Using the new go card fare structure optimally.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

24th July 2013

Go card user education campaign

Good Morning Brisbane Media and others,

Clearly the Newman Government lacks the insight and the concern to sort out the fare system mess in south-east Queensland.

So I am requesting your support to educate citizens on how to use the go card optimally to help minimise the impacts of the savage fare increases.  Once the public en mass wakes up to the absolute shambles the fare system is and extract massive amounts of ' free ' travel, the Government might actually be forced to act in the community's best interests and sort it.

The first point that needs to be stressed is that no one should use paper single tickets.  They are even more expensive (at least 30%) for the equivalent trip with a go card and have time limitations, no free after nine paid journey cap, no off peak fares.  So it is a no-brainer to NOT use them at any cost.  Paper single tickets also help make the mediocre bus network even more inefficient, and adds to costs, more than it need be as well as buses are delayed with paper single purchases on board.

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

User tip #1  for Seniors and those on the two paid journey cap

The two card trick. Transferring is only possible from the same or adjoining zone.

So one way of getting two paid journeys completed quickly for Seniors is to have a normal Seniors go card, and a secondary Seniors go card.  For those who are in inner suburbs it is a lot easier to get two paid journeys completed quickly by doing zoners (short journeys) on buses.

However in middle and outer suburbia some innovation is needed. So say someone at Ipswich touches on and commences a journey to Brisbane.  At Darra, break journey and touch off.  Then touch on with secondary go card.  One paid journey is now complete on primary card.  Continue journey to say Milton.  Break journey and touch off with secondary go card.  Touch back on with primary go card (even though time is less than one hour from previous touch off because zone difference greater than one, initiates a new journey), touch off at Roma St or Central and go and have a cup of coffee. Two paid journeys now complete on primary go card. Have a cup of coffee for an hour.  Then you can travel to Gold Coast or wherever for the rest of the day for free. Happy travelling!

The two card trick is also useful for normal go card holders who wish to gain some extra paid journeys on the way the work ...  do your sums.

http://translink.com.au/resources/tickets-and-fares/go-card/130107-user-guide-part-1.pdf

Transferring top tips:
    • A journey is the distance travelled from
    departure to destination. A journey might
    involve several trips using different transport
    modes or routes.
    • A transfer is a change of transport mode or
    route to another service or route at the end of
    a trip to continue a journey.
    • A trip is the distance travelled on one route.
    When you transfer to another route or service
    you're commencing a new trip. You can make
    up to 4 trips within the 1 journey.
    Don't forget:
    • Your journey must continue from the same
    zone or adjoining zone.
    • There is a 1 hour time limit between transfers.
    That means you must touch on to your trip
    within 60 minutes of touching off at the end
    of your previous trip.
    • You must touch on to your final trip within
    3.5 hours of when you started your first trip.
    You have 6 hours to complete the journey.
    • You can transfer up to 3 times across
    all zones.

User tip #2

Lunch time ' zoners '

Anyone on a regular go card who does the traditional commute to and from work can save a lot of money by doing a lunch time one stop bus journey (or rail journey) at lunch time.  Once you complete nine paid journeys in a week (Mon  - Sun) your travel is free.

By completing three paid journeys a day (to work, lunch time journey, to home) you will complete 9 paid journeys when you complete home journey on Wednesday.

You travel free then on Thursday and Friday, and the weekend as desired. Savings can be considerable, particularly if a high zone commute.

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

It is rather sad that the failure that is the fare system is allowed to continue, drive people off public transport and continue to worsen fare affordability.

There are real concerns with transport in Queensland.  Bus failures, fare failures and now seriously worsening road congestion.

Time to stand up and be counted.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[SurfRail]

The term that The TransLink Ripoff use is "notching" for the lunch-time trips, which I think is quite apt and accurate.

[#Metro]

I don't have a job and am expected to pay FULL FARE. GRR!!

[ozbob]

I don't have a job and am expected to pay FULL FARE. GRR!!

