My Go Card trial

[ozbob]

Caught the 204 bus this morning from Buranda to Mater Hill.

No problems touching on.

Touching off was bit tricky as by this time the bus was very very full.  I had to push gently to the back door and ask people to move aside from the touch off device. By this time the door had closed but it re-opened when I successfully touched off.  I think I was possibly a bit of novelty with my card. When the uptake is  a lot higher the community will be more aware of the need to keep touch devices clear and so forth.  Transactions not yet on my account and I wouldn't expect it to be either.  Rail is neat because everything is always up-to-date. With the buses they must return to depot to upload data first.

Walked over the Goodwill Bridge.  Another excellent form of free transport 



Photograph R Dow 10 Mar 2008

[ozbob]

Just checked my online transactions ...

Bertie doesn't like me! 
I scored a double touch off (with a double debit) at Mater Hill, both with same time 

10-Mar-2008 07:41 AM     Touch Off     'Mater Hill' Busway Station [BT010808]   
10-Mar-2008 07:41 AM    Touch Off    'Mater Hill' Busway Station [BT010808]    
10-Mar-2008 07:33 AM    Touch On    Buranda Street - 12 [BT003061]

This must have been because I did notice that when I first presented the card it red lighted and said try again. Try again I did!

There is something seriously wrong with the logic if it can ping you for a touch off when you haven't even touched on!   

I rang Translink    They said that their screen showed that the double touch off has been corrected but there is a delay with updating the internet site data. 

This makes sense in a way as it would not be sensible for security reasons to have the main database online direct. 

So I actually have the correct balance on my card but the transactions are showing incorrect 

Yes I know, there are more complicated things in this life ... 

Coming back on the bus worked fine. Touched on no problems touched off at the stop. I was watching for the touch device to see when it switched from 'out of service' to 'please touch' and did that a few metres before my stop.


This is bit of a worry, twice I have used the Go Card on buses and twice I have been whacked with penalties.  I have not an issue in this regard for rail travel.  It is concerning that many bus passengers must be having a lot of penalties too!  Or am I just unlucky??

PS.  The moral of the story.  CHECK YOUR TRANSACTIONS. 

[haakon]

As buses are my main mode of public transport I watch the card reader like a hawk and prompt the driver to manualy overide it to the correct stop. Sometimes I even have to tell them how to do that, but only when I'm touching off. I'd rather get the free ride than teach the driver something he should already know.

[ozbob]

Does seem more than a passing issue Haakon, wise to watch closely I think.

On my return trip on the bus:

10-Mar-2008 01:29 PM     Touch Off     Lewis Street - 11/12 [BT003054]     
10-Mar-2008 01:23 PM    Touch On    'Mater Hill' Busway Station [BT010809]

Correct!  Third time lucky.  This is the first time I have been charged correctly and transactions recorded correctly for a bus trip.  Albeit only my third bus trip on the GO.

[ozbob]

Just checked my transaction history.

The double touch off is still showing on my history with cost against each, although the overall balance is correct:

10-Mar-2008 07:41 AM    Touch Off    'Mater Hill' Busway Station [BT010808]   
10-Mar-2008 07:41 AM    Touch Off    'Mater Hill' Busway Station [BT010808] 

Back on to rail today 

Have a GO sort of day!

[ozbob]

Had a red light for the first time at the gate at Roma St this morning as I attempted to touch off. 

Re-presented the card and it worked fine second time around - just checked my  transactions online all fine.

This is the first time I have that happen at Roma St.  Hope it is a rare event when large number of go card users, as it will slow the flow a bit otherwise.

[Zoiks]

They dont even use the gates at peak hour do they?

[ozbob]

Sure do, three tickets gates (barriers) are closed on the parklands side and two gates closed Roma St end. The gates are great as the other commuters go through the open gates and the odd go card user has an unfettered run through the very lightly used gates!   

When you touch the gates open, and then close when you pass through.  There have been reports of people following go card users through the gates, although I understand they were made to close a bit quicker.

[ozbob]

Just checked my transaction history.

