19 Aug 2011: SEQ: Uncertainty surrounds public transport ticketing ...

[ozbob]

Media release 19 August 2011

SEQ: Uncertainty surrounds public transport ticketing, direct action needed today

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has called for urgent direct action to address the loss of confidence in public transport ticketing in south-east Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The past week has seen a trifecta of failure.  The Great Ekka Ticket Meltdown of 2011 (1), the public realisation that a lack of suitable ticketing product for tourists and visitors is hurting the economy (2), and the uncertainty governing the conditions of use of the go card when there are failures (3)."

"It people elect to opt out of the go card because of the failure of the authorities to properly clarify conditions of use, they are brutally punished by extreme fares with paper singles. Paper singles which have time limits, unless one is the transport authority and changes rules to cover up its incompetence."

"RAIL Back On Track has constantly highlighted these looming issues and we are not surprised the ticketing system is now in need of urgent remedial action.  A stitch in time saves nine!  Pity TransLink and others ran out of cotton thread some time ago!"

"Enough!  It is time to fix the shambles that is the fare structure and ticketing system for public transport in south-east Queensland today. What more evidence is needed?"

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6548.0

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5215.0

3. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6540.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org


Suggested Variation to Conditions of Use for Go Card

The go card system is dependent on technology but we recognise that sometimes it fails.  Go card users are assured that providing they are using their go card in good faith, they do not have to fear that they will be regarded as a fare evader and warned or fined should they not be able to touch on in the following circumstances:

1.  You have credit on your card go card or auto-top up is activated.

2.  On a bus or ferry if you are not able to touch on because of equipment failure the driver or crew will wave you on.  Do not touch off when you leave that bus or ferry.  You can travel for free.

3.  If go card readers have failed on your platform of departure at railway station (or concourse as appropriate) you can travel for your trip for free. Do not touch off at the completion of your trip.

4.  If your go card fails, the bus driver or crewperson will take the number of your go card. You are permitted to complete your journey for free but you need to take steps to obtain a new go card.  A central register of failed go card numbers is maintained and if you continue to use a failed go card you may be warned or fined.  If unable to touch on at railway station because of a go card failure complete your journey, but obtain a new go card.  If you pass through an attended fare gate the railway staff will take note of your go card number.

5.  It is not possible to list all the other miscellaneous causes of a go card touch failure, however providing you have credit on your go card and/or auto-topup activated and you are acting in good faith, you are permitted to complete your journey.

6.  If you are not able to use a go card because of a significant permanent physical or intellectual disability you may be entitled to a TransLink Access Pass.  See --> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/special-access-passes/translink-access-pass

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert_Dow

Urgent action need to restore confidence in go card --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6568.0 @AnnastaciaMP @TheQldPremier @TransLinkSEQ @QueenslandRail

[ozbob]

A coincidence? --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6569.0

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

22 August 2011

Re: SEQ: Uncertainty surrounds public transport ticketing, direct action needed today

Greetings,

And can TransLink please arrange to fix the go card  equipment so that is fit for purpose?  Hoods on exposed readers on stations would be a start, only suggested that 3 years ago.

What has happened to the pilot reader trial?  See --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4314.0

Shambles ....  'world class public transport system' is falling apart.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

On 19/08/2011 3:51 AM, RAIL Back On Track Admin wrote:
Media release 19 August 2011

SEQ: Uncertainty surrounds public transport ticketing, direct action needed today

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has called for urgent direct action to address the loss of confidence in public transport ticketing in south-east Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The past week has seen a trifecta of failure.  The Great Ekka Ticket Meltdown of 2011 (1), the public realisation that a lack of suitable ticketing product for tourists and visitors is hurting the economy (2), and the uncertainty governing the conditions of use of the go card when there are failures (3)."

"It people elect to opt out of the go card because of the failure of the authorities to properly clarify conditions of use, they are brutally punished by extreme fares with paper singles. Paper singles which have time limits, unless one is the transport authority and changes rules to cover up its incompetence."

