Myki - articles and discussion

[ozbob]

ZDNet --> Myki gets upgrade as vulnerability emerges

[SurfRail]

First experience using myki today - I found the top up machines to be superior to ours (especially with the height of the EFTPOS installation being much friendlier to most people), and the readers to be much easier to follow.  However, the signal does not appear to be as robust as go card - I was not able to touch on or off with the card in my wallet.  Part of this might be the dodgy installation of the myki readers onto the existing gates, as I only tried this at Box Hill and gave up elsewhere.

In other news, I can't remember when Melbourne's trains looked so clean (at least on the outside).

[ozbob]

From the Herald Sun click here!

New cost blow over myki smartcard

New cost blow over myki smartcard

    by: Ashley Gardiner
    From: Herald Sun
    November 10, 2011 12:00AM

THE cost of the troubled myki smartcard to the taxpayer could dramatically escalate, racking up a bill worth as much as $290 million.

Fare revenue for Metro and Yarra Trams during 2010-11 fell $76 million short of expectations, which has been topped up by the taxpayer.

The latest impost, on top of the $1.35 billion project cost, is the result of a deal with the transport operators to top up fare money.

A decision by the previous government in 2008, followed by the Baillieu Government's delaying of the full introduction of myki, means Metro and Yarra Trams get guaranteed extra income until 2013.

Auditor-General Des Pearson has warned that this guaranteed fare income meant there was little incentive for the companies to crack down on fare evasion.

But the State Government said last night that it was bound by the deal signed by the former Labor administration.

The deal was done so transport operators weren't financially disadvantaged owing to teething problems with the myki system.

If the 2010-11 shortfall is repeated until the end of 2013, a year after Metcard is phased out, the total bill will be close to $288 million.

So far, since December 2009, they have been paid an extra $98.5 million by the State Government for fare shortages.

Mr Pearson said taxpayers were paying for the difference between the predicted fare take and what was actually collected.

In June, the State Government delayed the Metcard switch-off until the end of 2012; the deal remains in place for another year. Mr Pearson said this meant the operators did not have to worry about the cost of fare evasion.

"As their fare box revenue is guaranteed until December 2013, the actual loss from fare evasion is borne by the state," Mr Pearson said.

"Accordingly, there is limited incentive for operators to invest in measures to reduce fare evasion."

Mr Pearson also found Metro had benefited from the decision to cap penalty payments for poor performance at $1 million a month.

During 2010-11, the rail operator was fined $4.7 million for not meeting its targets. Without the cap, that fine would have been $16 million.

Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder said taxpayers got a bad deal from the previous government's contract.

"Labor's poor negotiating skills ensured that Victorian taxpayers bear the full risk of any fare box revenue shortfalls while myki is introduced," he said.

[ozbob]

Twitter

mykimate myki mate
Show your valid myki for half-price entry into the Melbourne Heart vs. Newcastle Jets match this Saturday! More info: http://t.co/SUCl8ax1
5 minutes ago

[ozbob]

Twitter

ptua PTUA
Ombudsman/AG report recommends TTA immediately commence transition from Metcard to #Myki to cut costs
http://www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au/www/html/285-parliamentary-reports-2011.asp

[ozbob]

From the Melbourne Age click here!

Ombudsman lashes inept myki, police database projects

Ombudsman lashes inept myki, police database projects
Reid Sexton
November 23, 2011 - 10:48AM

"Muted acceptance that all ICT-enabled projects go wrong", says report.

The Victorian Ombusdman has released a scathing report this morning into the state's handling of major information and communication technology (ICT) projects.

The report, which examined the controversial myki transport smartcard and a proposed Victoria Police database, found that the projects routinely failed to meet expectations and time frames and all ran over budget.

"Too often there was muted acceptance that all ICT-enabled projects go wrong," the ombudsman found.

"Responsibilities were so diffused that it was difficult to identify who was accountable; or there was a tendency to blame those previously involved.

