communist party we wouldn't believe in user charges and the public system wouldn't be supported through private operators under only market restrictions. You seem to be getting your ideologies mixed up.

Point is, the service has been undercosted for a long time, they are addressing this. The major problem is the method, rather than the outcome, ie it is probably quantifiable that the equity benefit of extended geographic coverage, better reliability/frequency etc is actually better (more important) than dirt cheap services... esp once you realise that the people who have the best service are most able to pay a fare more highly reflective of the cost of the service... why should the poor people be subsidising the richer?

[O_128]

Where is the ACCC surely this is illegal. Oil companies cant do this, supermarkets and retailers cant yet the government can raise fares and whatever else they like. This should be ringing alarm bells for many people yet all it shows is how we really are a communist country branded democratic.

Are you kidding me?? If we were a communist party we wouldn't believe in user charges and the public system wouldn't be supported through private operators under only market restrictions. You seem to be getting your ideologies mixed up.

Point is, the service has been undercosted for a long time, they are addressing this. The major problem is the method, rather than the outcome, ie it is probably quantifiable that the equity benefit of extended geographic coverage, better reliability/frequency etc is actually better (more important) than dirt cheap services... esp once you realise that the people who have the best service are most able to pay a fare more highly reflective of the cost of the service... why should the poor people be subsidising the richer?

When we have 15 min off peak frequencies i will be happy to pay but these fare rises seem to do little more than make sure that thousands of beuracrats within Translink arent fired.

[dwb]

When we have 15 min off peak frequencies i will be happy to pay but these fare rises seem to do little more than make sure that thousands of beuracrats within Translink arent fired.

Chicken or egg really!
What is with the bureaucrat bashing?? If the pollies don't budget it, they can't spend it. BTW the annual report shows TL doesn't really spend that much on staff.... I think there are only like 100 across the region!

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
05/01/2010

Record day for go card

The go card reached new heights yesterday with record sales indicating commuters were embracing the attractive new pricing incentives of the paperless public transport system.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said a total of 6664 go cards were issued yesterday, easily eclipsing the highest number of go cards previously distributed in one day (3212 on August 4, 2008) and well above the 1147 cards issued on the equivalent day last year (Monday, January 5, 2009).

"There were 156,668 trips taken using a go card yesterday, up 33 per cent on the first Monday of 2009," Ms Nolan said.

"Almost 50,000 go card users yesterday took advantage of the new off-peak discounts of 10 per cent being offered on the go card for first time in 2010 and more than $1 million was loaded on to go cards on a single day.

"The Call Centre (13 12 30) received 2198 ticketing-related calls and there were more than 44,000 visits to the TransLink website to midnight yesterday, with the go card 'how to' section very popular.

Ms Nolan said TransLink was well prepared to implement the new fare structure and increased use of the go card in the next 12 months, with 540,000 go cards already issued and 60 million trips take since the technology was rolled out in 2008.

"The new fare structure and the start of go card enhancements this week represent a large change to public transport in South East Queensland," Ms Nolan said.

"The rate of complaints on go card remains low at 6 complaints per 10,000 trips [0.006 per cent], demonstrating that the go card system is working well.

"We're preparing for the paperless system from the start of next year and the record day for go card yesterday suggests South-East Queenslanders are ready for this futuristic step.

"The go card is a simple system with enormous benefits in terms of efficient public transport use and the early signs are that customers are voting with their go cards."

Ms Nolan said the increase in go card uptake meant TransLink customers were also making the most of 100 new go card retailers which have signed up to the network since the introduction of the pre-loaded go card last month.

"Almost two-thirds of go cards were sold at retailers with the remainder sold at selected QR train stations, on-line or by calling 13 12 30," Ms Nolan said.

A full list of retailers and top-up options are available at www.translink.com.au.

Ms Nolan said TransLink was making it easier for people to get a go card with new retailers being added to the go card network each day.

"Another 100 retailers will be signing up in the coming months," she said.


