27 Feb 2011: SEQ: Go card fare structure is failing - urgent review needed

[ozbob]

Media release 27 February 2011

SEQ: Go card fare structure is failing - urgent review 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 calls for an urgent review of the go card fare structure, and ticketing policy on the TransLink network.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The community of Queensland is reeling from the impact of weather events and run-away cost of living increases across food, utilities, rates, rents, health insurance, looming fuel price increases, and public transport fare increases."

"There is much unrest amongst the public transport commuter community with respect to the poor fare structure for the go card and the recent fare increases of 15% for go card fares, and the at least 30% fare increases for paper single tickets.  The loss of daily and periodical ticket options is causing a lot of public transport commuter angst."

"Long haul rail commuters have been particularly hard hit with the recent fare increases and the proposed 15% per annum increases for the next four years at least (1). This amounts to huge fare increases for these people with the loss of periodical ticketing.  Accordingly some of these commuters are organising a day of protest on the 17th March, in the form of a boycott of rail services due to the massive fare increases (2).  This is made worse by the lack of real improvements to services in terms of frequency and quality on most lines."

"There needs to be an urgent review of the present fare structure for public transport in south-east Queensland.  Pending that review the two journey daily fare cap presently enjoyed by Seniors and some pensioners needs to be immediately extended to all go card users. This could be implemented overnight.  Consideration then be given to the rapid introduction of daily cap and a periodical options for the go card, pending the outcome of the review. Off peak fares need to be extended from 7pm to 2am, to a 7pm - 7am window, as well as the present off peak daily window of 9am to 3.30pm (3). This would assist with peak congestion management."

References:

1.   http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/planned-fares

2.   Proposed 1 Day Boycott of Rail Services (all Brisbane area lines) - 17 March   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5472.0

3.   http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/peak-and-off-peak-fares

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion thread fares --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2877.msg46105#msg46105

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

27th February 2011

Greetings,

In the letters to the editor Courier Mail Saturday 26th February 2011, there is published a letter from William Burke, Burpengary, headed ' Turning off visitors'.  The letter highlights the experience of a citizen who having been overseas for 25 years recently returned to Brisbane to spend some time with his mother.  His observations of the public transport in Brisbane are damning.  Another horror public transport experience has been reported here --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5456.msg48392#msg48392

As a group we have long argued that the fundamental issue with public transport in south-east Queensland is the terrible fare structure and the poor train frequency - it actually discourages public transport use and leads to a diminishing fare box.  The anti-public transport fare policy also compounds costs such as congestion, environmental impacts and road trauma across the whole of community.

It really is time for a new approach.

Best wishes
Robert

Media release 27 February 2011

SEQ: Go card fare structure is failing - urgent review 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 calls for an urgent review of the go card fare structure, and ticketing policy on the TransLink network.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The community of Queensland is reeling from the impact of weather events and run-away cost of living increases across food, utilities, rates, rents, health insurance, looming fuel price increases, and public transport fare increases."

"There is much unrest amongst the public transport commuter community with respect to the poor fare structure for the go card and the recent fare increases of 15% for go card fares, and the at least 30% fare increases for paper single tickets.  The loss of daily and periodical ticket options is causing a lot of public transport commuter angst."

"Long haul rail commuters have been particularly hard hit with the recent fare increases and the proposed 15% per annum increases for the next four years at least (1). This amounts to huge fare increases for these people with the loss of periodical ticketing.  Accordingly some of these commuters are organising a day of protest on the 17th March, in the form of a boycott of rail services due to the massive fare increases (2).  This is made worse by the lack of real improvements to services in terms of frequency and quality on most lines."

"There needs to be an urgent review of the present fare structure for public transport in south-east Queensland.  Pending that review the two journey daily fare cap presently enjoyed by Seniors and some pensioners needs to be immediately extended to all go card users. This could be implemented overnight.  Consideration then be given to the rapid introduction of daily cap and a periodical options for the go card, pending the outcome of the review. Off peak fares need to be extended from 7pm to 2am, to a 7pm - 7am window, as well as the present off peak daily window of 9am to 3.30pm (3). This would assist with peak congestion management."

References:

1.  Proposed 1 Day Boycott of Rail Services (all Brisbane area lines) - 17 March  http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/planned-fares

2.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5472.0

3.  http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/peak-and-off-peak-fares

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

BrizCommuter has taken the time to compile a list for comparative fare costs ..

--> http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/02/brisbane-vs-everywhere-else.html

The spin that Brisbane has cheap fares doesn't stand up to the test of truth does it? 

And the projected 15% per annum increases for the next 4 years are just not sustainable politically I would suggest ...

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

28th February 2011

Greetings,

To help put into perspective why public transport commuters are being increasingly upset with the fare structure, consider this:

From   http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/02/brisbane-vs-everywhere-else.html

BrizCommuter has already showed how Brisbane compares unfavourably to both Perth and Melbourne when it comes to fares and rail service frequency. It has often been said that public transport in Brisbane is still cheaper than major world cities. Thus BrizCommuter has taken a look at how Brisbane compares to other cities, for a 5km journey from the CBD to inner-suburbs with a single peak adult fare. Exchange rates used were as of 27/02/2011.

London (Underground) - $3.95 (Oyster card single)
Brisbane (all modes) - $3.11 (go card single)
Berlin (all modes) - $3.10 (paper ticket)
Madrid (Metro) - $2.70 (single)
Paris (Metro) - $2.30 (paper ticket single)
New York (MTA Subway/Bus) - $2.25 (Metrocard single)
London (Bus) - $2.05 (Oyster card single)
Tokyo (Tokyo Metro) - $1.92 (regular ticket/PASMO single)
Los Angeles (Metro) - $1.47 (base fare)
Santiago (Metro) - $1.20 (paper ticket single)
Bangkok (Skytrain) - $0.96 (single)
Singapore (SMRT) -  $0.95 (single)
Hong Kong (MTR) - $0.84 (Octopus card single)
Shanghai (Metro) - $0.45 (single-ride ticket)
Mexico City (Metro) - $0.24 (single ticket)

Out of 15 cities in the comparison, Brisbane had the second highest single adult fare at $3.11. Only London is more expensive, although it should be considered that London has capped daily fares, as well as weekly, monthly, and yearly options. There are no such periodical options for frequent commuters in Brisbane. A paper ticket in Brisbane is 65c more expensive than for an Oyster Card single fare in London! With the possible exception of Los Angeles, all of the transport networks in this comparison have a considerably more frequent service than Brisbane. The Australian Dollar is strong at the moment, and this comparison hasn't taken into account financial differences between cities, such as average wages. However, it appears that Brisbanites are paying above the odds for a mediocre public transport service. It is more evidence that TransLink's run of huge fare rises in an attempt to decrease Queensland Government subsidy is seriously ripping off Brisbane's public transport users!