The double touch off is still showing on my history with cost against each, although the overall balance is correct:

10-Mar-2008 07:41 AM    Touch Off    'Mater Hill' Busway Station [BT010808]   
10-Mar-2008 07:41 AM    Touch Off    'Mater Hill' Busway Station [BT010808] 

Checked online transactions still showing the double touch off  36 hours post event ...

[ozbob]

Double touch off still on transaction record 72 hours post event.  Looks like it will be there forever, neat!   

Travelling well on the Go this week.  On to 50% now, correctly started even though transaction record shows 7 trips before 50% kicked in, although I have actually only paid for six. Confused?  Don't be,  still a few bugs in the software by the looks of things.

If anyone sees an equitable fare structure for the Go card approaching, please let us know!   

Came in on the 6.44am from Oxley this morning, very very overloaded (estimate about 1200 pax) and 5 minutes late arriving of course.

[ozbob]

No problems this week on rail with the Go card. Only hiccup was on the buses with the double touch off on Monday.

It does seem that there are still significant issues on the buses with the readers (rear door particularly).
Apart from reports at Bus Australia I have been told by colleagues at work that they have seen a lot of problems with folks trying to use the card on buses. 
There are clearly some issues other than just passengers not practised with the touch procedures.

Bring on Easter!   

Looking like this for me:

Saturday - Gold Coast
Sunday - Gympie North
Monday going to do all the other lines.

[ozbob]

Another week on the GO!

Shorter week, particularly in view of the free travel for GO card holders over Easter.

Still reports of problems on the buses with readers.  Let's hope these are sorted now.

Rail, all well for me.

Have a happy week on the congestion flyers!!     Might be a bit more room this week and next ...

[ozbob]

Noticing a lot more commuters using the Go card this week already.

Maybe the Easter Bunny has got them!   

I trailed a few users through today when touching, seemed to go through quickly one after the other.

Some further reports of free rides for all on some of the buses.  Go card and ten trippers, systems shot!

[ozbob]

No issues this week with the Go Card on rail for me.

All transactions so far fine.  Touches working like lightening.

The AVVM has been finally installed at Oxley so will top up with that later this week for a test.

[haakon]

Some further reports of free rides for all on some of the buses.  Go card and ten trippers, systems shot!

Well I got a free ride yesterday afternoon and this morning. 

[ozbob]

Finished off using the card for the week. Got off at Graceville yesterday instead of Oxley going home.  Correct fare charged.  Off for the free travel now over Easter 

Another successful week on rail with the Go card.  Bring on the real fares!!   

[ozbob]

After the free Easter travel made sure I didn't forget to touch on (or touch off!) this morning.

All touch devices back to normal operation.

The AVVM at Oxley had no coins    but ticket window open.

[ozbob]

No problems with Go card so far this week on rail.

Noted the AVVM at Oxley this morning was displaying 'cash only' ...

There was a Go card promotion at City stations this morning, for the presentation of a Quest Community Newspaper Mast head one Go card. 

[ozbob]

I had the chance to test something this morning that I have often wondered how it would go on the Go!

I travelled to Brunswick St from Oxley on the 0809am Caboolture service.  Touched on as I arrived at Oxley.

When I got to Brunswick St I went out and touched off.  No problem, ding, normal fare (50% zone 1-3 I have done more than 6 trips).  Went to the newsagent.

I then touched back on after a short period - correctly recognises as 'continuation of travel' (within 1 hour transfer limit).

Took a few photos, had a look around at the new platforms and that

I then headed back to Oxley.  Touched off at Oxley in the normal manner, no charge!  This is because the system sees it as just further travel within the initial zone travel.

This is how it looks on the transaction history.

29-Mar-08 09:36:39 AM   Touch Off   Oxley           
29-Mar-08 08:48:44 AM   Touch Off   Brunswick Street    
29-Mar-08 07:58:05 AM   Touch On    Oxley

So if circumstances permit this is something that can be used to reduce travel costs!

In effect cost 25% of the normal single fare each way.

[ozbob]

Another week on the Go!

Reports noted of ongoing problems on buses.  Some observers have commented that some people on buses are apparently not touching on/off properly and simply not noticing. Also particularly when a number of buses at a stop the data coordinates are so tight such that the readers are not activated and the driver has to manual intervene.  Again some people not aware of this and the need for the driver to intervene.