"Leadership from the top is required if this is to change."

Update

The Ombudsman found that the total estimated cost of delivering the 10 projects that he examined was $1.44 billion more than originally budgeted.

Premier Ted Baillieu said the Coalition had repeatedly warned the old government about the cost-blowouts but was ignored.

''They pressed on and dismissed those criticisms,'' he said.

''The bottom line is that Victorians are now $1.4 billion worse off than they would have been if the budgeted projects had proceeded to budget.''

A cost blowout of at least $350 million and its delayed introduction by more than three years saw myki relentlessly attacked by the Coalition when in opposition.

But in June the Baillieu government announced it was retaining the system because it would cost taxpayers at least another $1 billion to scrap it, with Metcard to remain in place until the end of 2012.

In April, the Baillieu government dumped the Link crime database project to replace the flawed, Leap system, which had been blamed for failing to identify parole violators linked to up to seven murders.

It's cost had blown out by $100 million cost on top of the original $61 million in funding.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/it-pro/government-it/ombudsman-lashes-inept-myki-police-database-projects-20111123-1ntsh.html

[dwb]

Perhaps govt consistently wants too much for less, and picks the wrong tenderer based on a tender that clearly won't be able to deliver the target?

[somebody]

Perhaps govt consistently wants too much for less, and picks the wrong tenderer based on a tender that clearly won't be able to deliver the target?

More likely, they think it should be easy enough to confuse it and don't allow enough time.

[dwb]

Perhaps govt consistently wants too much for less, and picks the wrong tenderer based on a tender that clearly won't be able to deliver the target?

More likely, they think it should be easy enough to confuse it and don't allow enough time.

Or they simply don't document their needs first, and/or then change their needs and/or are running insane legacy systems that they want to maintain rather than ditching...

[ozbob]

From the Herald Sun click here!

Metcards to be phased out as myki ready to go alone

Metcards to be phased out as myki ready to go alone

    by: Ashley Gardiner
    From: Herald Sun
    December 22, 2011 12:00AM

COMMUTERS will be forced to make the switch from Metcard to the troubled myki smartcard early next year.

Online sales of Metcard, plus annual tickets, will cease from January 1.

The remaining Metcard products will be progressively withdrawn in the first half of the year.

Commuters will then have until December to use their Metcards before they become worthless.

But, in a sweetener for public transport users, the cost of buying the myki will be cut.

Full-fare mykis will drop from $10 to $6, and concession cards from $7 to $3.

The $9.80 administration fee will also be abolished, allowing people with unused credit to get a full refund.

But the price reductions come into effect at the same time that fares increase by an average 8.6 per cent.

Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder said the changes would make myki cheaper and easier to use.

"Some current aspects of the myki ticketing system, such as card costs and annoying administration fees, make it difficult and expensive for passengers," Mr Mulder said.

"December 2012 is not far away, so I would urge anyone with old Metcards to start using up these tickets."

The Government estimates about 11 million trips on Metcards have been sold but not used.

Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen said both systems operating at once was causing confusion for infrequent passengers.

"Myki has been a long, sorry saga, and moving ahead with the roll-out makes sense, given the system is running relatively smoothly now and it's costing taxpayers millions to have both myki and Metcard running in parallel," Mr Bowen said.

"But the Government will need to make sure that passengers have help from staff on the ground as they switch.

"If myki mates or other staff don't go back on to stations to assist, there could be a lot of problems for people unfamiliar with the new system."

[ozbob]

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2831&catid=5&Itemid=9

myki cheaper and easier as rollout continues

Thursday, 22 December 2011
From the Minister for Public Transport

The cost of a myki public transport smartcard will be markedly reduced while annoying fees for replacement mykis will be abolished, Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder said today.

Mr Mulder said the Coalition Government would simplify myki by reducing the purchase cost of an adult myki card from $10 to $6 and from $7 to $3 for concession travellers effective from 1 January 2012.