Does anyone really think that 15% per annum fare increases for the next four years is politically sustainable?

Have a happy commute.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

Media release 27 February 2011

SEQ: Go card fare structure is failing - urgent review 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 calls for an urgent review of the go card fare structure, and ticketing policy on the TransLink network.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The community of Queensland is reeling from the impact of weather events and run-away cost of living increases across food, utilities, rates, rents, health insurance, looming fuel price increases, and public transport fare increases."

"There is much unrest amongst the public transport commuter community with respect to the poor fare structure for the go card and the recent fare increases of 15% for go card fares, and the at least 30% fare increases for paper single tickets.  The loss of daily and periodical ticket options is causing a lot of public transport commuter angst."

"Long haul rail commuters have been particularly hard hit with the recent fare increases and the proposed 15% per annum increases for the next four years at least (1). This amounts to huge fare increases for these people with the loss of periodical ticketing.  Accordingly some of these commuters are organising a day of protest on the 17th March, in the form of a boycott of rail services due to the massive fare increases (2).  This is made worse by the lack of real improvements to services in terms of frequency and quality on most lines."

"There needs to be an urgent review of the present fare structure for public transport in south-east Queensland.  Pending that review the two journey daily fare cap presently enjoyed by Seniors and some pensioners needs to be immediately extended to all go card users. This could be implemented overnight.  Consideration then be given to the rapid introduction of daily cap and a periodical options for the go card, pending the outcome of the review. Off peak fares need to be extended from 7pm to 2am, to a 7pm - 7am window, as well as the present off peak daily window of 9am to 3.30pm (3). This would assist with peak congestion management."

References:

1.    Proposed 1 Day Boycott of Rail Services (all Brisbane area lines) - 17 March   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5472.0 

2.    http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/planned-fares

3.    http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/peak-and-off-peak-fares

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Public transport in southeast Queensland ranks among world's most expensive

Public transport in southeast Queensland ranks among world's most expensive

    * by Robyn Ironside
    * From: The Courier-Mail
    * March 01, 2011 12:00AM

SOUTHEAST Queensland commuters are paying some of the highest prices in the world for public transport, despite being consistently told train and bus fares are very competitive.

Since the 15 per cent price hike in January, the cost of a zone two go card fare has climbed to $3.11, cheaper than the London underground ($3.95) but dearer than comparable distances in Berlin ($2.85), Paris ($2.30) and Madrid ($1.70).

Tokyo residents pay $1.95 for a subway single, New Yorkers pay $2.50 and Los Angeles residents $1.47.

Most cities also offer heavily discounted weekly or monthly tickets, which are no longer available in southeast Queensland's go card fare structure.

In New York, $29 gets you a seven-day unlimited-trip subway ticket and in Madrid a monthly zone A ticket costs $62 less than what many Brisbane commuters are spending on train or bus fares a fortnight.

The price differences have sparked calls from a commuter advocacy group for a major overhaul of ticket pricing in southeast Queensland.

Robert Dow, of Back on Track, said the steep fares were not only putting people off using public transport, they were damaging tourism.

"We think it's got to a pretty serious situation and, anecdotally, we've been told there seems to be some evidence patronage has fallen since the January increase," Mr Dow said.

"The other thing is the high cost of paper tickets, which are usually the ones bought by tourists. You're looking at $3.90 for a zone one ticket and $4.60 for two zones. That can't be good for tourism."

He said although former Transport Minister Rachel Nolan stated in October 2009 that "passengers would continue to pay cheaper fares than in Sydney and Melbourne" despite the fare increases, that was not the case.

"Weekly tickets are available in Sydney for as little as $25, and in Melbourne from $29.40," Mr Dow said.

"People who commute from the Sunshine Coast, for example, are looking at paying an extra $5000 or $6000 a year in fares because of the loss of the periodical ticket. Politically it's going to be disastrous."

But a Translink spokesman defended the cost of public transport in southeast Queensland, describing it as "one of the best value for money" networks in Australia.

"For every $1 the customer spends on public transport it is subsidised by about $3 from taxpayers, making fares good value when compared with similar-sized networks across the world," he said.

"Public transport continues to offer value for money when compared to car travel and we would encourage everyone to use public transport and compare it with the efficiency of using their car."

Members of Back on Track have planned a boycott of rail services on March 17 to protest massive fare hikes.

[Golliwog]

Ummm, isn't the last line of that article, entirely wrong? RBOT isn't planning the boycott planned for March 17th, Sunshine Coast line commuters are. Some of them just happen to be RBOT members.

[Arnz]

Ummm, isn't the last line of that article, entirely wrong? RBOT isn't planning the boycott planned for March 17th, Sunshine Coast line commuters are. Some of them just happen to be RBOT members.

The planners where co-ordinating this from all lines, not just Sunshine Coast commuters.

[Golliwog]

Ok, but my point still stands though, the way its written in the article, it comes off as the boycott being a RBOT plan, which, to my knowledge, is not the case.

[Fares_Fair]

Members of Back on Track have planned a boycott of rail services on March 17 to protest massive fare hikes.

Disagree with you there, if you read it carefully it is factually correct.

There are many supporters who are also members of RBoT.

Agreed, it is not a RBoT action per se, but a group, some of whom who may or may not belong to RBoT are behind it.


Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[ozbob]

Ok, but my point still stands though, the way its written in the article, it comes off as the boycott being a RBOT plan, which, to my knowledge, is not the case.

Yes it is a bit vague, some members have raised the plan, and others who are not members.  It is not an official RBoT boycott as such.  Up to commuters what they do.  We will continue to push for a better fare structure in line with the community sentiment.