No problems on rail this week so far but it is important to pay attention and ensure that you a:  present the card properly and b: remove it promptly after a successful touch.

Still to encounter a TTO with a mobile card reader (needed to check the status of a Go card during a ticket inspection on board). 

Have noted a few more people using the card this week.

Happy travelling!

Ozbob

[ozbob]

Guess who forgot to touch off this afternoon?  No, not me but Mrs Ozbob.  Just went down to the station and touched off her card.  Lucky you got 5 hours .. LOL

[ozbob]

All card transactions this past week correct!

No problems on rail for me, apart from deteriorated touch device at Oxley mentioned in the main card thread ( http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=135.msg2913#msg2913 )

Lot of reports of ongoing problems with the go card on the buses though 

[Huggies]

No problems on rail for me, apart from deteriorated touch device at Oxley mentioned in the main card thread ( http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=135.msg2913#msg2913 )

They kept playing your little statement about this on ABC Radio all day yesterday promoting Breakfast with Spencer Howson.

[ozbob]

Thanks for the info Huggies.  I wasn't aware of that, all good!   

No problems with the Go card so far this week on rail.

50% fares tomorrow ...   

[ozbob]

The time issue that has been identified this week on the buses does not seem to be a problem on the railway stations touch devices.

50% fares swung in on queue.

[ozbob]

Another week on the Go!

No problems on rail so far this week, and nice surprise touching today at eastern end Oxley platform, the touch device has been fixed with the new screen and clear cover on the touch area.  Thanks!

[ozbob]

On 50% again.   Might see if I can fit in a trip to Robina this weekend to see the new duplication in operation 

Card working fine on rail.  All transactions and fares correct!

Here is a question. Touch on at say Oxley, Roma St take a train to Robina, come straight back to Roma St then Oxley.  All within 5 hours. Touch off at Oxley, what is the fare?  I guess it is no charge - zero.  All within the conditions of go card 

From http://www.translink.com.au/qt/TransLin.nsf/index/go_using#touching

# if you are transferring between train services only, touch on at the beginning of your journey and touch off at the end of your journey (there is no need to touch your card between train services).

Happy travelling!

[Derwan]

Here is a question. Touch on at say Oxley, Roma St take a train to Robina, come straight back to Roma St then Oxley.  All within 5 hours. Touch off at Oxley, what is the fare?  I guess it is no charge - zero.  All within the conditions of go card 

I was going to add this to my thread about ways to "cheat" the system.  I assume you would be charged for a single zone - as it's not within the 20 minutes allowed for a cancellation.

Works well when you know you'll be home within 5 hours.  :-)

[Huggies]

It's not really cheating the system because it is within the rules. I did it today when I went to Ipswich and back to visit Vouglers Model Shop. Cost me a total of $2.50  for the whole trip .

[ozbob]

Another week! 

Ongoing reports of problems on the buses with the go card.  No problems with rail last week or so far this week for me.

It is very concerning as to what will occur when the 10 trippers are withdrawn.  From observation in Brisbane most bus people are still using the 10 trippers.  The continuing problems on the buses with the card viz.  time problem, touch problems, need for driver intervention to activate devices in certain locations is proving to be too much for some and they have gone back to paper or cash.

Resolving these issues must be an urgent priority of Translink, to continue to deny there are issues is just foolish.

[ozbob]

Went into the City today to do some work.  Cheap travel as on the 50% with the card.

No problems with the card on rail this past week.  It does seem that the major issues are with the buses/ferries.  It is difficult to see how they will be able to solve the problems with the loss of contact with the GPS other than driver intervention.  There is also the problem of the rear bus readers not always working forcing people to charge to the front to touch off which is difficult in full buses. 

Another possibility would be to place fixed touch devices, same as the railway ones for folks to touch in the busway tunnels and key bus stations around the CBD.  This might be more effective than the present hit and miss system.

Imagine the problems when the 10 trippers finally go on BT mid year! 

[ozbob]

Today I went on the visit to Redbank workshops.

