Article: TransLink GoCard finally launched

[ozbob]

From Brisbane mX via Courier Mail click here!

TransLink GoCard finally launched

TransLink GoCard finally launched
Article from: MX

Julia Phipps

January 29, 2008 05:00pm

COMMUTERS began using GoCards on public transport this morning, nine years after the scheme was first announced by the State Government.

TransLink staff were handing out the cards with instruction leaflets and answering questions from commuters at Caboolture and Sandgate train stations.

The cards are used instead of paper tickets and are topped up with cash at ticket machines and at www.translink.com.au.

TransLink general manager Luke Franzmann said the rollout followed a trial. "The pilot was for 1200 people, but today it's making it available to all of the general public in those regions (Sunshine Coast, Caboolture, Pine Rivers and Redcliffe)," he said. The website became live last night.

Mr Franzmann said while all passengers on the network could pick up the credit-card-sized micro-chipped device from staff and use it, he encouraged only people within the northern regions to take part until it was fully rolled out.

The card integrates tickets for trains, buses and ferries and allows travellers to touch ontouch off to pay for their travel.

Phone 13 12 30 for GoCards or visit translink.com.au/go or 7Eleven stores at Caloundra, Noosaville, Mooloolaba, Redcliffe and Morayfield.

The cards should be rolled out throughout the city transport network by the end of May.

Blog on article going here!

[ozbob]

Comment submitted to C-M blogg:

As can be noted on this blogg so far, there is real concern with the apparent back door attempt to increase fares.
What worries me is that many folks won't realise that they will be paying a lot more if they use the card until after their hard dollars start to disappear.  This is anti-public transport and is a sham.

The FU (frequent user) scheme is overly complicated and is very expensive relative to present ticketing options.

The fare scheme on the Go Card should be single fares less 20%, with daily fare caps and weekly/monthly fare limits.  If it was structured this way it would be revenue neutral and cost neutral for all including those who have previously used the 10 tripper tickets and actually provide an incentive for uptake. The Melbourne Smart card - myki will be doing that. Other smart cards do that too.  For example the Perth Smartrider offers 15 to 25% relative to the cash fares on all journeys, with a daily fare cap.  Not our Go Card, whack whack whack ...

If the card was not a ripoff uptake of the card would be universal the public transport system would then reap the benefits of a high use electronic ticketing system.

After all the public is paying in advance with a Go Card and should receive the benefit of the ticket cost savings that will accumulate.

The implementation and roll out of the card process has only given token consideration to feedback and suggestions from the community.  It is time the Government and Translink listened to the public and put in place a fair fare structure.

Many of the pilot participants have also vented their frustration at the refusal of Translink to take on board their constructive suggestions.

The end result is a flawed product from a users point of view.