[ozbob]

By even the Courier Mail blog standards, the response to the article in the CM today public transport fare prices is clear cut.

As of now 399 comments --> http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/public-transport-in-southeast-queensland-ranks-among-worlds-most-expensive/comments-e6freoof-1226013765312

There has been a lot of media interest, Channel 10 news, radio 4BC, number of print journalists. 

The way forward is to keep the basic fare structure but bring in some periodical options and perhaps a daily cap.  A periodical would be easy to set up online, eg. for monthly, base it on 8 peak fares per week for the desired zones, unrestricted travel in zones, outside zones normal pay as you go.  For those who prefer the journey discount after 10 they just don't set up a periodical.

The opposition is silent, they did call for a deferral of the 15% fare price increase in January, but nothing other than that.

Off peak, ramp it to 30% and extend the 2am end of window to 7am.

[#Metro]

It is very expensive price for a rotten apple.
I would not complain if the quality (FREQUENCY) was much better.


NOW 15% MORE $$$
:conf Hmm... I wonder why people are not catching public transport--- is it density? car loving? maybe they don't know the benefits of public transport? could it be that they are not civic minded enough? or maybe it is not cheap enough... Hmmmmm  :conf

IF YOU SELL ROTTEN APPLES
DON'T EXPECT MANY CUSTOMERS  

FIX THE FREQUENCY!
FIX CONNECTIONS (TRANSFERS)
FIX SCOPE OF HOURS

http://www.flickr.com/photos/54288707@N00/29303642/

By bluman

[Fares_Fair]

great story in the Courier-Mail, the reponse is almost overwhelming.
This is indeed becoming a political battle and the battle lines are being drawn up.

Public Transport and the failure of the State Government to act on infrastructure will be THE issue of the next Queensland election.
We are sick and tired of crises after crises before they act !

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[ozbob]

Radio 612 ABC Brisbane Host Spencer Howson followed up with a quick interview this morning on the 'boycott' and fares generally.  Thanks Spencer and 612!

[ozbob]

Channel 10 News click here!

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Hope for monthly tickets

Hope for monthly tickets
Daniel Hurst
March 4, 2011 - 2:59AM

Queensland's new transport minister has left the door open to introducing a modern version of the scrapped monthly saver tickets following criticism of the Go Card fare structure.

Annastacia Palaszczuk last night promised to look for ways to improve the Go Card product, telling brisbanetimes.com.au authorities should not be "self-satisfied" with the current system.

Her pledge to consider smart card enhancements comes amid growing calls for daily fare caps and other incentives amid commuter anger over the recent 15 per cent price hike.

Yesterday, in an opinion piece for brisbanetimes.com.au, TransLink chief executive officer Peter Strachan flagged plans to introduce "an expanded ticket range" in the future.

In response, Rail Back on Track lobbyist Robert Dow called for a daily fare cap for all users that would grant them free travel after they made several journeys in a day.

He also suggested a periodical option whereby Go Card users could choose to make an up-front payment in return for unrestricted travel in selected zones within a set period.

This would effectively work as a smart card version of the now-scrapped seasonal paper tickets, which allowed commuters to make savings by buying weekly or monthly saver passes.

Melbourne's Myki smart card system allows regular commuters to load up with "pass credit" that covers all travel in specified zones for seven days, four weeks, or one year.

Ms Palaszczuk, who was sworn in to her new transport role last week, would not rule in or out any options last night but said she would look for Go Card improvements.

"If there are ways to enhance Go Card without cutting back on vital transport infrastructure projects like bringing forward the Springfield rail line extension and station by two years, then we'll explore those options," she said in a written response to questions.

Ms Palaszczuk said she had listened to the views of commuter, welfare, senior and student interest groups at a meeting yesterday and would work with them to address issues.

However, she sang the praises of the Go Card system. Ms Palaszczuk said authorities had overcome the early challenges of its establishment with patronage and customer satisfaction both increasing.

"We should be proud of that but not self-satisfied," she said.

"The journey has not stopped nor should we stop listening to the opinion of commuters."

Mr Dow, who led the charge for daily fare capping and other incentives, said he was confident commuters would benefit from additional fare enhancements in the future.

"We welcome the acknowledgement by the minister some of these things probably do need further work," he said last night.

"We'd like a real commitment to indicate further fare enhancements on the Go Card. We think it's time."

Mr Dow said the government still seemed to think it would lose money by introducing daily capping and periodical options, but this was not necessarily right.

He said the aim was to maximise public transport usage around the clock, particularly outside the main peaks where there was plenty of spare capacity.

Mr Dow also called for better off-peak incentives.

Opposition public transport spokeswoman Tracy Davis said she detected public dissatisfaction with the current ticketing options.

"From my perspective I would certainly look at ways to explore options that would afford value for money for commuters," she said.

Ms Davis said she was developing opposition policy on the issue and would take commuter views on board.

People were angry about the removal of saver tickets such as monthly passes, she said.

"What people are saying to me is that they want periodical [options]."

The debate over fares comes ahead of a planned boycott of rail services on March 17 by a group of frustrated commuters complaining about the loss of periodical saver tickets.

The current Go Card system requires a user to take 10 journeys in a week before providing a 50 per cent discount on further travel for that week.

TransLink rolled out some new Go Card incentives as part of the 15 per cent fare hikes in January, but a daily fare cap is only available to some concession holders.

Seniors and pensioners must only pay for the first two journeys they take in any one day, with any other travel being free.

Mr Strachan yesterday defended the existing system, saying he believed frequency and reliability of services were the most important issues for commuters.

He said customers would continue to have influence over future ticketing products, but the fare structure "must continue to deliver a program of more frequent and reliable services".

More than 1300 readers voted yesterday in a brisbanetimes.com.au poll about the southeast's public transport fares. Just one in 10 respondents thought the existing fares and incentives struck the right balance, while the rest believed prices were too high.

Ms Palaszczuk would not put a timeframe on potential fare structure improvements, saying the government's current focus was on the post-disaster reconstruction effort.

[ozbob]

The Transport Minister is about to be interviewed on 612 ABC Brisbane re ticketing.

[ozbob]

Hopefully the interview will be available online later this morning.