Yes, appalling situation really. 

http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.msg128339#msg128339

[ozbob]

The term that The TransLink Ripoff use is "notching" for the lunch-time trips, which I think is quite apt and accurate.

Notching and nosh!  A specialised type of zoner ...   

[ozbob]

It might be worthwhile to do the ' Monday Madness ' LD ... you know wait till 9am and then up and down Adelaide St rack up 9 paid journeys, budgeting for the week for transport complete ..   

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Go Card tricks to keep costs down revealed

[BrizCommuter]

The BrizCommuter word on go card rorting
http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/go-card-how-to-take-advantage-of-system.html

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

25th July 2013

Fare fail SEQ

Greetings,

Thanks for the support in helping to drive change for the failure that is the fare system in south-east Queensland.

What a silly system of fares, that allows simple and complex rorting, is anti-public transport, authorities deny reality and continue to spin nonsense whilst the objective data clearly shows patronage falls and stagnation, and the affordability levels at rock bottom.

It doesn't matter which aspect one considers.  South-east Queensland is an abject failure.

Data on Brisbanetimes this morning confirms that unemployed are being hit very hard with the lack of public transport fare concessions  - something that is afforded to the unemployed in every other state and territory of Australia.  Unemployment hitting Brisbane's outer suburbs hardest http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/unemployment-hitting-brisbanes-outer-suburbs-hardest-20130724-2qj8q.html

Consider this:

Health care cards and concession fares around the nation
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.msg128339#msg128339

Current Senior fares in state capitals
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9122.msg128325#msg128325

Current family/groups tickets in state capitals
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9123.msg128577#msg128577

South-east Queensland fails miserably on all aspects of the fares.

It makes no sense to continue the fare box slide.  A new fare system that is socially equitable will reverse the horrendous effects of the Five Year Fare Path commenced in 2010.

The Premier in January 2013 indicated in the six month plan there would be a new fare structure for SEQ.  Where is it?

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

26th July 2013

More evidence of the fare fail in SEQ

Greetings,

Yesterday in the Budget Estimates the Minister indicated that patronage is falling because of worsening fare affordability.  Does anyone really think that by continuing with the present fare fail in south-east Queensland and increasing fares yet again many times CPI and wage and pension increases, that is going to make fares more affordable?  Pinch me!

Ferry patronage has increased on our network (Brisbane ferry popularity surges http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-ferry-popularity-surges-20130725-2qmpt.html ). The only real bright spot.  Why?  The City Hopper is free, many commuters have abandoned high cost bus/rail where they can and use the Hopper.

The Premier indicated in the January 2013 Six Month Plan that a new fare structure for south-east Queensland would be forthcoming.  Where is it?

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

25th July 2013

Fare fail SEQ

Greetings,

Thanks for the support in helping to drive change for the failure that is the fare system in south-east Queensland.

What a silly system of fares, that allows simple and complex rorting, is anti-public transport, authorities deny reality and continue to spin nonsense whilst the objective data clearly shows patronage falls and stagnation, and the affordability levels at rock bottom.

It doesn't matter which aspect one considers.  South-east Queensland is an abject failure.

Data on Brisbanetimes this morning confirms that unemployed are being hit very hard with the lack of public transport fare concessions  - something that is afforded to the unemployed in every other state and territory of Australia.  Unemployment hitting Brisbane's outer suburbs hardest http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/unemployment-hitting-brisbanes-outer-suburbs-hardest-20130724-2qj8q.html

Consider this:

Health care cards and concession fares around the nation
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.msg128339#msg128339

Current Senior fares in state capitals
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9122.msg128325#msg128325

Current family/groups tickets in state capitals
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9123.msg128577#msg128577

South-east Queensland fails miserably on all aspects of the fares.

It makes no sense to continue the fare box slide.  A new fare system that is socially equitable will reverse the horrendous effects of the Five Year Fare Path commenced in 2010.

The Premier in January 2013 indicated in the six month plan there would be a new fare structure for SEQ.  Where is it?

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

The way the go card is set up means that if you do a return journey over the same zones, the return journey is free providing you touch back on under the one hour transfer limit.

