22nd (17th) January 2011 - the day the go card arrives ...

[ozbob]

Changes to fares and ticketing in 2011

From Monday 17 January 2011, a number of changes will be introduced to fares and ticketing.

The changes include:

   * New daily go card cap on fares for Seniors, Pension Concession Card holders and Repatriation Health Care Card (Gold Card) holders - after two journeys are made in one day all additional journeys are free.
   * Increase in the go card off-peak discount from 10 to 15 per cent providing more incentive to travel during the day and on weekends or public holidays.
   * go card fares and single paper ticket fares will increase by 15 per cent - a go card fare will still be 30 per cent cheaper for a single journey.
   * go card will replace all multi-trip paper tickets - including all daily, weekly, monthly and Queensland Rail one-third student paper tickets.
   * Single paper tickets will remain for sale to ensure infrequent users and tourists are able to easily access public transport.

http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/changes-to-fares-and-ticketing-in-2011

[somebody]

What's with the $1.50 for the 10th, 17th and 20th zones entered, and $1.20 for the 15th? (paper ticket prices)

[ozbob]

What's with the $1.50 for the 10th, 17th and 20th zones entered, and $1.20 for the 15th? (paper ticket prices)

Does seem anomalous doesn't it?   

[ozbob]

The current paper fares have similar relative steps in price for those zones as well.

--> http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/current-fares

[Fares_Fair]

I know that Zone 16 includes both Palmwoods and Woombye, and Zone 17 is Nambour.
Maybe that has something to do with the anomalies.

Could the other anomalies have a similar situation?

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[ozbob]

   The 'Nambour' gouge ..   

[ozbob]

Again an interesting contrast ... 15% fare increase in SEQ with limited ticketing options ...  there is little doubt the community will be firing up big time during January 2011 ..   

===========

From the Melbourne Age click here!

Public transport prices set to rise

Public transport prices set to rise
Richard Willingham
December 30, 2010

VICTORIANS will pay up to 5.9 per cent more to travel on public transport from March next year.

Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder said the adjustment had been made to match fares with inflation.

Mr Mulder said from March 12 fares would rise by an average of 3.1 per cent.

A zone 1 and 2 daily metcard will increase by 30¢ to $10.20, a two-hour concession zone 1 will go up 10¢ to $1.80 - a 5.9 per cent jump - and a monthly metcard for zone 1 and 2 will jump $5.20 to $174.20.

The fare increases apply to Metcard, myki and V/Net tickets across the state's public transport networks.

"Fares are usually adjusted each year to reflect CPI increases, ensuring that the fares remain roughly the same price in real terms," Mr Mulder said. He said the new government was committed to an affordable public transport system.

He said the annual statewide student pass would continue to provide for all families, with the new price of $422 a year (up $12) working out as $1.20 a day.

Opposition public transport spokeswoman Fiona Richardson said Premier Ted Baillieu promised to reduce the cost of living.

''Instead, his first act in public transport is to increase fares,'' she said.

"Mr Baillieu needs to explain to the hundreds of thousands of Victorian commuters why he has made this hypocritical announcement under the cover of the Christmas holiday period.''

Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen said price increases were never going to be popular.

''It is a bit frustrating when we still have significant issues on the public transport network, with continued delays and crowded trains,'' he said.

''So, it would be nice to see some progress on fixing some of these problems before another price increase.''

Seniors will not be slugged with a price rise, with senior concession fares frozen at 2009 levels.

Mr Mulder said from January 1, they would be able to travel for free on weekends by using a seniors myki card.

Weekend travel cards also avoided a price jump, with fares frozen at $3 a day.

The fare increases came just a day after Premier Ted Baillieu refused to rule out scrapping the beleaguered myki ticketing system.

[ozbob]

If you or someone you know is not able to use a go card, there is an alternative, the TransLink access pass.

See --> http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/special-access-passes/translink-access-pass

[ozbob]

Flyer picked up at Central rail

[Fares_Fair]

One thing that really annoys me is the blatant spin in the flyer above
and shown on large billboard displays near Petrie and Virginia proclaiming
the go card as 30% cheaper than a single paper ticket.

It is 30% cheaper because they created the statistic by putting those fares up massively (40%) 
to force Go card use.
No mention of the 15% per annum increases for the next 4 years here !   