Delighted to hear Richlands - Springfield rail bus mentioned as well ..  a petition is also to be tabled on this.  It is frustrating that we have to push for what is a very obvious move.  Transport planning is mostly reactive at the moment.  Maybe being a lot more pro-active may be the hallmark of the new minister.

[ozbob]

612 ABC Brisbane radio click here!

Breakfast with Spencer Howson
5:00am - 8:00am

New Transport Minister is "all ears"

04 March 2011 , 9:51 AM by Spencer Howson

The State's new Minister for Transport Annastacia Palaszczuk has said she's all ears on public transport ticketing.

Which is probably a good thing, considering there's a call to boycott public transport on St Patrick's Day - a protest over decreased ticketing options:

[Stillwater]

If Ms Palaszczuk is 'all ears' on the issue of ticketing, it would be good to hear from the Opposition spokesperson, Ms Tracy Davis, on this matter.  Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil seems to be Ms Davis' motto.

[ozbob]

If Ms Palaszczuk is 'all ears' on the issue of ticketing, it would be good to hear from the Opposition spokesperson, Ms Tracy Davis, on this matter.  Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil seems to be Ms Davis' motto.

From the article above:

Opposition public transport spokeswoman Tracy Davis said she detected public dissatisfaction with the current ticketing options.

"From my perspective I would certainly look at ways to explore options that would afford value for money for commuters," she said.

Ms Davis said she was developing opposition policy on the issue and would take commuter views on board.

People were angry about the removal of saver tickets such as monthly passes, she said.

"What people are saying to me is that they want periodical [options]."

[Stillwater]

'I have heard what the people are saying and we are developing policy on this matter' is a bit lame.  That is saying something without really saying something.  I know why this is so -- the tactic is why say anything that throws something new into the ring or detracts from having the spotlight on the government and its failings.  Rather keep the focus on the government and a new minister and paint her as ineffectual or dithering.  That's playing the politics of the issue, not addressing the issue itself.  Queenslanders may have to contemplate electing an alternative government before the end of the year.  What's likely is that we will see a rush of Opposition policy a week or two before an election, allowing little scrutiny of those policies.  They could be every bit as bad as the government's 'trust us, everything will be fixed by 2031' mantra.

[Fares_Fair]

Radio 612 ABC Brisbane Host Spencer Howson followed up with a quick interview this morning on the 'boycott' and fares generally.  Thanks Spencer and 612!

Hello Bob,

Does 612 ABC have a link to this interview on 2nd March ?
If so could we post it please.

Thanks.

Regards,
Fares_Fair

[ozbob]

It is here --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5472.msg49073#msg49073

[Stillwater]

For example, it would be good if Ms Davis let the Minister stew for a few days, then, on St Paddy's day, came out with something along these lines:

'While the LNP is yet to finalise its transport policy to carry forward to the next election, we have heard what people are saying and, in government, would include within the go-card structure the opportunity for customers to chose periodic ticketing options.

'I note that periodic ticketing works elsewhere around the world using the same technology platform as that behind go-card.

'I have today written to the new transport Minister asking her what impediment there is, apart from a political one, not to introduce periodic ticketing using go-card.  There would appear to be no technical obstacles to doing so.'

The action by commuters on St Patrick's Day will bring increased media focus on ticketing, such that one journo, at least, would pick up the phone to Ms Davis for a comment.  'I'm working on it' doesn't sound too convincing.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

SEQ the 'odd one out' on transport fares

SEQ the 'odd one out' on transport fares
Daniel Hurst
March 5, 2011

Southeast Queensland's Go Card system is the only public transport smartcard system in Australia not to offer daily fare capping.

A commuter lobby group last night warned the region was lagging behind the rest of the nation, with Canberra bus users also set to gain daily and monthly incentives when the Australian Capital Territory's new public transport smartcard launches this Monday.

Canberra's MyWay ticketing system will include a fare cap so the maximum an adult will spend in a day, regardless of how many trips they take, will be $7.60.

The system's previous weekly and monthly tickets will be replaced with an automatic monthly cap of 36 paid trips, with any further trips for the rest of that month coming for free.

Melbourne's Myki system and Perth's SmartRider system also provide fare capping.

Robert Dow, from Rail Back on Track, called on TransLink to follow the lead of interstate authorities by introducing daily and monthly fare caps for all Go Card users.

Mr Dow said such incentives were a smart way to encourage round-the-clock public transport use.

"What they're doing is encouraging people to use public transport more than the daily commute – to go out shopping, to go to the cinema and to use it on weekends," he said.

"Every smartcard system in Australia has daily capping. Southeast Queensland's the odd one out."

The comments came amid mounting commuter anger over existing Go Card fares following the recent 15 per cent price hike and removal of weekly, monthly and other periodical saver tickets.

The scrapping of the saver passes as part of the move to the electronic Go Card system means adult commuters pay for every single journey they make in a day.

Go Card users must rack up 10 journeys in a week before they gain access to half-price travel for subsequent journeys in that Monday-to-Sunday period.

In January, TransLink introduced a daily fare cap for seniors and pensioners but did not extend it to the general travelling public or other concession holders.

Seniors and pensioners travel free on their Go Card after their first two journeys in a day.

Rail Back on Track this week renewed its calls for daily fare capping to be extended to all users, with a price ceiling ideally encouraging people to make numerous journeys throughout the day.

The organisation also wants authorities to follow the lead of interstate rivals and bring in periodical savers options for Go Card users to replace the old weekly and monthly tickets.

For instance, Melbourne's Myki smart card system allows regular commuters to load up with "pass credit" that covers all travel in specified zones for seven days, four weeks, or one year.

Mr Dow said interstate authorities were playing a lead role when it came to smart card fare structures.

"We want people to use public transport particularly out of peak [times] and the current fare structure really is designed to support peak travel only," he said.

"They [TransLink] are not being proactive in getting people to use public transport around the city.

"It reinforces the community feedback that was generated on brisbanetimes.com.au during the week – people want an improved fare structure and they want it now. There's no reason why they can't do it."

More than 1500 people voted in a brisbanetimes.com.au poll this week on southeast Queensland transport fares, with nine in 10 respondents attacking the current prices and incentives.