"The Coalition Government will abolish the $9.80 administration fee for myki cards so that passengers wanting a refund on any unused travel value can obtain their money back without penalty," Mr Mulder said.

"In a policy the government will review annually, defective or damaged registered or unregistered mykis will now also be replaced free of charge on the spot from 1 January 2012 at Flinders Street railway station, the Met Shop at the Melbourne Town Hallor and the Southern Cross myki Discovery Centre," Mr Mulder said.

"Lost or stolen registered mykis will be replaced without a fee from 1 January 2012. Passengers with unregistered lost or stolen mykis will still have to purchase a replacement myki for $6 (adults) or $3 (concession)."

Mr Mulder said in the first stage of Metcard ticket type withdrawals, Yearly Metcards would no longer be available from 1 January 2012, while online and telephone Metcard sales would cease from the same date.

"With most Yearly tickets purchased through employer commuter clubs, more than 90 per cent of Yearly ticket holders are already using myki. The number of yearly tickets individuals purchase in other ways is very low," Mr Mulder said.

"During the coming months, the Transport Ticketing Authority will withdraw further Metcard ticket types. The government will give prior notice to train, tram and bus patrons of the staged withdrawal of further Metcard types and the further installation of myki equipment such as railway station booking office card vending machines.

Mr Mulder said Victorians were holding onto Metcards with a total of 11 million unused trips.

"I urge passengers to put their unused Metcards to good use in getting out and about in the next few months on Melbourne's trains, trams and buses," Mr Mulder said.

[ozbob]

Twitter

danielbowen Daniel Bowen
Interesting: Conditions changed so that cards with #Myki Money (but not Pass) can be shared http://t.co/diaKRJ1C p10

[ozbob]

Twitter

mykimate myki mate
Changes to public transport fares take effect today. Visit http://myki.com.au to view the new fares for 2012.
20 minutes ago

[STB]

One common theme coming from the comments in that news article regarding a full roll out of Myki - what about the tourists/visitors?  To me, that's a dead argument that is no longer relevant.  As a tourist to Melbourne in the past and quite possibly in the future, I had to get my head around Metcard, I can certainly get my head around Myki.  That complaint I now find quite insulting and ignorant.

[Gazza]

+1

Everyone who goes to London gets an Oyster.

Follows that everyone who visits Melbourne gets Myki.

[ozbob]

Blog --> Three generations of Melbourne ticketing

[ozbob]

From the Melbourne Age click here!

The end is nigh for Metcard

The end is nigh for Metcard
Clay Lucas
January 20, 2012

The 8.6 per cent average increase in public transport prices is the largest in 10 years.

WEEKLY and monthly Metcard tickets will no longer be sold from railway stations from March, as the Baillieu government attempts to push more public transport users on to the myki ticket system.

Hundreds of decade-old Metcard ticket machines will also be ripped out of CBD railway stations and taken off the Williamstown line from next month; other railway lines will follow.

With only 30 per cent of public transport travellers now using a myki card, the government wants to push more off Metcard before the anticipated switch-off at the end of this year.

While the government will make it more difficult to buy Metcards - to encourage Victorians in the wind-down period to use up an estimated 11 million unused trips - it is simultaneously beefing up myki.

All myki vending machines on railway stations will soon sell ''uncharged'' cards, for $6 each, with no travel credit on them.

All 7-11 stores and 90 newsagents and milk bars will also sell myki cards soon, along with offering existing top-up services. And another 400 stores offering myki top-ups soon will also sell cards.

But in an embarrassment for the government, seven months after Premier Ted Baillieu announced that the contract with the company behind Metcard would be extended, no new contract has been signed.

In 2007, when it became clear myki would run years late, the government signed a $216 million contract with Metcard's owner, OneLink, to run the system until March 1 this year.

In just six weeks, the government's contract with OneLink expires. With no extension contract yet signed, OneLink - which declined to comment yesterday - is now in a strong bargaining position.