"RAIL Back On Track has constantly highlighted these looming issues and we are not surprised the ticketing system is now in need of urgent remedial action.  A stitch in time saves nine!  Pity TransLink and others ran out of cotton thread some time ago!"

"Enough!  It is time to fix the shambles that is the fare structure and ticketing system for public transport in south-east Queensland today. What more evidence is needed?"

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6548.0

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5215.0

3. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6540.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org


Suggested Variation to Conditions of Use for Go Card

he go card system is dependent on technology but we recognise that sometimes it fails.  Go card users are assured that providing they are using their go card in good faith, they do not have to fear that they will be regarded as a fare evader and warned or fined should they not be able to touch on in the following circumstances:

1.  You have credit on your card go card or auto-top up is activated.

2.  On a bus or ferry if you are not able to touch on because of equipment failure the driver or crew will wave you on.  Do not touch off when you leave that bus or ferry.  You can travel for free.

3.  If go card readers have failed on your platform of departure at railway station (or concourse as appropriate) you can travel for your trip for free. Do not touch off at the completion of your trip.

4.  If your go card fails, the bus driver or crew person will take the number of your go card. You are permitted to complete your journey for free but you need to take steps to obtain a new go card.  A central register of failed go card numbers is maintained and if you continue to use a failed go card you may be warned or fined.  If unable to touch on at railway station because of a go card failure complete your journey, but obtain a new go card.  If you pass through an attended fare gate the railway staff will take note of your go card number.

5.  It is not possible to list all the other miscellaneous causes of a go card touch failure, however providing you have credit on your go card and/or auto-topup activated and you are acting in good faith, you are permitted to complete your journey.

6.  If you are not able to use a go card because of a significant permanent physical or intellectual disability you may be entitled to a TransLink Access Pass.  See -- http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/special-access-passes/translink-access-pass

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

23 August 2011

Re: SEQ: Uncertainty surrounds public transport ticketing, direct action needed today

Greetings,

Here is a photograph of the go card reader screen at Palmwoods station on Friday 18 August, 2011.  Seriously, this is why the go card conditions of use need an urgent and rapid overhaul.  Many  go card readers are in this state around the network.

It is little wonder that many go card users are concerned about their touch status and possible fare evasion warnings and offences being forced to use compromised equipment.

From http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6540.msg66252#msg66252




Suggested Variation to Conditions of Use for Go Card

The go card system is dependent on technology but we recognise that sometimes it fails.  Go card users are assured that providing they are using their go card in good faith, they do not have to fear that they will be regarded as a fare evader and warned or fined should they not be able to touch on in the following circumstances:

1.  You have credit on your card go card or auto-top up is activated.

2.  On a bus or ferry if you are not able to touch on because of equipment failure the driver or crew will wave you on.  Do not touch off when you leave that bus or ferry.  You can travel for free.

3.  If go card readers have failed on your platform of departure at railway station (or concourse as appropriate) you can travel for your trip for free. Do not touch off at the completion of your trip.

4.  If your go card fails, the bus driver or crew person will take the number of your go card. You are permitted to complete your journey for free but you need to take steps to obtain a new go card.  A central register of failed go card numbers is maintained and if you continue to use a failed go card you may be warned or fined.  If unable to touch on at railway station because of a go card failure complete your journey, but obtain a new go card.  If you pass through an attended fare gate the railway staff will take note of your go card number.

5.  It is not possible to list all the other miscellaneous causes of a go card touch failure, however providing you have credit on your go card and/or auto-topup activated and you are acting in good faith, you are permitted to complete your journey.

6.  If you are not able to use a go card because of a significant permanent physical or intellectual disability you may be entitled to a TransLink Access Pass.  See --> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/special-access-passes/translink-access-pass

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

24th August 2011

Re: SEQ: Uncertainty surrounds public transport ticketing, direct action needed today

Greetings,

Some simple strategies for moving forward:

1.  Fare structure for the go card - needs urgent improvements.

2.  Fix the go card equipment.

3.  Immediately clarify conditions of use of the go card.

Yes, we all know it is not rocket science, so what's the problem?

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org