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[ozbob]

Yes, mentioned the obvious intention to deceive in this release ..

=========

Media Release 31 December 2010

SEQ:  Public transport priorities for 2011!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) is a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters, members have discussed transport priorities for 2011. The full discussion thread can be read here --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5139.0

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"There clearly needs to be a continued focus on improving the Queensland Rail suburban and interurban train service frequencies in 2011(1). This will begin to occur with the implementation of the new rail timetable on the Ipswich to Caboolture line. An out of peak 15 minute train frequency for all stations between Darra and the CBD will be transforming and offers opportunities to put in place proper bus feeder systems to escape the road and bus congestion from the western regions particularly.  Alarmingly there has been no indication by TransLink what these arrangements will be."

"A major concern is ongoing issues with bus - rail integration, this is compounded of course by the abysmal train frequency on most lines out of peak particularly. Fixing this is a major priority. More consideration needs to be given to cross-suburban bus routes, this will help ease the inner city bus and road congestion. A lack of community consultation by TransLink for bus improvements and changes has no doubt contributed to the poor outcome in Ipswich and the introduction of the wasteful route 88 bus service."

"The failure to sort out the Airtrain so that it operates around the clock is very concerning. This is presently a wasted resource."

"Transit oriented development rhetoric needs to be translated into action.  Major rail infrastructure projects, including Cross River Rail need to be accelerated.  Peak Oil and the extreme negative impacts of a imported oil based economy are going to hit big time, now is the time to put in place proper sustainable mass transit systems (2,3)

"The fare increases which impact on the 17th January 2011 are being disguised by clever advertising, reminding all of the at least 30% cheaper fares for go card relative to the paper single tickets but no direct mention of fare increases. Off peak fare discounts need to be increased more than the planned 15% to help maximise use of the public transport assets.  How the public takes to an annual 15% compound fare increase is a moot point.  Unless there is a dramatic improvement in service frequency and delivery there is likely to be a significant electoral backlash.  Now is the time to get cracking! Happy new year!"

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5139.0

2. Report warns of oil woes http://www.theage.com.au/national/report-warns-of-oil-woes-20101227-198k2.html

3. New Zealand Parliament Report: The next oil shock? http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/ParlSupport/ResearchPapers/4/6/a/00PLEco10041-The-next-oil-shock.htm

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[#Metro]

"The fare increases which impact on the 17th January 2011 are being disguised by clever advertising, reminding all of the at least 30% cheaper fares for go card relative to the paper single tickets but no direct mention of fare increases. Off peak fare discounts need to be increased more than the planned 15% to help maximise use of the public transport assets.  How the public takes to an annual 15% compound fare increase is a moot point.  Unless there is a dramatic improvement in service frequency and delivery there is likely to be a significant electoral backlash.  Now is the time to get cracking! Happy new year!"

It never ceases to amaze me just how much effort goes into hiding the obvious. As if people are not going to notice!

[ozbob]

And no doubt there will be statements appearing congratulating themselves on how well the go card has been taken up  , no wonder because if you don't you pay obscene fares.

Roll on 2012 ...

[Fares_Fair]

Don't you just love how the State Government is happy to rip off as many tourists as possible ... 
even lauding the fact in their flyer.
I wonder what the peak Qld tourism body thinks of all this ?

I suspect that they won't appreciate the advertising !!

Regards,
Fares_Fair

[Fares_Fair]

Yes, mentioned the obvious intention to deceive in the this release ..

=========

Media Release 31 December 2010

SEQ:  Public transport priorities for 2011!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) is a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters, members have discussed transport priorities for 2011. The full discussion thread can be read here --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5139.0

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"There clearly needs to be a continued focus on improving the Queensland Rail suburban and interurban train service frequencies in 2011(1). This will begin to occur with the implementation of the new rail timetable on the Ipswich to Caboolture line. An out of peak 15 minute train frequency for all stations between Darra and the CBD will be transforming and offers opportunities to put in place proper bus feeder systems to escape the road and bus congestion from the western regions particularly.  Alarmingly there has been no indication by TransLink what these arrangements will be."