And, after years in opposition spent criticising the $1.35 billion smartcard system, Transport Minister Terry Mulder is bringing back Labor's much-maligned ''myki mates'' - though under a different name.

Around $4 million will be spent between now and July on the revived customer service officer program, on top of $5 million already spent in 2010.

In 2009, Mr Mulder attacked then minister Lynne Kosky for needing this ''army of paid explainers'' for myki.

While weekly and monthly Metcard tickets will disappear on March 26 from railway stations and vending machines, the popular 10-trip ticket will remain available, as will two-hour Metcards. Yearly Metcard tickets have already been replaced by myki.

Labor's transport spokeswoman, Fiona Richardson, said the removal of Metcard equipment and some tickets would do nothing to solve two outstanding myki issues: the failure to provide a single-use ticket for occasional public transport users and tourists, and removing myki top-ups from trams.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/the-end-is-nigh-for-metcard-20120119-1q8f4.html

[ozbob]

From the Herald Sun click here!

When it comes to myki, like it or lump it

When it comes to myki, like it or lump it

    by: Greg Thom
    From: Herald Sun
    January 20, 2012 12:00AM

COMMUTERS are being forced to embrace the much maligned $1.35 billion myki ticketing system - whether they like it or not.

With an estimated 70 per cent of train, tram and bus travellers still clinging to paper-based Metcard tickets, the transition to myki is about to be ramped up.

With the Metcard system due to be phased out for good by December, the State Government yesterday announced new measures to get Victorians on the myki train.

From this month, commuters will for the first time be able to buy, as well as top up, myki cards from vending machines rather than just online.

Other initiatives designed to accelerate the myki migration include:

THE sale of myki cards and top up services at 7-Eleven outlets, milk bars and newsagents from February.

THE removal of the first Metcard vending machines from train stations in the CBD from next month.

AXING the sale of weekly and monthly Metcards from March 26.

Other Metcard tickets, such as the popular two hour and daily versions, will be progressively phased out in coming months, in a move designed to further encourage users to adopt myki.

The Baillieu Government decided to keep the troubled and much delayed myki system in June, following a review in which it decided it would cost taxpayers more than $1 billion to scrap it.

Transport Ticketing Authority chief Bernie Carolan said the phasing out of weekly and monthly Metcards along with gradual removal of Metcard ticket machines from train stations, represented the first significant steps.

"By the end of April, public transport passengers will be able to purchase and top-up myki cards at around 800 retail locations across Melbourne," he said.

Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen said it was by no means certain the transition from Metcard to myki would go smoothly.

"To a certain extent it makes sense to bring people across (to myki) because you can't have two systems running at the same time forever," he said.

"Once you get the majority of people using myki though, they'd better make sure it's humming, otherwise there could be chaos."

[ozbob]

Public transport groups are predicting widespread confusion.. as the government sets its timetable for the MYKI takeover.

[dwb]

From the Herald Sun click here!

When it comes to myki, like it or lump it

When it comes to myki, like it or lump it

    by: Greg Thom
    From: Herald Sun
    January 20, 2012 12:00AM

COMMUTERS are being forced to embrace the much maligned $1.35 billion myki ticketing system - whether they like it or not.

With an estimated 70 per cent of train, tram and bus travellers still clinging to paper-based Metcard tickets, the transition to myki is about to be ramped up.

With the Metcard system due to be phased out for good by December, the State Government yesterday announced new measures to get Victorians on the myki train.

From this month, commuters will for the first time be able to buy, as well as top up, myki cards from vending machines rather than just online.

Other initiatives designed to accelerate the myki migration include:

THE sale of myki cards and top up services at 7-Eleven outlets, milk bars and newsagents from February.

THE removal of the first Metcard vending machines from train stations in the CBD from next month.

AXING the sale of weekly and monthly Metcards from March 26.