Example:

Say you need to travel to Fortitude Valley for a quick shop or whatever.

Start at say Carseldine rail.  Zone 4, peak fare is $5.13.

Touch on at Carseldine, travel to the Valley.  Touch off.  Fare $5.13.

Head back to Carseldine after completing your business.  Touch back on at Fortitude Valley less than one hour since touching off.  When you get back to Carseldine and touch off the fare will be zero.  If the return journey touch on is more than an hour since you last touched off you will be charged for the return journey.

[ozbob]

Seniors go card.  Using the 2 paid journey cap optimally.

Secondary go card used for intermediate trip Goodna - Milton.

03 Dec 2013
06:38 AM    Curnow St F/S Howard St    06:47 AM    Goodna Station Stop A    $ 1.93    
07:27 AM    Milton    07:36 AM    Roma Street    $ 1.64    
09:09 AM    Roma Street    11:55 AM    Cooroy    $0.00    
01:53 PM    Cooroy    02:27 PM    Nambour    $0.00    
04:24 PM    Nambour    07:12 PM    Indooroopilly    $0.00    
07:40 PM    Indooroopilly    08:06 PM    Goodna    $0.00    

[ozbob]

I travelled to Ipswich yesterday morning to drop off a gift for the ABC Kids in Care appeal at ABC Ipswich Bureau ..

Go card history .. Seniors go card.  Return journey back over same zones within transfer limit of one hour.  Effectively halves the fares ...

06 Dec 2013
08:53 AM    Goodna    09:30 AM    Ipswich    $ 2.28    
09:54 AM    Ipswich    10:28 AM    Goodna    $0.00     

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

7th December 2013

Go card user education campaign

Good Morning Brisbane Media and others,

Clearly the Newman Government lacks the insight and the concern to sort out the fare system mess in south-east Queensland.

So I am requesting your support to educate citizens on how to use the go card optimally to help minimise the impacts of the savage fare increases.  Once the public en mass wakes up to the absolute shambles the fare system is and extract massive amounts of ' free ' travel, the Government might actually be forced to act in the community's best interests and sort it.

The first point that needs to be stressed is that no one should use paper single tickets.  They are even more expensive (at least 30%) for the equivalent trip with a go card and have time limitations, no free after nine paid journey cap, no off peak fares.  So it is a no-brainer to NOT use them at any cost.  Paper single tickets also help make the mediocre bus network even more inefficient, and adds to costs, more than it need be as well as buses are delayed with paper single purchases on board.

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

User tip #1  for Seniors and those on the two paid journey cap

The two card trick. Transferring is only possible from the same or adjoining zone.

So one way of getting two paid journeys completed quickly for Seniors is to have a normal Seniors go card, and a secondary Seniors go card.  For those who are in inner suburbs it is a lot easier to get two paid journeys completed quickly by doing zoners (short journeys) on buses.

However in middle and outer suburbia some innovation is needed. So say someone at Ipswich touches on and commences a journey to Brisbane.  At Darra, break journey and touch off.  Then touch on with secondary go card.  One paid journey is now complete on primary card.  Continue journey to say Milton.  Break journey and touch off with secondary go card.  Touch back on with primary go card (even though time is less than one hour from previous touch off because zone difference greater than one, initiates a new journey), touch off at Roma St or Central and go and have a cup of coffee. Two paid journeys now complete on primary go card. Have a cup of coffee for an hour.  Then you can travel to Gold Coast or wherever for the rest of the day for free. Happy travelling!  A recent example of the two card trick can be seen here --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7374.msg135789#msg135789

The two card trick is also useful for normal go card holders who wish to gain some extra paid journeys on the way the work ...  do your sums.

http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/tickets-and-fares/go-card/130801-user-guide.pdf


Quote

    Transferring  tips:
        • A journey is the distance travelled from
        departure to destination. A journey might
        involve several trips using different transport
        modes or routes.
        • A transfer is a change of transport mode or
        route to another service or route at the end of
        a trip to continue a journey.
        • A trip is the distance travelled on one route.
        When you transfer to another route or service
        you're commencing a new trip. You can make
        up to 4 trips within the 1 journey.
        Don't forget:
        • Your journey must continue from the same
        zone or adjoining zone.
        • There is a 1 hour time limit between transfers.
        That means you must touch on to your trip
        within 60 minutes of touching off at the end
        of your previous trip.
        • You must touch on to your final trip within
        3.5 hours of when you started your first trip.
        You have 6 hours to complete the journey.
        • You can transfer up to 3 times across
        all zones.