The site was also flooded with comments from disgruntled commuters, after an opinion piece by TransLink chief executive officer Peter Strachan defending the existing system.

In the piece, Mr Strachan said frequency and reliability of services were the most important issues for commuters, but he also flagged plans to introduce "an expanded ticket range" in the future.

He said customers would continue to have influence over future ticketing products, but the fare structure "must continue to deliver a program of more frequent and reliable services".

Queensland's new transport minister, Annastacia Palaszczuk, signalled she was happy to look at ways to improve the fare structure.

"If there are ways to enhance Go Card without cutting back on vital transport infrastructure projects like bringing forward the Springfield rail line extension and station by two years, then we'll explore those options," she told brisbanetimes.com.au.

Ms Palaszczuk sang the praises of the Go Card system but said authorities should not be "self-satisfied" about the current arrangements.

Opposition public transport spokeswoman Tracy Davis said the Liberal National Party was developing its policies but recognised that people wanted periodical incentives.

The latest debate over fares comes ahead of a planned boycott of rail services on March 17 by a group of frustrated commuters complaining about the loss of monthly and yearly saver tickets.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

5th March 2011

Greetings,

What is impressive about Canberra's MyWay is the auto application of the capping.  An excellent way of encouraging public transport use.

Brisbanetimes has today again highlighted the poor fare approach in south-east Queensland on the go card.

--> http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/seq-the-odd-one-out-on-transport-fares-20110304-1bi3h.html

Feedback from public transport commuters has been overwhelming on the fare issue, not only the sheer cost but the failure to provide ticketing products that are in line with the rest of the public transport world is the big concern.

Time to take off the 'blinkers' and look at the benefits in a macro-economic sense of a ticketing policy that encourages round the clock public transport use - reduced congestion costs, lessened environmental impacts and reduced road trauma costs.  There are also considerable social benefits and business multiplier effects of a community that is truly mobile in a safe way.  Road trauma is breaking the nation --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?action=articles;sa=view;article=3

An improved fare structure for the go card is  a 'no-brainer' ...

Best wishes
Robert

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

24 May 2011

SEQ: Go card fare structure is failing - urgent review needed

Greetings,

Hot topic is the Queensland Council of Social Services Cost of Living Report.

The present fare structure for the go card needs urgent review, as we suggested last February.

The increase in the fixed fare quantum for the go card may also have some impacts on users who are finely balanced on the economic survival line as well.

Action is needed.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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

Media release 27 February 2011 re-released 24 May 2011

SEQ: Go card fare structure is failing - urgent review 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 calls for an urgent review of the go card fare structure, and ticketing policy on the TransLink network.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The community of Queensland is reeling from the impact of weather events and run-away cost of living increases across food, utilities, rates, rents, health insurance, looming fuel price increases, and public transport fare increases."

"There is much unrest amongst the public transport commuter community with respect to the poor fare structure for the go card and the recent fare increases of 15% for go card fares, and the at least 30% fare increases for paper single tickets.  The loss of daily and periodical ticket options is causing a lot of public transport commuter angst."

"Long haul rail commuters have been particularly hard hit with the recent fare increases and the proposed 15% per annum increases for the next four years at least (1). This amounts to huge fare increases for these people with the loss of periodical ticketing.  Accordingly some of these commuters are organising a day of protest on the 17th March, in the form of a boycott of rail services due to the massive fare increases (2).  This is made worse by the lack of real improvements to services in terms of frequency and quality on most lines."

"There needs to be an urgent review of the present fare structure for public transport in south-east Queensland.  Pending that review the two journey daily fare cap presently enjoyed by Seniors and some pensioners needs to be immediately extended to all go card users. This could be implemented overnight.  Consideration then be given to the rapid introduction of daily cap and a periodical options for the go card, pending the outcome of the review. Off peak fares need to be extended from 7pm to 2am, to a 7pm - 7am window, as well as the present off peak daily window of 9am to 3.30pm (3). This would assist with peak congestion management."

References:

1.   http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/planned-fares

2.   Proposed 1 Day Boycott of Rail Services (all Brisbane area lines) - 17 March   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5472.0

3.   http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/peak-and-off-peak-fares

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

1st June 2011

go card needs improvement

Greetings,

Recent feedback to the Courier Mail http://bit.ly/l2CVOP  and Brisbanetimes http://bit.ly/jP1UCQ has again highlighted the absolute urgent need for an improved fare structure on the go card.

The increase in fixed fares has again clearly demonstrated  widespread dissatisfaction with go card and its use.

A system that has been having a fixed fare 1 in 29 uses obviously is not 'world class'.  That cannot be denied.

Recent polling at RAIL Back On Track has too indicated support for further fare enhancements on the go card.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6048.0  and  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6084.0

Will commuters continue to be frustrated and increasingly turning back to the dangerous congested roads?  Action is needed promptly.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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

Media release 27 February 2011

SEQ: Go card fare structure is failing - urgent review 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 calls for an urgent review of the go card fare structure, and ticketing policy on the TransLink network.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The community of Queensland is reeling from the impact of weather events and run-away cost of living increases across food, utilities, rates, rents, health insurance, looming fuel price increases, and public transport fare increases."

"There is much unrest amongst the public transport commuter community with respect to the poor fare structure for the go card and the recent fare increases of 15% for go card fares, and the at least 30% fare increases for paper single tickets.  The loss of daily and periodical ticket options is causing a lot of public transport commuter angst."

"Long haul rail commuters have been particularly hard hit with the recent fare increases and the proposed 15% per annum increases for the next four years at least (1). This amounts to huge fare increases for these people with the loss of periodical ticketing.  Accordingly some of these commuters are organising a day of protest on the 17th March, in the form of a boycott of rail services due to the massive fare increases (2).  This is made worse by the lack of real improvements to services in terms of frequency and quality on most lines."

"There needs to be an urgent review of the present fare structure for public transport in south-east Queensland.  Pending that review the two journey daily fare cap presently enjoyed by Seniors and some pensioners needs to be immediately extended to all go card users. This could be implemented overnight.  Consideration then be given to the rapid introduction of daily cap and a periodical options for the go card, pending the outcome of the review. Off peak fares need to be extended from 7pm to 2am, to a 7pm - 7am window, as well as the present off peak daily window of 9am to 3.30pm (3). This would assist with peak congestion management."