"A major concern is ongoing issues with bus - rail integration, this is compounded of course by the abysmal train frequency on most lines out of peak particularly. Fixing this is a major priority. More consideration needs to be given to cross-suburban bus routes, this will help ease the inner city bus and road congestion. A lack of community consultation by TransLink for bus improvements and changes has no doubt contributed to the poor outcome in Ipswich and the introduction of the wasteful route 88 bus service."

"The failure to sort out the Airtrain so that it operates around the clock is very concerning. This is presently a wasted resource."

"Transit oriented development rhetoric needs to be translated into action.  Major rail infrastructure projects, including Cross River Rail need to be accelerated.  Peak Oil and the extreme negative impacts of a imported oil based economy are going to hit big time, now is the time to put in place proper sustainable mass transit systems (2,3)

"The fare increases which impact on the 17th January 2011 are being disguised by clever advertising, reminding all of the at least 30% cheaper fares for go card relative to the paper single tickets but no direct mention of fare increases. Off peak fare discounts need to be increased more than the planned 15% to help maximise use of the public transport assets.  How the public takes to an annual 15% compound fare increase is a moot point.  Unless there is a dramatic improvement in service frequency and delivery there is likely to be a significant electoral backlash.  Now is the time to get cracking! Happy new year!"

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5139.0

2. Report warns of oil woes http://www.theage.com.au/national/report-warns-of-oil-woes-20101227-198k2.html

3. New Zealand Parliament Report: The next oil shock? http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/ParlSupport/ResearchPapers/4/6/a/00PLEco10041-The-next-oil-shock.htm

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

The State Government has been more than happy to let folks get ripped off with the Airtrain fare fiasco.

A lot of tourists also when they arrive at BNE and venture forth on the Airtrain, often shun public transport for the rest of their stay after that experience because they think the system is priced to gouge all over ..  

Looking forward to breaking my journey next week when I travel to BNE by rail.   Absolute farce ...

[somebody]

They seem to have a strange PR attitude.  Don't tell people much that fares are going up and then be surprised on 17th Jan when everyone is angry??  Or maybe they aren't surprised, they just don't care.  Which is a strange attitude for a politician to take, to make people much more angry than what they need to be.

[Otto]

If you or someone you know is not able to use a go card, there is an alternative, the TransLink access pass.

See --> http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/special-access-passes/translink-access-pass

It would be nice if TL would let me and all other PT drivers know about this and what it looks like...

[Derwan]

Go Card advertising (like any political advertising) is based on the assumption that people are stupid.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Ticketing all at sea ahead of fare rise

Ticketing all at sea ahead of fare rise
Daniel Hurst
January 5, 2011 - 1:10PM

Transport authorities have installed Go Card top-up devices on the CityCat and CityFerry fleet, two weeks before commuters are hit with a 15 per cent fare hike.

It means for the first time commuters can top up their smartcards while they are on board the river ferries, and comes ahead of the imminent scrapping of all but single-journey paper tickets.

Acting Transport Minister Paul Lucas said the 26 new Go Card top-up machines would allow ferry passengers to benefit from the ease and convenience of being able to reload credit while at sea.

"Now it's a simple cash transaction on board to add between $5 and $20 of travel credit to your Go Card," he said in a statement.

"Furthermore, as an added convenience, the ferry customer service centre located adjacent to the Riverside CityCat terminal also now sells $20 pre-loaded Go Cards so passengers can pick one up before jumping on board."

Until yesterday, those wishing to use Go Cards on the CityCat and CityFerry fleet had been limited for options when it came to topping up their cards while in transit.

Instead, they had to find a retail outlet or use Translink's web-based top-up facility.

Bus and rail commuters, by contrast, enjoyed access to top-up facilities at major stations.

Robert Dow, from commuter lobby group Rail Back on Track, said the availability of top-up facilities was "excellent" news.

"Having them on the CityCats available for top-up is good news and just increase the convenience for people," he said.

The changes come ahead of major ticketing changes and fare hikes.

On Monday, January 17, Translink will abolish all multi-journey paper tickets as part of the ongoing bid to lure more people across to the Go Card system.

Single paper tickets were also set to be scrapped, but the state government backed away from its smartcard-focused plan in October.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said at the time the government's proposed alternative limited-use Go Card for tourists and occasional users would be too expensive to implement.

Many transport users will also feel their wallets get a bit lighter from January 17, with Go Card fares and single paper ticket fares rising by 15 per cent.