==============================================================

[#Metro]

I commuted a long distance in 2004 and I needed a really expensive ticket to get around SEQ.
IIRC it was $21.00

Then Translink came on board and the fares went right down, even today it is $24.20/whole day.
That is a rise of only 45c/year over 7 years, and that does not take into account inflation, service upgrades or how wages have gone up either. In real terms (i.e inflation adjusted) the price is the same if not cheaper than pre-Translink.

I think people are forgetting how expensive and inconvenient things were in the bad old days of the pre-Translink era.

Since TransLink's introduction, patronage has grown faster than ever before. Since 2004, 151 million trips has been made per year[4]. Prior to the system's introduction, combined patronage for all Public Transport modes was only around 90 million trips per year[5] . This can be attributed to improved services and cheaper trips. In some cases, fares to the Brisbane CBD for passengers in areas such as Redcliffe City have decreased by as much as 60%.

The TransLink network currently consists of approximately 10 ferry routes, 10 rail lines, and 400 bus routes across the region.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TransLink_%28South_East_Queensland%29

I agree with O_128 though. 1979 Rail frequency has to give way to a 15 minute or 20 minute clockface timetable.
I hate having to look up timetables.

[O_128]

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
05/01/2010

Record day for go card

The go card reached new heights yesterday with record sales indicating commuters were embracing the attractive new pricing incentives of the paperless public transport system.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said a total of 6664 go cards were issued yesterday, easily eclipsing the highest number of go cards previously distributed in one day (3212 on August 4, 2008) and well above the 1147 cards issued on the equivalent day last year (Monday, January 5, 2009).

"There were 156,668 trips taken using a go card yesterday, up 33 per cent on the first Monday of 2009," Ms Nolan said.

"Almost 50,000 go card users yesterday took advantage of the new off-peak discounts of 10 per cent being offered on the go card for first time in 2010 and more than $1 million was loaded on to go cards on a single day.

"The Call Centre (13 12 30) received 2198 ticketing-related calls and there were more than 44,000 visits to the TransLink website to midnight yesterday, with the go card 'how to' section very popular.

Ms Nolan said TransLink was well prepared to implement the new fare structure and increased use of the go card in the next 12 months, with 540,000 go cards already issued and 60 million trips take since the technology was rolled out in 2008.

"The new fare structure and the start of go card enhancements this week represent a large change to public transport in South East Queensland," Ms Nolan said.

"The rate of complaints on go card remains low at 6 complaints per 10,000 trips [0.006 per cent], demonstrating that the go card system is working well.

"We're preparing for the paperless system from the start of next year and the record day for go card yesterday suggests South-East Queenslanders are ready for this futuristic step.

"The go card is a simple system with enormous benefits in terms of efficient public transport use and the early signs are that customers are voting with their go cards."

Ms Nolan said the increase in go card uptake meant TransLink customers were also making the most of 100 new go card retailers which have signed up to the network since the introduction of the pre-loaded go card last month.

"Almost two-thirds of go cards were sold at retailers with the remainder sold at selected QR train stations, on-line or by calling 13 12 30," Ms Nolan said.

A full list of retailers and top-up options are available at www.translink.com.au.

Ms Nolan said TransLink was making it easier for people to get a go card with new retailers being added to the go card network each day.

"Another 100 retailers will be signing up in the coming months," she said.


==============================================================

What happened to the 400000 free cards Rachel?

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Fare hike increases CBD parking demand

Fare hike increases CBD parking demand
CAMERON ATFIELD AND AMELIA BENTLEY
January 5, 2010 - 11:18AM


Parking spaces could become even harder to find in the CBD thanks to a rise in public transport costs, Queensland's peak commerce body has warned.

Public transport prices rose between 20 and 40 per cent this week, leading Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland policy general manager Nick Behrens to warn that would see more people would turn to their cars as a result of the fare hike.

"Just doing a quick snap poll with a few of our employees, they're now saying they're not going to bother with public transport - it's eight bucks to catch public transport, so they'll just bring their car in," he said.

"That's not good for the environment, it's not good for south-east Queensland's roads, it's not good for commuter times."

Mr Behrens said the availability and affordability of parking spots would become of "paramount importance" as public transport costs rose.