User tip #2

Lunch time ' zoners '

Anyone on a regular go card who does the traditional commute to and from work can save a lot of money by doing a lunch time one stop bus journey (or rail journey) at lunch time.  Once you complete nine paid journeys in a week (Mon  - Sun) your travel is free.

By completing three paid journeys a day (to work, lunch time journey, to home) you will complete 9 paid journeys when you complete home journey on Wednesday.

You travel free then on Thursday and Friday, and the weekend as desired. Savings can be considerable, particularly if a high zone commute.

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

It is rather sad that the failure that is the fare system is allowed to continue, drive people off public transport and continue to worsen fare affordability.

There are real concerns with transport in Queensland.  Bus failures, fare failures and now seriously worsening road congestion.

Time to stand up and be counted.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

^ don't give up, get even!   

[ozbob]

Bob's Blog --> The Seniors two go card trick

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 9th June 2014 page 25

Good use of go card

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes --> Bus, train, ferry passengers not rorting free transport: Emerson

More than 78,500 people in southeast Queensland now take a free bus, train or ferry trip each week after the Newman Government introduced their "free trips after nine journeys" policy in June 2012.

Since that time there have been 7.1 million free journeys on southeast Queensland's public transport system.

However Transport Minister Scott Emerson said there was little evidence of commuters rorting the system, an issue raised consistently by rail lobby group, Rail Back on Track.

Mr Emerson said there was only a slight increase in the percentage of commuters using the nine free journeys early in the week.

"Latest figures show 0.6 per cent of Go Cards reach a free trip on a Wednesday compared with 0.5 per cent before the policy was introduced," Mr Emerson said.

"This negates claims there is wide-spread rorting of the policy," he said.

The Queensland Government has set aside $38 million over the next four years for its "nine and free" policy.

Rail Back on Track has consistently called for a simple reduction in weekend fares to replace the "nine tips and free policy" arguing it is costing Queensland Transport money.

However Mr Emerson argues the policy is encouraging more people to use public transport.

"Many of these trips would not have been taken without the incentive of free travel with the policy encouraging passengers to choose to get out of their cars and on to public transport,'' he said.

"Under our policy a passenger using their Go Card travelling to and from work five days a week can travel home for free on Friday and then enjoy free travel all weekend."

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/bus-train-ferry-passengers-not-rorting-free-transport-emerson-20140609-zs29d.html

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

10th June 2014

Go card free trips - comment

Good Morning,

Brisbanetimes and Minister Emerson have risen to the challenge! See below article.

Interesting to finally see some data re free trips on go card in the public domain.  It has taken a while.  Lets examine the real implications.

"More than 78,500 people in southeast Queensland now take a free bus, train or ferry trip each week"  is this total trips or just the number of passengers who take one or more trips?

Assume it is just total trips then real cost is roughly 78,500 x $7 = $550,000 per week, which equals about $28 million per year in costs, forgone fares and subsidy.  If the trips are actually higher then the real cost is a lot more of course.

Many people freely admit to rorting.  But people out in the suburbs who only take a few trips each week find it impossible to offset the base high fare costs.  The flawed after 9 journey fare paradigm just ensures that the base fares in SEQ remain one of the most expensive in the world.  It is a flawed fare paradigm. It is a grossly inequitable fare system.  For example, a lady with a couple of children out in the suburbs is struggling to pay for fares on the bus to get to the local shopping centre.  Unemployed in Queensland are denied concession fares on public transport, something that occurs in every other State and Territory of Australia.  The 'free trip' fare paradigm just ensures that the disadvantaged in our community are punished with high cost base fares.