References:

1.   http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/planned-fares

2.   Proposed 1 Day Boycott of Rail Services (all Brisbane area lines) - 17 March   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5472.0

3.   http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/peak-and-off-peak-fares

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

25th July 2011

SEQ: Go card fare structure is failing - urgent review needed

Greetings,

There is widespread community concern with a failure to move forward with fare structure enhancements on the go card.  RAIL Back On Track Members have debated possible enhancements and generally agree a return to 'paper periodical ticketing' is not desirable.

However within the existing fare structure we believe  a number of improvements can be quickly made and with minimal system costs of programming, pending wider reviews and implementation.

One option would be to reduce the 10 journey  weekly cap for the Frequent user discount to 8 journeys. There is also strong support for increasing the off peak discount from the present 15% (to go 20% next January) to at least 30% or even higher say 50%.

These changes would help mitigate the considerable community concerns and we believe would actually increase the fare box overall as more people would avail themselves of the opportunity to travel out of peak which is where patronage growth can significantly occur.

There is concern with the relative high cost of one and two zone fares as well.  Improvements here would also drive patronage increases.

The present fare structure is not improving the fare box as a relative percentage.  Time now for improvements to drive change and increase the fare box.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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

Discussion threads at RAIL Back On Track:

POLL: What kind of frequent user discount would you prefer? http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6084.0

Off peak fare structure http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6262.0

Frequent user discount on Go card http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6401.0

New fare strategy - articles and discussion http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2877.0

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

Media release 27 February 2011

SEQ: Go card fare structure is failing - urgent review 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 calls for an urgent review of the go card fare structure, and ticketing policy on the TransLink network.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The community of Queensland is reeling from the impact of weather events and run-away cost of living increases across food, utilities, rates, rents, health insurance, looming fuel price increases, and public transport fare increases."

"There is much unrest amongst the public transport commuter community with respect to the poor fare structure for the go card and the recent fare increases of 15% for go card fares, and the at least 30% fare increases for paper single tickets.  The loss of daily and periodical ticket options is causing a lot of public transport commuter angst."

"Long haul rail commuters have been particularly hard hit with the recent fare increases and the proposed 15% per annum increases for the next four years at least (1). This amounts to huge fare increases for these people with the loss of periodical ticketing.  Accordingly some of these commuters are organising a day of protest on the 17th March, in the form of a boycott of rail services due to the massive fare increases (2).  This is made worse by the lack of real improvements to services in terms of frequency and quality on most lines."

"There needs to be an urgent review of the present fare structure for public transport in south-east Queensland.  Pending that review the two journey daily fare cap presently enjoyed by Seniors and some pensioners needs to be immediately extended to all go card users. This could be implemented overnight.  Consideration then be given to the rapid introduction of daily cap and a periodical options for the go card, pending the outcome of the review. Off peak fares need to be extended from 7pm to 2am, to a 7pm - 7am window, as well as the present off peak daily window of 9am to 3.30pm (3). This would assist with peak congestion management."

References:

1.   http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/planned-fares

2.   Proposed 1 Day Boycott of Rail Services (all Brisbane area lines) - 17 March   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5472.0

3.   http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/peak-and-off-peak-fares

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[#Metro]

One option would be to reduce the 10 journey  weekly cap for the Frequent user discount to 8 journeys. There is also strong support for increasing the off peak discount from the present 15% (to go 20% next January) to at least 30% or even higher say 50%.

I'm of the view that reduction to 8 trips would just give a discount to everyone (5 work days x 2 = 10) which wouldn't do much because those people would make the 9th and 10th trip anyway. If you give a discount to everyone, it's not a discount; it's a price reduction.

Any changes to fare structure should have a clearly identifiable goal and some idea of what quantity/magnitude and direction of change that is going to effect. It should/could be trialled in small groups first to check / test to see if the goals are met.

[ozbob]

I'm of the view that reduction to 8 trips would just give a discount to everyone (5 work days x 2 = 10) which wouldn't do much because those people would make the 9th and 10th trip anyway. If you give a discount to everyone, it's not a discount; it's a price reduction.

But that assumes that majority are actually doing 10 journeys are week.  Something has to give in line of the projected 15% per annum increases, these are not having the desired effect.  TransLink are able to model the outcomes of various scenarios.  Lets see what eventuates ...

[#Metro]

But that assumes that majority are actually doing 10 journeys are week.

Then just find data and do a test... making assumptions isn't a bad thing so long as they're sufficient
for the situation at hand.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

4th August 2011

Re: Go card fare structure

Greetings,

More go card issues brought to light by Brisbanetimes this morning. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/go-card-glitch-answers-blocked-20110803-1ibe1.html

Fair dinkum, all we want is a decent fare structure (there are easy ways to achieve even within the constraints of the limitations of the go card system), and attention to the fact that for every 29 times the go card is used there is an error (fixed fare).

Many commuters are in a state of anxiety when it comes to go card use because of constant failures (be it user fault or system). if they use paper single tickets they are punished further.

Enough of the rhetoric, a better fare structure can be implemented over night.  Roll out better equipment.  Why is it the pilot reader trial  at Oxley seems to have stalled? (see --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4314.0 )

Public transport users are becoming fed up with spin and promise but no go action.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

On 30/07/2011 2:38 AM, RAIL Back On Track Admin wrote:
Greetings,

A report on Channel 7 News has highlighted some of problems with the go card system during roll-out ( http://au.news.yahoo.com/video/national/watch/26044814/885636/ ) .  As we have pointed out a system that still results in a fixed fare every 29 times it is used suggests some lingering issues  - be it system failures, equipment failures, user errors or fare evasion.  ( http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6346.0 ).

RAIL Back On Track has always supported the go card but we have constantly challenged the various fare structures adopted during the past years. We still hope that further fare enhancements for the go card are now not too far away.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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

25th July 2011

SEQ: Go card fare structure is failing - urgent review needed

Greetings,

There is widespread community concern with a failure to move forward with fare structure enhancements on the go card.  RAIL Back On Track Members have debated possible enhancements and generally agree a return to 'paper periodical ticketing' is not desirable.