Other Metcard tickets, such as the popular two hour and daily versions, will be progressively phased out in coming months, in a move designed to further encourage users to adopt myki.

The Baillieu Government decided to keep the troubled and much delayed myki system in June, following a review in which it decided it would cost taxpayers more than $1 billion to scrap it.

Transport Ticketing Authority chief Bernie Carolan said the phasing out of weekly and monthly Metcards along with gradual removal of Metcard ticket machines from train stations, represented the first significant steps.

"By the end of April, public transport passengers will be able to purchase and top-up myki cards at around 800 retail locations across Melbourne," he said.

Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen said it was by no means certain the transition from Metcard to myki would go smoothly.

"To a certain extent it makes sense to bring people across (to myki) because you can't have two systems running at the same time forever," he said.

"Once you get the majority of people using myki though, they'd better make sure it's humming, otherwise there could be chaos."

So they're going to move 70% from one system to the other in 3 months... that's pretty ambitious. One wonders why they didn't start earlier and softlier.

[ozbob]

http://yfrog.com/kkncyoufj

[somebody]

One wonders why they didn't start earlier and softlier.

Seems like they were too soft earlier.

[SurfRail]

One wonders why they didn't start earlier and softlier.

Seems like they were too soft earlier.

Probably because the system sucked.  By all accounts it was buggier than go card or Smartrider ever were, and yet their metropolitan network is actually simpler zonewise (although not productwise).

[ozbob]

One wonders why they didn't start earlier and softlier.

Seems like they were too soft earlier.

Probably because the system sucked.  By all accounts it was buggier than go card or Smartrider ever were, and yet their metropolitan network is actually simpler zonewise (although not productwise).

I have used myki many times, no issues.  I find the equipment easier to use than the go card.  Was a little slow early.  Fare structure is rather neat, both myki money and myki pass, and the fact that both can be concurrent on a myki.

There was a real media distortion re myki, over blown .. 

I still think they need to address the tram issue though, could be easily fixed with some simple vending machines.

[dwb]

One wonders why they didn't start earlier and softlier.

Seems like they were too soft earlier.

Probably because the system sucked.  By all accounts it was buggier than go card or Smartrider ever were, and yet their metropolitan network is actually simpler zonewise (although not productwise).

I have used myki many times, no issues.  I find the equipment easier to use than the go card.  Was a little slow early.  Fare structure is rather neat, both myki money and myki pass, and the fact that both can be concurrent on a myki.

There was a real media distortion re myki, over blown .. 

I still think they need to address the tram issue though, could be easily fixed with some simple vending machines.

I had lots of issues with mine when I used it... balances on differnet machines not lined up, balances not applied to card, transactions not tagging on or off etc etc.

[somebody]

One wonders why they didn't start earlier and softlier.

Seems like they were too soft earlier.

Probably because the system sucked.  By all accounts it was buggier than go card or Smartrider ever were, and yet their metropolitan network is actually simpler zonewise (although not productwise).

Having less zones has no real advantage.  They actually have a different price for zone 2 only compared to zone 1 only.

Myki was far more complicated than QLD or WA.  I have little doubt that this caused it to be far more expensive and troublesome than it needed to be.

I have used myki many times, no issues.  I find the equipment easier to use than the go card.  Was a little slow early.  Fare structure is rather neat, both myki money and myki pass, and the fact that both can be concurrent on a myki.

There was a real media distortion re myki, over blown .. 

I still think they need to address the tram issue though, could be easily fixed with some simple vending machines.

One of the best decisions made in QLD (after integrating fares without the smart card) was saying no to the demands for weeklies etc.

[dwb]

One of the best decisions made in QLD (after integrating fares without the smart card) was saying no to the demands for weeklies etc.

Agree, more or less. Wow we really are agreeing a lot this week Simon

[ozbob]

From the Melbourne Age click here!