Rather than deny the obvious and release limited data, how about releasing the full go card free trip profile?  Actual trips (not just people), modes and days of the week.  This would then allow for a more detailed and honest analysis free from spin.

The Premier promised a new fare structure in the the January 2013 Six Month Action Plan.  It has still not happened.  The LNP has just carried on with the very flawed fare system introduced by the ALP.

Proof of the failure was again demonstrated in the recent Queensland Budget.  They said the fare subsidy would increase and the number of patronage would fall on public transport - exactly the opposite of would should be happening on a proper public transport network.  Is this evidence of a successful fare system?  No it is not, it is just 'throwing' in the towel and continuing to promote a failed fare system.

All is not what it seems is it?  Once the spin is dissected.

Have a great day.  Get those lunch time trips up to hit the free cap hey?  I have been informed by reliable sources that some of the best go card rorters work  in TransLink and TMR.  They would know of course how to best rort the failed fare system in SEQ.  Meanwhile those who can least afford the high cost fares needed to prop up the rorting continue to struggle.

Best wishes
Robert

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

From the Brisbanetimes --> Bus, train, ferry passengers not rorting free transport: Emerson

More than 78,500 people in southeast Queensland now take a free bus, train or ferry trip each week after the Newman Government introduced their "free trips after nine journeys" policy in June 2012.

Since that time there have been 7.1 million free journeys on southeast Queensland's public transport system.

However Transport Minister Scott Emerson said there was little evidence of commuters rorting the system, an issue raised consistently by rail lobby group, Rail Back on Track.

Mr Emerson said there was only a slight increase in the percentage of commuters using the nine free journeys early in the week.

"Latest figures show 0.6 per cent of Go Cards reach a free trip on a Wednesday compared with 0.5 per cent before the policy was introduced," Mr Emerson said.

"This negates claims there is wide-spread rorting of the policy," he said.

The Queensland Government has set aside $38 million over the next four years for its "nine and free" policy.

Rail Back on Track has consistently called for a simple reduction in weekend fares to replace the "nine tips and free policy" arguing it is costing Queensland Transport money.

However Mr Emerson argues the policy is encouraging more people to use public transport.

"Many of these trips would not have been taken without the incentive of free travel with the policy encouraging passengers to choose to get out of their cars and on to public transport,'' he said.

"Under our policy a passenger using their Go Card travelling to and from work five days a week can travel home for free on Friday and then enjoy free travel all weekend."

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/bus-train-ferry-passengers-not-rorting-free-transport-emerson-20140609-zs29d.html

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Policy delivers seven million free trips

Record numbers of bus, train and ferry passengers are taking advantage of the Queensland Government's free travel after nine weekly journeys.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said since the policy was introduced almost two years ago about 78,500 people a week were benefiting.

"As part of our strong plan for a brighter future we are delivering real savings for passengers with more than 7.1 million free journeys taken since June 2012," Mr Emerson said.

"Many of these trips would not have been taken without the incentive of free travel with the policy encouraging passengers to choose to get out of their cars and on to public transport.

"Under our policy a passenger using their go card travelling to and from work five days a week can travel home for free on Friday and then enjoy free travel all weekend.

"This is on top our efforts to end Labor's annual 15 per cent fare hikes by capping fares rises for the next three years to be below the inflation rate.

"Under our policy a regular passenger travelling two zones to and from work will save around $750 per year, and anyone travelling from the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast will save up to $2500 each year, compared to go card prices under Labor."

Mr Emerson said while the LNP has a plan to improve affordability, passengers should be concerned about Labor's plans to hit public transport users with higher fares.

"Despite the current Opposition Leader supporting the free travel initiative, the Member for South Brisbane and Shadow Transport Minister wants it scrapped," he said.

"That would be another 10 per cent hike for regular passengers, showing Labor has no plan and no policies for public transport except 15 per cent fare hikes.

"Our strong plan is working with patronage ahead of its target. There were 176.7 million trips taken in 2013-14, more than 1 million additional trips than in the previous year."