"When public transport costs increase it does make it more difficult and less attractive for shoppers in outer laying suburbs of Brisbane to come into the CBD to do their shopping," he said.

"If you increase the cost of public transport, you make it less attractive to use which puts further demand on already congested south-east Queensland road infrastructure."

Last year, Brisbane made the top 10 list of the world's most expensive cities to park.

The annual global Colliers International Parking Rate Survey ranked Brisbane the seventh most expensive city, behind Sydney (fifth) and ahead of Perth (ninth) based on monthly unreserved parking rates.

Brisbane was ahead of Tokyo and Zurich, but fell behind New York.

Under the new price scheme which came into effect on Monday, paper tickets for a two-zone trip rose from $2.90 to $3.90, or 34 per cent, while the rise in go-card fares over the same journey would only be 38 cents, from $2.32 to $2.70.

For coastal commuters travelling from the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, train fares hurt even more with a single journey on a paper ticket costing $14.10 a day, or $112.80 per week.

For those using a go-card for travel as far as zone 16, a single journey to the coast costs $9.70.

Commuter Katie Burley, who travels to Central from Wacol station every day said she was considering her alternatives.

"It's costing me $10.60 a day to get work on public transport," she said.

"If I could find reasonable enough priced parking, I would definitely consider driving in to work."

But with parking so expensive and frustrating traffic snarls, she said it's still cheaper to catch the train.

brisbanetimes.com.au took a look at casual parking rates in and around Brisbane's CBD and found while the rates for parking in the middle of the city add up to a nasty figure at the end of the working week, the cost of of parking lots a few blocks out of the CBD are a little better.

Depending on where commuters lived, the cost of parking could be cheaper than a train or bus fare.

[Jon Bryant]

Translink needs to start an advertising campaign to highlight the cost, safety, health, environment benefits of public transport!  To date they have been so silent on marketing these aspects!!!!

[#Metro]

I notice a small detail:

"When public transport costs increase it does make it more difficult and less attractive for shoppers in outer laying suburbs of Brisbane to come into the CBD to do their shopping," he said.

On one hand it isn't the Government's problem to guarantee people to shop at the stores this person represents.
Lowering their prices of the things they sell will fix that, and there is always the off-peak fare option as well.

The unintended side effect however is to discourage what I call "discretionary/choice trips" away from the city and towards local shops (Indooroopilly, Chermside, Garden City, Inala, Wynnum) and promote decentralisation.

Unintended side effect....

[#Metro]

Translink needs to start an advertising campaign to highlight the cost, safety, health, environment benefits of public transport!  To date they have been so silent on marketing these aspects!!!!

All trips taken on Brisbane City Council Ferries, Citycats and Buses are carbon neutral.
BCC buys credits to offset the CO2 emissions. The CNG buses are also very quiet (less noise pollution) and most of their exhaust is actually water!

[longboi]

Translink needs to start an advertising campaign to highlight the cost, safety, health, environment benefits of public transport!  To date they have been so silent on marketing these aspects!!!!

No they don't because in reality, people don't really care about that stuff (Except safety, of course).

TransLink needs to advertise what will be done with the extra funds in a way that is more specific than just "x amount of seats on buses/trains/ferries"; It's long-tem infrastructure projects and other quantifiable improvements which can be presented in a way that the average Joe Six Tooth will understand.

[#Metro]

Airtrain does advertising. IMHO it works. The crossword billboards etc are everywhere.
Tourism Queensland is a public body, it advertises.
BCC advertises through Brisbane marketing.

The Government does a lot of advertising- especially in the lead up to an election, especially "public announcements".
Pool safety, electrocution, fire ants, alcohol, speeding, road crashes and unsafe sex are all advertised.

To be fair TL did infomercial posters with the TL symbol flying into peoples' hands with the slogan "Easy to catch" circa 2004.
But that was not very creative or captivating, and it was years ago. TL does sponsor sports etc with their branding.

A good ad would appeal to the eco-sensitive and also traffic jams, snarls, pollution etc.
Maybe they should have a youtube competition. Cheap.