Myki meltdowns: minister apologises

Myki meltdowns: minister apologises
Adam Carey
February 13, 2012

A MAN whose myki card has failed four times in 18 months has forced the state government to concede that there are still unresolved software problems with the $1.35 billion ticketing system, even as the phase-out of Metcards gathers pace.

Toby Nieboer, a web developer who commutes five days a week from Tecoma in Melbourne's outer east to the city centre, complained last month to the Public Transport Ombudsman over the serial software meltdowns, which have led him to spend $11 a day on train tickets while waiting for a new card, despite having already spent $1600 on a yearly pass.

''I don't think it's very fair to expect somebody to pay for public transport out of their own pocket when they already have a valid ticket that's simply become defective,'' Mr Nieboer said.
Advertisement: Story continues below

The rapid rate at which Mr Nieboer's cards have failed was considered exceptional enough to prompt the Minister for Public Transport, Terry Mulder, to write an apology. ''The [Transport Ticketing Authority] advises that myki cards are designed to last for four years and meet international standards for smartcards in terms of quality and materials,'' Mr Mulder wrote. ''However, as with any complex technology-based system, there are instances where software issues render a card non-operational. The TTA is working with the system operator, Kamco, to resolve these issues.''

The minister also recommended Mr Nieboer consider switching back to Metcards in the interim. ''While you await your replacement card, you may use an alternative myki card if you own one, or Metcards,'' he wrote.

Metcard machines have already been switched off at some spots in the city, and will begin to progressively disappear from suburban train stations from the end of the month, starting with the Williamstown line. It is anticipated Metcards will be withdrawn from sale by the end of August and cease being valid by the end of the year.

The Transport Ticketing Authority recorded 2049 myki card malfunctions last year. Chief executive Bernie Carolan said myki cards ''last for a number of years if looked after properly.

''A myki has an internal antenna and customers should avoid doing anything to their myki, such as punching a hole in it or excessively bending it.''

Mr Nieboer insists he carries his card in a plastic pouch, not in his wallet, so that it does not get damaged

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/myki-meltdowns-minister-apologises-20120212-1szql.html

[verbatim9]

The Myki works fine for me except sometimes some stand alone readers are out of action at some stations?

[SurfRail]

Why has he had to spend money?  Hasn't he kept his receipt?  Can't the people in the myki booth at Southern Cross just fix it (presumably it's registered in his name)?

[ozbob]

From the Melbourne Age click here!

Myki glitch triggers more commuter anger

Myki glitch triggers more commuter anger
February 28, 2012 - 4:48PM

Victoria's Myki has hit another snag, with its website frustrating commuters who are unable to check their account balances or histories.

Registered Myki cardholders can usually monitor when and where they have touched on and off and how much they have spent each day through the myki website.

But the transaction history tool stopped working four days ago and is yet to come back online.

Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen said commuters could usually check if they had been charged correctly or if they needed to top up their pre-paid accounts.

"If it's not updated for days at a time, it's a lot more difficult to manage your account," he said.

Mr Bowen said he had also been unable to access his account history earlier in the month.

Transport Ticketing Authority chief executive officer Bernie Carolan said there were a number of outstanding transactions that had not been processed.

"These will be visible to the customer in their online account shortly," he said.

"The TTA apologises for any inconvenience and advises passengers to use on-system devices to check their myki card balance."

Mr Carolan said account balances could be checked at myki readers.

He said while myki cards held up-to-date information there was a delay before it appeared online.

"The TTA has consistently advised customers that they should allow at least 24 hours for their myki use to appear on their online travel and transaction history," he said.

There is no mention of the current glitch on the myki website.

Mr Bowen said the transaction history function could also be used by parents to ensure their children's accounts were topped up with money or even check up on where they had been travelling.

"It's one of the genuine benefits of myki over Metcard," he said.

Mr Bowen said he did not know if parents were regularly using it to monitor their children but that it was possible to see which train stations they were using.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/it-pro/government-it/myki-glitch-triggers-more-commuter-anger-20120228-1u07o.html

[ozbob]

From the Melbourne Age click here!