Mr Emerson said while more passengers were receiving free travel, the percentage of people reaching the benefit mid-week had only increased by 0.1 per cent, showing there was no evidence of rorting.

"Latest figures show 0.6 per cent of go cards reach a free trip on a Wednesday compared with 0.5 per cent before the policy was introduced negating claims there is wide-spread rorting of the policy," he said.

The nine and free policy is budgeted to cost $38 million over four years.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

10th June 2014

Re: Go card free trips - comment

Greetings,

1/176 = 0.6%  not keeping pace with service increases or even population growth. Patronage is actually going backwards.

More evidence of the fare failure in this statement, despite the pathetic spin it contains.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Policy delivers seven million free trips

Record numbers of bus, train and ferry passengers are taking advantage of the Queensland Government's free travel after nine weekly journeys.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said since the policy was introduced almost two years ago about 78,500 people a week were benefiting.

"As part of our strong plan for a brighter future we are delivering real savings for passengers with more than 7.1 million free journeys taken since June 2012," Mr Emerson said.

"Many of these trips would not have been taken without the incentive of free travel with the policy encouraging passengers to choose to get out of their cars and on to public transport.

"Under our policy a passenger using their go card travelling to and from work five days a week can travel home for free on Friday and then enjoy free travel all weekend.

"This is on top our efforts to end Labor's annual 15 per cent fare hikes by capping fares rises for the next three years to be below the inflation rate.

"Under our policy a regular passenger travelling two zones to and from work will save around $750 per year, and anyone travelling from the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast will save up to $2500 each year, compared to go card prices under Labor."

Mr Emerson said while the LNP has a plan to improve affordability, passengers should be concerned about Labor's plans to hit public transport users with higher fares.

"Despite the current Opposition Leader supporting the free travel initiative, the Member for South Brisbane and Shadow Transport Minister wants it scrapped," he said.

"That would be another 10 per cent hike for regular passengers, showing Labor has no plan and no policies for public transport except 15 per cent fare hikes.

"Our strong plan is working with patronage ahead of its target. There were 176.7 million trips taken in 2013-14, more than 1 million additional trips than in the previous year."

Mr Emerson said while more passengers were receiving free travel, the percentage of people reaching the benefit mid-week had only increased by 0.1 per cent, showing there was no evidence of rorting.

"Latest figures show 0.6 per cent of go cards reach a free trip on a Wednesday compared with 0.5 per cent before the policy was introduced negating claims there is wide-spread rorting of the policy," he said.

The nine and free policy is budgeted to cost $38 million over four years.

[ozbob]

Media release 1st June 2014 re-released 10th June 2014

SEQ: Fare evasion crisis on public transport in SEQ

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 said a failure to address the unaffordability and system weaknesses with the fare system for public transport in south-east Queensland has lead to a fare evasion crisis.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The April 2014 TransLink data confirms that fare unaffordability is at its worst levels ever."

"Observations by RAIL Back On Track Members around the network on all modes suggest that fare evasion is now out of control.  This is no great surprise with the high cost fares and failing fare system - two very different fare technologies that allow the system to remain wide open. Paper single tickets are now at obscene cost levels - $5.20 for a one zone paper adult ticket!"

"If you think that fare evasion does not occur on buses or ferries think again. Both Sydney and Melbourne fare evasion rates are highest on buses (2, 3, 4). We don't know what the exact situation is in south-east Queensland as data is not published as for other jurisdictions, but it would be naive in the extreme to think it is not much different. Sadly, bus drivers particularly are increasingly being subjected to fare-rage and other unacceptable behaviours. People threatening bus drivers should be sanctioned legally.  High cost fares that many cannot afford to pay does not help at all."

"Compounding the fare evasion crisis is the fact that Queensland is the only state or territory of Australia that does not extend concession public transport fares to the unemployed (5).  Regular commuters in employment are struggling to pay high cost fares in south-east Queensland, how on earth can the unemployed?  They have few options, and now are being forced into criminal behaviours. What a sad outcome for our society, this will be very costly in the longer term."

