Ministerial Statement: go card retail network hits 360

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
13/01/2010

go card retail network hits 360

The 360th go card outlet will come on line tomorrow (Thursday) as go card patronage records continue to escalate across South East Queensland.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said an additional 55 train stations would sell go cards from tomorrow making the product available at all 123 manned train stations.

"These extra sites weren't due to come on line until March. I told TransLink to pull out all stops and I'm pleased that we've been able to deliver these early.

"In December 2009, there were already 209 outlets - plus over the phone or via the internet - selling go cards across South East Queensland and we've added over 150 more," Ms Nolan said.

"This means our smart card retail network is almost six times the size of any other state allowing it to meet demand for go cards, with 25,000 cards distributed last week and a further 9000 distributed on Monday and Tuesday this week.

"There were 227,354 trips taken across the network on Tuesday using a go card, an increase of almost 80 per cent on last year." [it was approximately 126,000 on Tuesday, January 13, 2009].

"It's been encouraging to see the way customers have been embracing the technology in large numbers."

Ms Nolan also announced that 17 new generation ticketing machines were currently being installed at busway stations and major bus interchanges across the network.

"These machines are undergoing final testing, and by the end of this month, for the first time, customers will be able to purchase an adult go card from one of these ticket machines.

"These machines will also issue paper tickets and allow customers to top up their go cards or check their travel history and balance.

"People may have already noticed the machines being installed in busway stations at Cultural Centre, Southbank, King George Square, Griffith University, Upper Mt Gravatt, Woolloongabba, Mater Hill, Buranda, RBWH and QUT Kelvin Grove, along with major interchanges at Chermside Shopping Centre and Garden City Shopping Centre, Upper Mt Gravatt.

"go cards are the most popular ticket in South East Queensland and customers will have a choice of purchasing them over the phone, over the internet, at a retail outlets, at train stations or from a ticket machine."

Ms Nolan said the helping hands staff would also continue to be stationed across the network to assist customers as they returned from their holidays, including staff at Sunshine Plaza (Maroochydore), Redbank Plaza and Bell St (Ipswich), and Pacific Fair (Gold Coast).

"We've had a lot of positive feedback from customers to our army of helping hands have moved around the network answering questions and providing feedback.

"If someone has difficulty accessing a retailer in person they can also use the website or call centre to order one."

A full list of retailers and top-up options are available at www.translink.com.au or by calling 13 12 30.

[ozbob]

"It's been encouraging to see the way customers have been embracing the technology in large numbers."

Oh dear ...  I just love spin of this quality  10 out 10!



Why this was not all in place before is a very good question is it not?

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

14th January 2010

Greetings,

The news of the ticket machines finally being positioned for the bus stations and bus interchanges to allow for go card transactions is good news, as is the sudden focus on expanding distribution outlets for the go card.   Helping hands are needed, particularly for targeted groups such as seniors and off peak travellers as well. Thank you.

There are are number of issues that remain that are essentially cost neutral but would improve the overall ticketing environment considerably.

These issues need to be addressed forthwith in our opinion.

1.   Immediate amnesty for new users - no questions refunds for two user failures.

2.   Clarification of when users can travel for free when equipment down at rail stations.  Not practical or safe to expect users to check every reader at a rail station.  We suggest change that to when the equipment is not operational on platform of departure or concourse as appropriate.  It would be a disaster if someone gets a $200 fine as the result of go card equipment failure.

3.   Introduction of a web based form, print version with free post, and a call back service for mobile users, and a free call number for others for reimbursement adjustment claims and so forth.  This would save money for everyone!

4.  A genuine commitment to further fare enhancements publicly spelt out, to include capping and periodical ticketing options.  Myki is a stand out in this regard. The fare structure for the go card must be improved.

5.  Roll out of additional go card equipment at rail stations and bus stations as needed. Already reports of queuing at rail stations.  As numbers continue to surge this will become a major constant irritant and generate bad publicity unless addressed, and addressed quickly.

6.  A commitment and real policy of failed go card equipment to be fixed same day where possible, certainly within 24 hours at the most.
Go card equipment to be clearly signed when not operational.  The message that comes up on many readers 'seek assistance' is just confusing and misleading.

7.  Introduction of much needed rail services, eg. Sunshine Coast, Ipswich Rosewood peak pm gap  More rail sweepers and bus services as well particularly on the busways.  Promises won't do it, the public needs to see immediate improvements.

8.  Immediate distribution of the free go cards promised as part of the new fare strategy.

9.  Proper information and user displays set up where folks can see the equipment that is used and practise.  Similar as the myki displays in Melbourne, but need not be as grand.   Much better customer go card education programs.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 19th January 2010 page 2

Cards are all the go

[Derwan]

The mX article contains an error.  Go Cards are now available at all manned train stations.  It originally wasn't going to happen until March.