This will see a one-zone Go Card trip increase to $2.65, or $3.11 for two zones and $3.68 for three zones. The cost of the same trips, using a single paper ticket, will rise to $3.90, $4.60 and $5.40 respectively.

The government argues the further increase to fares is needed to help fund the provision of new public transport services containing 305,000 additional seats per week in the 2010/11 financial year.

A new daily Go Card cap will be put in place to help seniors, pension concession card holders and Gold Card holders, meaning they will be charged for a maximum of two journeys in any one day.

The overall discount for off-peak Go Card trips will rise from 10 to 15 per cent.

Mr Lucas said the past 12 months had seen the total number of Go Card trips on the public transport network double, with passengers now using the smartcards for two-thirds of all trips.

He said the new top-up machines on CityCat and CityFerry services, which began operation yesterday, would help cater to the growing number of Go Card users.

Go Card users made more than 60,000 trips on CityCat and CityFerry services each week, he said.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Fare hike to boost service, seats

Fare hike to boost service, seats

Andrew Korner | 6th January 2011

TRANSPORT Minister Rachel Nolan is hoping south-east Queenslanders will cop a 15 per cent train fare increase each year up to 2014.

AS PART of her quest to get more bums on seats, Transport Minister Rachel Nolan is hoping south-east Queenslanders will cop a 15 per cent train fare increase each year up to 2014.

From January 17, all fares will increase by 15 per cent – the first increase of four – which Translink said would help fund another 305,000 seats each week across south-east Queensland – including 150,000 on the Ipswich-Caboolture line.

Although the fare increase will definitely happen this month, Translink is yet to set a date for the change to the timetable, except to say that it will happen sometime before July 2011.

Daily Ipswich-to-Brisbane rail commuter Anna Schaub, 37, said the improvements were needed urgently.

She said passengers who travelled during peak hour were paying top dollar for a sub-standard service.

"The trains are so busy at peak times and I have to leave home an hour earlier because the trains are often late," Mrs Schaub said.

Commuter advocacy group Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said he didn't expect the public to react well to the fare hike.

"Ipswich people are already unhappy about the withdrawal of bus services – I think it will be a difficult thing for the Government to sell," he said.

Among the planned improvements is for services to be increased to six to 12-minute intervals at suburban stations during peak times.

There will be significant benefits for seniors and pensioners, however Mr Dow questioned why students were not allowed the same discounts.

A Translink spokesman said the changes would result in a more convenient service for all.

"In addition to more seats, the Government has recently delivered new benefits for seniors, pensioners and veterans, who will travel for free after two journeys in a day and receive an increased discount of 15 per cent when travelling off-peak," he said.

Translink is phasing out of weekly, monthly and daily paper tickets across the network.

Mr Dow encouraged commuters to visit railbackontrack.org and click on the smart Go Card user guide to find tips on how to use the new system the cheapest way.

[Gazza]

The trains are so busy at peak times and I have to leave home an hour earlier because the trains are often late

Dramatic much? I've been using the Ipswich line 4-5 days a week since moving here (So 3 years)...Can't say I've ever felt the need to start leaving an hour early every day?
Is she saying trains somehow get held up 60 minutes on a day to day basis 

[Golliwog]

I got handed a flyer about the ticket change today. Nothing new, but it was more colourful than the one Ozbob has put up here.

[Fridge]

I haven't done any calculations, but aren't the fare increases going to bring the GoCard fares back to the pre-30% reduction fares by spreading it out over many years?  I don't really mind that, it's frustrating though that there is no fare capping, the multi-trip paper tickets were capped so you could have unlimited travel as long as you stayed within the time and zone limits.

[ozbob]

No, the fare increases now are real and greatly exceed CPI etc.  See --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2877.0  for last years spin.

I have real doubts that the planned 15% per annum for the next three years after this year will occur as indicated now.  If they do there will be other ticketing products I would expect.  With all the other cost of living increases the pressures politically will be considerable.

[david]

I haven't done any calculations, but aren't the fare increases going to bring the GoCard fares back to the pre-30% reduction fares by spreading it out over many years?  I don't really mind that, it's frustrating though that there is no fare capping, the multi-trip paper tickets were capped so you could have unlimited travel as long as you stayed within the time and zone limits.