However within the existing fare structure we believe  a number of improvements can be quickly made and with minimal system costs of programming, pending wider reviews and implementation.

One option would be to reduce the 10 journey  weekly cap for the Frequent user discount to 8 journeys. There is also strong support for increasing the off peak discount from the present 15% (to go 20% next January) to at least 30% or even higher say 50%.

These changes would help mitigate the considerable community concerns and we believe would actually increase the fare box overall as more people would avail themselves of the opportunity to travel out of peak which is where patronage growth can significantly occur.

There is concern with the relative high cost of one and two zone fares as well.  Improvements here would also drive patronage increases.

The present fare structure is not improving the fare box as a relative percentage.  Time now for improvements to drive change and increase the fare box.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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

Discussion threads at RAIL Back On Track:

POLL: What kind of frequent user discount would you prefer? http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6084.0

Off peak fare structure http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6262.0

Frequent user discount on Go card http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6401.0

New fare strategy - articles and discussion http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2877.0

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

Media release 27 February 2011

SEQ: Go card fare structure is failing - urgent review 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 calls for an urgent review of the go card fare structure, and ticketing policy on the TransLink network.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The community of Queensland is reeling from the impact of weather events and run-away cost of living increases across food, utilities, rates, rents, health insurance, looming fuel price increases, and public transport fare increases."

"There is much unrest amongst the public transport commuter community with respect to the poor fare structure for the go card and the recent fare increases of 15% for go card fares, and the at least 30% fare increases for paper single tickets.  The loss of daily and periodical ticket options is causing a lot of public transport commuter angst."

"Long haul rail commuters have been particularly hard hit with the recent fare increases and the proposed 15% per annum increases for the next four years at least (1). This amounts to huge fare increases for these people with the loss of periodical ticketing.  Accordingly some of these commuters are organising a day of protest on the 17th March, in the form of a boycott of rail services due to the massive fare increases (2).  This is made worse by the lack of real improvements to services in terms of frequency and quality on most lines."

"There needs to be an urgent review of the present fare structure for public transport in south-east Queensland.  Pending that review the two journey daily fare cap presently enjoyed by Seniors and some pensioners needs to be immediately extended to all go card users. This could be implemented overnight.  Consideration then be given to the rapid introduction of daily cap and a periodical options for the go card, pending the outcome of the review. Off peak fares need to be extended from 7pm to 2am, to a 7pm - 7am window, as well as the present off peak daily window of 9am to 3.30pm (3). This would assist with peak congestion management."

References:

1.   http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/planned-fares

2.   Proposed 1 Day Boycott of Rail Services (all Brisbane area lines) - 17 March   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5472.0

3.   http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/peak-and-off-peak-fares

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

6th August 2011

Road congestion 24/7 and the Go card fare structure

Greetings,

The Couriermail has today highlighted a growing problem in south-east Queensland - road congestion 24/7!  (See below).

Better public transport services, frequency and a fare structure to encourage use would greatly assist.  South-east Queensland is joining the ranks of the road-centric failures.  No jurisdiction has built themselves out of road congestion with more roads.
In fact many places are replacing freeways and the like with proper mass transit systems.

Rather than a 'bean counter approach' to the provision of public transport services and a continuation of a failing fare structure.  Turn it around!  Increase out of peak frequency of rail and bus and bring in improvements to the fare structure as detailed below.

IT IS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE!

Enough of the transport mediocrity!

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org



From the Couriermail click here!

Weekend shopping causes seven-day-a-week traffic congestion in and around Brisbane

Weekend shopping causes seven-day-a-week traffic congestion in and around Brisbane

     by Robyn Ironside
     From: The Courier-Mail
     August 06, 2011 12:00AM

SEVEN-day shopping is being blamed for a big increase in weekend road congestion as the difference between weekday traffic and weekends is almost indiscernible.

A two-year study by digital traffic information network Intelematics found that, between 10am and 1pm on Saturdays, traffic volumes are identical or sometimes even worse than weekday congestion.

There is little improvement on Sundays, with traffic still reduced to a crawl on some major roads around noon and again in the early evening.

Dr Matthew Burke, from Griffith University's Urban Research Program, said store trading hours were one of the biggest factors in the weekend road crush.

"Firstly, our economy has changed, store trading hours have been liberalised and there is more activity happening on weekends than ever before," Dr Burke said.

"Secondly, Australian suburbs are not as self-contained as they once were and we're travelling further to the big shopping malls or into the city for shopping."

Queensland Consumers' Association president Cherie Dalley said there was no doubt weekend traffic had increased dramatically since Sunday trade was introduced to the suburbs in 2002.

"There just isn't any downtime on the roads any more," Ms Dalley said.

"I think (shopping) has become an entertainment rather than a necessity. You used to go and buy what you needed. Now it's a past-time and I think that's a bit sad."

Intelematics' research found some of the worst roads for Saturday traffic were the Centenary Highway, Milton Rd, Coronation Drive, Ann St (Fortitude Valley) and Kingsford Smith Drive, with car speeds dropping as low as 34km/h between 11.15am and 12.30pm.

The M1 to the Gold Coast was generally lighter on weekends than weekdays, until 6.45pm when the reverse was true.

Intelematics traffic manager Brian Smith said the data showed that Brisbane was rapidly becoming a seven-day-a-week city.

"That's pretty much the norm around Australia. Saturday generally looks about exactly the same as Monday to Friday, it just gets going a bit later," Mr Smith said.

"Sundays are a bit less busy but really the only downtime on the roads is in the early hours of the morning, between 3am and 4am."

Dr Burke said day and night-time destinations such as South Bank and Fortitude Valley had also contributed to around-the-clock traffic snarls.

"There are also the attractions on the coast that draw thousands and thousands up and down the highways," he said.

"Most activities outside the home now require us to travel by car, and often to travel long distances."

On 5/08/2011 3:39 AM, RAIL Back On Track Admin wrote:
Greetings,

Some interesting reading -- http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/08/10-days-later.html

Yes it is time to  fix it up.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org


On 4/08/2011 3:39 AM, RAIL Back On Track Admin wrote:
Greetings,

More go card issues brought to light by Brisbanetimes this morning. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/go-card-glitch-answers-blocked-20110803-1ibe1.html

Fair dinkum, all we want is a decent fare structure (there are easy ways to achieve even within the constraints of the limitations of the go card system), and attention to the fact that for every 29 times the go card is used there is an error (fixed fare).