"What should happen now? Get rid of paper single tickets. Give go cards to the unemployed and grant them concession fares. Reset the base fare costs, increase the off peak discount.  Allow children to travel free with a fare paying adult on weekends and public holidays. Get rid of the free after 9 paid journeys in a week and re-introduce 50% fares after this cap.  This will stop the massive fare rorting and fare box leakage by cashed up 'suits' which further reinforces a ' fare-evasion  culture '."

"Commensurate with these fare system changes, fix the poor network design. Take over network planning from BCC and put in place a proper connected, frequent network that uses all modes optimally for all of south-east Queensland. The failure to support TransLink in 2013 with the proposed network changes is now costing our community on many levels."

References:

1. Fare evasion costs public transport users millions, Rail Back on Track says it's time to scrap paper tickets
http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/south/fare-evasion-costs-public-transport-users-millions-rail-back-on-track-says-its-time-to-scrap-paper-tickets/story-fni9r1nj-1226927178393

2. Don't pay the ferryman? Actually, the moochers are on the buses
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/dont-pay-the-ferryman-actually-the-moochers-are-on-the-buses-20140530-399n3.html

3. Victorian Official Fare Evasion Series: October 2013
http://ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/NewFolder-2/Report-Victorian-Offical-Fare-Evasion-Series-October-2013-FINAL.PDF

4. Fare failure SEQ http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9539.msg139720#msg139720

5. Health care cards and concession fares around the nation http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.0

Contact:

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

Sent to all outlets:

10th June 2014

Re: Go card free trips - comment

Greetings,

1/176 = 0.6%  not keeping pace with service increases or even population growth. Patronage is actually going backwards.

More evidence of the fare failure in this statement, despite the pathetic spin it contains.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Policy delivers seven million free trips

Record numbers of bus, train and ferry passengers are taking advantage of the Queensland Government's free travel after nine weekly journeys.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said since the policy was introduced almost two years ago about 78,500 people a week were benefiting.

"As part of our strong plan for a brighter future we are delivering real savings for passengers with more than 7.1 million free journeys taken since June 2012," Mr Emerson said.

"Many of these trips would not have been taken without the incentive of free travel with the policy encouraging passengers to choose to get out of their cars and on to public transport.

"Under our policy a passenger using their go card travelling to and from work five days a week can travel home for free on Friday and then enjoy free travel all weekend.

"This is on top our efforts to end Labor's annual 15 per cent fare hikes by capping fares rises for the next three years to be below the inflation rate.

"Under our policy a regular passenger travelling two zones to and from work will save around $750 per year, and anyone travelling from the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast will save up to $2500 each year, compared to go card prices under Labor."

Mr Emerson said while the LNP has a plan to improve affordability, passengers should be concerned about Labor's plans to hit public transport users with higher fares.

"Despite the current Opposition Leader supporting the free travel initiative, the Member for South Brisbane and Shadow Transport Minister wants it scrapped," he said.

"That would be another 10 per cent hike for regular passengers, showing Labor has no plan and no policies for public transport except 15 per cent fare hikes.

"Our strong plan is working with patronage ahead of its target. There were 176.7 million trips taken in 2013-14, more than 1 million additional trips than in the previous year."

Mr Emerson said while more passengers were receiving free travel, the percentage of people reaching the benefit mid-week had only increased by 0.1 per cent, showing there was no evidence of rorting.

"Latest figures show 0.6 per cent of go cards reach a free trip on a Wednesday compared with 0.5 per cent before the policy was introduced negating claims there is wide-spread rorting of the policy," he said.

The nine and free policy is budgeted to cost $38 million over four years.

[ozbob]

^ Fairfax radio news have followed up, thanks for the interest. 

Balance is a good thing in media ...  too much Government spin goes unchallenged ...

[ozbob]

Australian Radio Network (4KQ) have also followed up.  Thanks for the interest .. 

[ozbob]

Many people in the ' tent of bureaucracy ' have told me many times the fare system is wrong and anti-public transport.

Why do they keep pretending it isn't?    