I remember paying $1.90 for a 4 zone concession trip on a BT bus back in the days before Translink and integrated ticketing started (around 2006 wasn't it?), so to only be paying an extra 17c ($2.07) approximately 5 years later is definitely something to be celebrating (albeit on a go card).

[ozbob]

Go card fares were set roughly equivalent to 2007 paper from January 2010.  This was the cost of moving folks to go card, the benefits for the early adopters if you like as they sorted the system. Paper increased.  The 15% increases are now real increases and will be seen that way by the community.  As I suggested this year increase is reasonable in the broad sense in terms of go, but the price of paper is pretty outrageous ( a big mistake to keep paper IMHO, increases the overall costs for the ticket system which could have been put into services. ).   To deaden the community backlash they will need to move forward with further fare enhancements.  The opposition has indicated they are only interested in CPI increases (as in Victoria),  15 % per annum increases are not sustainable politically unless there are real offsets.

[#Metro]

How about... more services, more often! 
Perth rail frequency please!!!

[ozbob]

This mob cannot even manage to have trains running to Richlands station on the day it is opened.  What hope for the longer term?  Nil I would suggest, maybe it is time to bring in MTR.  The rhetoric and spin is not being translated into real performance gains is it?

The shamble with Richlands continues with the interim timetable from the day services commence.  Where are the details of the bus services that will be feeding Richlands (assuming that there will be, it does have a nice bus interchange)? TransLink and by inference the Government is not treating the public well at all.  Everything is last minute, usually flawed and apparently rushed, despite the effort they seem to put into detailed communication (propaganda) programs internally.

Also fairies have told me that there is was? a plan to have another track closure the following weekend as well on the Ipswich line, which would take Richlands out again ...  I think they might not push through with that as we were promised that track closures would be well planned and organised for 2011 .. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!

Two weekends in a row would be too much, even for the stoic Ippy crowd.  A closure to far so to speak, the backlash would be pretty to watch ..

[WTN]

How about... more services, more often! 
Perth rail frequency please!!!

Even Bob's visit to Melbourne makes me jealous. I see the large billboard ads advertising thousands of extra seats coming - but WHEN? Other cities can do it now, so why not now?

Come 17th January and I'm going catch express services to hide from angry commuters as much as possible.

[somebody]

Sydney has added "400 000 weekly places"* on Metrobuses, not including the additional places on the new Illawarra line timetable and haven't charged a 15% increase on fares to pay for it.  Still, transport is one of the reasons why the government there is likely to be unseated in March I'm told.

* http://smh.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/boost-for-sydneys-red-bus-network-20100720-10it2.html

I think a part of the problem in this country is the tax laws.  These give an incentive to drive, and especially to have a company car.

[#Metro]

This mob cannot even manage to have trains running to Richlands station on the day it is opened.  What hope for the longer term?  Nil I would suggest, maybe it is time to bring in MTR.  The rhetoric and spin is not being translated into real performance gains is it?

Are you suggesting franchising out QR? Or privatising TransLink?
How is that going to help, they haven't got more money to run more services IMHO and it will do much about bus feeders to the stations.

I have a very bad feeling about the bus feeders- brace for mediocrity!!!

[somebody]

Are you suggesting franchising out QR?

That's been reasonably successful in Melbourne.

[ozbob]

I am being a little tongue in cheek, MTR is doing a good job in Melbourne for a franchise operation.   Might be an attention grabber up here, time we actually started to get improvements in actuality not just promises of the same ...

Cut to the chase and improve the train frequency, use what we have got properly.  Look to maximising the present assets.  TransLink needs to be a lot more innovative, with everything from the web site through to ticketing and route design and integration.  I am sick and tired of reading about park and rides and cosmetic touch ups when what is needed is fairly obvious to most ... 

[#Metro]

Privatise TransLink? 

I'm after increased train frequency please. And bus.
Not sure how privatisation will increase train frequency, but you never know.

I'm keeping an open mind...

[somebody]

I am being a little tongue in cheek, MTR is doing a good job in Melbourne for a franchise operation.   Might be an attention grabber up here, time we actually started to get improvements in actuality not just promises of the same ...