Many commuters are in a state of anxiety when it comes to go card use because of constant failures (be it user fault or system). if they use paper single tickets they are punished further.

Enough of the rhetoric, a better fare structure can be implemented over night.  Roll out better equipment.  Why is it the pilot reader trial  at Oxley seems to have stalled? (see -- http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4314.0 )

Public transport users are becoming fed up with spin and promise but no go action.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org


On 30/07/2011 2:38 AM, RAIL Back On Track Admin wrote:
Greetings,

A report on Channel 7 News has highlighted some of problems with the go card system during roll-out ( http://au.news.yahoo.com/video/national/watch/26044814/885636/ ) .  As we have pointed out a system that still results in a fixed fare every 29 times it is used suggests some lingering issues  - be it system failures, equipment failures, user errors or fare evasion.  ( http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6346.0 ).

RAIL Back On Track has always supported the go card but we have constantly challenged the various fare structures adopted during the past years. We still hope that further fare enhancements for the go card are now not too far away.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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

25th July 2011

SEQ: Go card fare structure is failing - urgent review needed

Greetings,

There is widespread community concern with a failure to move forward with fare structure enhancements on the go card.  RAIL Back On Track Members have debated possible enhancements and generally agree a return to 'paper periodical ticketing' is not desirable.

However within the existing fare structure we believe  a number of improvements can be quickly made and with minimal system costs of programming, pending wider reviews and implementation.

One option would be to reduce the 10 journey  weekly cap for the Frequent user discount to 8 journeys. There is also strong support for increasing the off peak discount from the present 15% (to go 20% next January) to at least 30% or even higher say 50%.

These changes would help mitigate the considerable community concerns and we believe would actually increase the fare box overall as more people would avail themselves of the opportunity to travel out of peak which is where patronage growth can significantly occur.

There is concern with the relative high cost of one and two zone fares as well.  Improvements here would also drive patronage increases.

The present fare structure is not improving the fare box as a relative percentage.  Time now for improvements to drive change and increase the fare box.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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

Discussion threads at RAIL Back On Track:

POLL: What kind of frequent user discount would you prefer? http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6084.0

Off peak fare structure http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6262.0

Frequent user discount on Go card http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6401.0

New fare strategy - articles and discussion http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2877.0

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

Media release 27 February 2011

SEQ: Go card fare structure is failing - urgent review 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 calls for an urgent review of the go card fare structure, and ticketing policy on the TransLink network.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The community of Queensland is reeling from the impact of weather events and run-away cost of living increases across food, utilities, rates, rents, health insurance, looming fuel price increases, and public transport fare increases."

"There is much unrest amongst the public transport commuter community with respect to the poor fare structure for the go card and the recent fare increases of 15% for go card fares, and the at least 30% fare increases for paper single tickets.  The loss of daily and periodical ticket options is causing a lot of public transport commuter angst."

"Long haul rail commuters have been particularly hard hit with the recent fare increases and the proposed 15% per annum increases for the next four years at least (1). This amounts to huge fare increases for these people with the loss of periodical ticketing.  Accordingly some of these commuters are organising a day of protest on the 17th March, in the form of a boycott of rail services due to the massive fare increases (2).  This is made worse by the lack of real improvements to services in terms of frequency and quality on most lines."

"There needs to be an urgent review of the present fare structure for public transport in south-east Queensland.  Pending that review the two journey daily fare cap presently enjoyed by Seniors and some pensioners needs to be immediately extended to all go card users. This could be implemented overnight.  Consideration then be given to the rapid introduction of daily cap and a periodical options for the go card, pending the outcome of the review. Off peak fares need to be extended from 7pm to 2am, to a 7pm - 7am window, as well as the present off peak daily window of 9am to 3.30pm (3). This would assist with peak congestion management."

References:

1.   http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/planned-fares

2.   Proposed 1 Day Boycott of Rail Services (all Brisbane area lines) - 17 March   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5472.0

3.   http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/peak-and-off-peak-fares

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[Stillwater]

When is the next meeting of the Ministerial consultative group, when the go-card and reader issues can be discussed further, and hopefully acted upon?

[ozbob]

When is the next meeting of the Ministerial consultative group, when the go-card and reader issues can be discussed further, and hopefully acted upon?

A date has not been notified ...

[Stillwater]

Is that a bad or a good thing?  For example, does it indicate that work is being done behind the scenes on a number of fare structure scenarios, thus requiring time before presentation to the group; or is it the case that the government has dropped the ball, and its interest?

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail click here!

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk wants Translink to reintroduce daily tickets as passenger numbers on ferries fall

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk wants Translink to reintroduce daily tickets as passenger numbers on ferries fall

    Robyn Ironside
    From: The Courier-Mail
    August 11, 2011 12:35PM

BRISBANE's Lord Mayor is demanding the reintroduction of daily public transport tickets following a big nosedive in ferry patronage.

Graham Quirk said the State Government's decision to significantly increase fares and cancel daily tickets had halted the ``rampant growth'' in people using CityCats and ferries.

"We are known as a river city and our CityCats and Ferries are arguably the most popular way to explore Brisbane for tourists and locals alike," Cr Quirk said.

"But with the State Government cancelling the daily ticket while at the same time increasing fares by up to 40 per cent, river tourism is fast becoming something people avoid and that deeply concerns me."

Cr Quirk said statistics showed the number of people using ferries and CityCats for recreational purposes had plunged 16 per cent in the last 12 months.

"That is a very concerning trend considering they make up almost half of all ferry trips,'' he said.

Regular users had also abandoned the river transport, with numbers down eight per cent on the previous year.

The Lord Mayor acknowledged the Transport Minister's announcement this week that prepaid go cards would soon be sold on ferries, but he questioned how successful the scheme would be for one-off users.

"Translink's website states the minimum cost for a preloaded go card is $20,'' he said.

"When the daily tickets were scrapped they were $6.80 to travel all day across bus, train and ferry services within one zone and $7.80 within two zones.''

Commuter advocacy group Back on Track has also been campaigning for the return of daily and other periodical tickets.