Fare evasion blitz

Fare evasion blitz
Adam Carey
March 2, 2012

METLINK has started a blitz on fare evasion, in the same month Metcard machines are being switched off at many suburban train stations. No leniency will be shown to travellers who don't have a ticket because they have not yet switched to myki, a Metlink spokeswoman warned.

Fare evasion costs about $80 million a year. ''We really want to reduce that because that money will be invested back into the network,'' she said.

Metcard machines were shut down at 16 stations on the Williamstown, Werribee, Altona and Sydenham lines and more are set to go from the Sydenham, Craigieburn and Epping lines

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/fare-evasion-blitz-20120301-1u6bw.html#ixzz1nt0xKShy

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Legal action over secret myki report

[ozbob]

Daniel Bowen Blog --> Myki myths 1: There's no "unlimited use" option – oh yes there is

[ozbob]

From the Melbourne Times Weekly click here!

Myki off the rails, academic says

Myki off the rails, academic says
BY CHRIS HINGSTON
27 Mar, 2012 01:32 AM
THE switch to myki could lead to public confusion, fare evasion and test cases in court, a public transport academic says.

The state government is urging Epping and Hurstbridge line passengers to switch to myki, when Metcard machines are turned off at stations including Collingwood, Hurstbridge, Preston and Clifton Hill this week.

Metcard machines will be switched off at all Epping and Hurstbridge line stations by the end of the month.

Full fare myki cards will be sold at all stations but child or concession mykis will be not be available at unstaffed stations.

RMIT University transport senior lecturer Paul Mees said no longer providing single-use or return tickets showed "immense contempt for public transport users".

Perth, Brisbane and Hobart all used a smart card system, but still sell single-use and return tickets. Dr Mees said he anticipated confused passengers, a spike in fare evasion and he was not sure what concession ticket buyers were supposed to do if they arrived at an unmanned station. "I would be amazed if there was not a public-spirited lawyer who helps someone mount a test case on this," he said.

Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen said unstaffed stations would cause problems. "While the 'myki mates' are on duty, then at least passengers can get assistance, but once they're gone, there is little in the way of help for people. For people who use the trains only once or twice a month, that is a real issue," he said.

Transport Ticketing Authority chief executive Bernie Carolan said there was ample opportunity for people to buy a myki and prepare for when Metcards were no longer sold.

"A large number of concession passengers, including seniors and students, already have a concession myki, however those who do not will need to be prepared for the removal of Metcard machines from stations."

He said about 800 outlets are expected to offer myki sales and top-up by the end of April.

[somebody]

Be interesting to see how this goes.

Paul Mees is incorrect on one point: Brisbane doesn't sell returns.

[#Metro]

They are just so negative and anti down there, they don't even suggest remedies or anything!

The sooner we cut paper tickets, the better. We have a new government now willing to do stuff,
only 6% 20% of trips use a paper ticket, time to cut paper tickets loose. No need for the duplication we
see today.

Sell pre-loaded cards on the buses... $10 and $20

Edit: corrected figure

[ozbob]

TT at the moment 20% roughly of all public transport trips use tickets other than go card.

It is not 6%.

[somebody]

TT at the moment 20% roughly of all public transport trips use tickets other than go card.

It is not 6%.

20% figure is from last year.  Fare rises (and time passing) could have reduced it.  Although I don't know where 6% comes from.

[#Metro]

It is fine, I've a source and can explain the differences.

My reference is here, page 10

1. http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/what-we-do/customer-research/100501-public-transport-survey.pdf

20% sounds right  - single paper ticket users were 6%, daily paper users were 6% also, off-peak daily users were 2%, monthly 2%, weekly 2%, and random 3%.

Since these have all now been phased out (except single papers), the numbers can be reconciled by adding them all (assuming paper users on any paper ticket all just shifted to paper singles), giving ~ 18%

Paper die-hards!!