Cut to the chase and improve the train frequency, use what we have got properly.  Look to maximising the present assets.  TransLink needs to be a lot more innovative, with everything from the web site through to ticketing and route design and integration.  I am sick and tired of reading about park and rides and cosmetic touch ups when what is needed is fairly obvious to most ... 

I think a whiff of a suggestion of privatisation might put enough fear into the hearts of QR workers!  Might be what is required to get a reasonable train frequency.

[#Metro]

I think TL does the planning etc.
Hmm, how would you like an SEQ wide transit strike? Me neither!!!

[mufreight]

I am being a little tongue in cheek, MTR is doing a good job in Melbourne for a franchise operation.   Might be an attention grabber up here, time we actually started to get improvements in actuality not just promises of the same ...

Cut to the chase and improve the train frequency, use what we have got properly.  Look to maximising the present assets.  TransLink needs to be a lot more innovative, with everything from the web site through to ticketing and route design and integration.  I am sick and tired of reading about park and rides and cosmetic touch ups when what is needed is fairly obvious to most ... 

I think a whiff of a suggestion of privatisation might put enough fear into the hearts of QR workers!  Might be what is required to get a reasonable train frequency.

Blackmailing and threatening workers in the transport industry has never worked anywhere, the motivated workers are employable in other fields and you get left with the otherwise unemployable dregs, lower standards of service and more problems.
Instead of threating the workers get rid of the incompetent nonproductive fat cats running the circus and have motivated, qualified ringmasters run the show.

[ozbob]

http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/changes-to-fares-and-ticketing-in-2011

Changes to fares and ticketing in 2011

Alongside so many other Queenslanders, TransLink and the Queensland Government are getting on with the job of repairing the damage caused by the recent devastating floods.

To help South East Queensland get moving again we've delivered a week of free public transport travel while we've been working hard to restore services on our network as quickly as possible.

Our planned fare changes will commence from 22 January to help us deliver better public transport services for South East Queenslanders.
Delivering on our promise to you

The five key changes to TransLink's public transport fares and ticketing from January 22nd will deliver on that promise to you with a better, more efficient, public transport network.

    * A better deal for our seniors and pensioners* who will travel free on their go card for the rest of the day after their first two journeys.
    * A 15 per cent fare increase to help us restore and continue to build our public transport network.
    * Encouraging use of go cards with the removal of daily, weekly and monthly paper tickets.
    * Keeping single paper tickets available for the convenience of tourists and infrequent public transport users.
    * Making off peak travel 15 per cent cheaper.

TransLink --> More information on the fare restructure (PDF, 398KB).

RAIL Back On Track The Smart GO CARD Users Guide --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5149.0

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

20th January 2011

Greetings,

The free public transport on the TransLink network finishes Friday night.  This has been a great initiative and we thank the Government and TransLink.

New fares from Saturday 22nd January 2011.  It is important that folks obtain a go card and top it up before Saturday.

The only other ticketing option besides go card  for the majority from the 22nd January are single paper tickets which are very expensive relative to go card fares.

Full details on the TransLink web site --> http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/changes-to-fares-and-ticketing-in-2011

We have put together a 'Smart GO CARD User Guide' as well as an adjunct to the official resources --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5149.0

It is very important that Pensioners/Seniors understand how the journey capping works.  There is some confusion on this, and we would like to see a clear explanation for users widely disseminated, e.g.

8. What does journey capping mean?

There is a new daily journey go card cap on fares for
Seniors, Pension Concession Card holders and
Repatriation Health Care Card (Gold Card) holders which
means after two journeys are made in one day all
additional journeys are free (on or after 17th January
2011). Remember a journey can be up to 4 trips on buses,
trains and ferries in a row over a maximum 5 hour period,
with no more than a 1 hour break between each trip. A trip
on a particular mode begins when you touch on, and ends
when you touch off. So, if more than 1 hour elapses after
your last touch off, the journey is counted as finished, and
your next touch on will initiate a new journey.
The free travel for those so entitled
only occurs after two completed
journeys are made in a particular
day and only for that day!
The first two journeys next day of
travel will be charged fares at the
normal rates.

From the Smart GO CARD User Guide page 8 http://backontrack.org/docs/go/smart_go_user_v1.pdf

Please also note:  If a person is unable to use a go card for valid reasons there is another option -  the TransLink Access Pass.  See --> http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/special-access-passes/translink-access-pass

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org