Using the go card travelled Oxley to Roma St, popped out to the shops touch off - fare debited 3 zone single.  Back on to Central, touch on continuation of travel.  Caught the Ipswich service to Redbank. Touched off. The fare is debited is only the difference between single 1-5 zone fare and what has already been debited for the 1-3 zone fare on the first trip.  This is correct operation.  As I had already done 6 trips this week, today was very inexpensive travel!

There are some advantages but not many people would do that sort of travel I guess.  Anyway ... LOL

Go!

[Fares_Fair]

G'Day Bob,

Don't you mean .. got a Go !

[ozbob]

 

Another week, short one this week!

The Go card promotional bus was at the INB on Sunday.

A lot of go cards handed out, got one for my sister in law.

Even picked up some go card fridge magnets!  I am not sure if all this marketing merchandise is really necessary as it would market itself if it worked as it should on the buses and ferries with equitable fares.  New fares coming?

Have a great week!!

[ozbob]

Just did an online $20 top up, good news!  Something is happening at last ...

The top up transaction has been processed and will be downloaded to your go card within 48 hours. You must touch your go card to a card reader within 60 days from the transaction date, or the top up amount will be cancelled.
Confirmation Number: 111-144-881-4249

The period has been changed from 28 days to 60 days.  Good move!! 

[ozbob]

No problems with the card so far this week on rail for me.

Lots of feedback and reports of ongoing issues on the buses/ferries though.
One colleague spoke to me yesterday that she is getting very tired of the constant problems (she commutes Mt Gravatt to Mater Hill - bus) and thinks the trouble is not worth it.  The latest straw that is straining her back is wrong zones and fares!

Refunds taking too long as well is a very common complaint.

Hang in there!!

[ozbob]

Another week on the go!   

Still waiting to find out who was the lucky 'winner' of the $2000 free travel on the lucky go card!

No problems last week with my go card on rail.

See you on the commute!

Cheers
Ozbob

[ozbob]

No problems this week on the go on rail!  On 50% fare now.  Online top up during the week no problems.
The online management of the go card is very good.

Looking forward to giving the go a workout on Monday morning on the INB  . 
Think I will catch the 5.08am service Oxley to Roma St, then Bus to KGS Bus station .  Might then proceed to Wooloongabba and get the first 66 to QUT KG (should be artic, 6.32am). All on a single 1-3 zone fare courtesy of the go card!   

Still a lot of go card problems being reported on the buses unfortunately.  We are hopeful that there might be some news soon about the pending withdrawal of the ten trippers from BT and the increases scheduled for the touch penalties.

[haakon]

Just don't do more than two journey continuations......

[ozbob]

You can do three transfers in a single journey.

This is the plan tomorrow, slightly modified. 

On Oxley 5.08am to Roma St - trip 1  touch off

On bus platform two Roma St (111) 5.51am  - continuation of journey (transfer 1).

Off Mater Hill bus station,  trip 2 touch off.

On Mater Hill bus station (117) 6.06am to Woolloongabba - continuation of journey (transfer 2).

Off Woolloongabba, trip 3 touch off.

On Woolloongabba to QUT KG (66, 6.32am first scheduled service) - continuation of journey (transfer 3).

Off QUT KG stop, trip 4 touch off.

This will cost one single 1-3 zone fare (if the go card system works correctly)   

Transfer rules from http://www.translink.com.au/qt/TransLin.nsf/index/go_using#transferring

You can use your go card to travel on a number of different TransLink services (bus, ferry and train) during one journey.

Your go card will automatically calculate one overall fare for the whole journey, as long as you follow the transfer rules:

    * you must touch on to start each new trip of your journey in the same zone (or adjoining zone for stops with dual zone) that you touched off in to finish the previous trip
    * after you touch off to finish each trip of your journey, you must touch on to start the next trip within the 60 minute transfer window
    * after touching on to the system at the beginning of your journey, you must touch on to start the final trip of your journey within the three and a half hour maximum transfer time
    * you must touch off at the end of the last trip of your journey within the five hour maximum journey time
    * you can transfer up to three times in one journey
    * when transferring between train services only, you touch on to start your journey and touch off at the end of your journey, not between train services.