I think most keen observers can have a reasonable guess as to perhaps why? ...   

[ozbob]

The Chronicle --> Fare evasion, ticket rage 'out of control' in Qld

FARE evasion on public transport is 'out of control' in Queensland because the cost of doing the right thing remains unaffordable, a lobby group says.

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) is a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers.

Spokesman Robert Dow said the April 2014 TransLink data confirmed that fare unaffordability was  "at its worst levels ever."

"Observations by RAIL Back On Track Members around the network on all modes suggest that fare evasion is now out of control.

"This is no great surprise with the high cost fares and failing fare system - two very different fare technologies that allow the system to remain wide open.

"Paper single tickets are now at obscene cost levels - $5.20 for a one zone paper adult ticket!"

"If you think that fare evasion does not occur on buses or ferries think again.

Both Sydney and Melbourne fare evasion rates are highest on buses.

"We don't know what the exact situation is in south-east Queensland as data is not published as for other jurisdictions, but it would be naive in the extreme to think it is not much different.

"Sadly, bus drivers particularly are increasingly being subjected to fare-rage and other unacceptable behaviours.

"People threatening bus drivers should be sanctioned legally.  High cost fares that many cannot afford to pay does not help at all."

"Compounding the fare evasion crisis is the fact that Queensland is the only state or territory of Australia that does not extend concession public transport fares to the unemployed.

"Regular commuters in employment are struggling to pay high cost fares in south-east Queensland, how on earth can the unemployed?  They have few options, and now are being forced into criminal behaviours. What a sad outcome for our society, this will be very costly in the longer term."

Mr Dow called on the government to get rid of paper single tickets.

"Give go cards to the unemployed and grant them concession fares.

"Reset the base fare costs, increase the off peak discount.

"Allow children to travel free with a fare paying adult on weekends and public holidays.

"Get rid of the free after 9 paid journeys in a week and re-introduce 50% fares after this cap.

"This will stop the massive fare rorting and fare box leakage by cashed up 'suits' which further reinforces a ' fare-evasion  culture '."

The comments come as the government put out a statement saying "record numbers of bus, train and ferry passengers are taking advantage of the Queensland Government's free travel after nine weekly journeys.''

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said since the policy was introduced almost two years ago about 78,500 people a week were benefiting.

"As part of our strong plan for a brighter future we are delivering real savings for passengers with more than 7.1 million free journeys taken since June 2012," Mr Emerson said.

"Many of these trips would not have been taken without the incentive of free travel with the policy encouraging passengers to choose to get out of their cars and on to public transport.''

"Under our policy a passenger using their go card travelling to and from work five days a week can travel home for free on Friday and then enjoy free travel all weekend.

"This is on top our efforts to end Labor's annual 15 per cent fare hikes by capping fares rises for the next three years to be below the inflation rate.

"Under our policy a regular passenger travelling two zones to and from work will save around $750 per year, and anyone travelling from the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast will save up to $2500 each year, compared to go card prices under Labor."

[ozbob]

^ the bulk of the free trips is no doubt on Fridays.  Which would confirm that the spin from the Minister is just that - trips would have been paid for anyway under a more equitable fare price structure and fare system.

Come on Minister. Publish the free trip breakup on a daily basis ... normal go cards and Seniors.  Would be interesting.

What is there to hide?

[ozbob]

^ Fairfax radio news have followed up, thanks for the interest. 

Balance is a good thing in media ...  too much Government spin goes unchallenged ...

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

. @scottemersonmp what is the free trip % on Thurs and Fridays? Now that would be interesting .. #qldpol // ping @NewsTalk4BC

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

There has been a 20% increase in free trips on Wednesdays, what about Thurs/Fridays? No rorting? Bull ... #qldpol http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7374.msg142947#msg142947 ...

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

Go the rort!

[#Metro]

"Many of these trips would not have been taken without the incentive of free travel with the policy encouraging passengers to choose to get out of their cars and on to public transport.

Nonsense!

Two statements with ZERO proof.

People MUST go home on Fridays and they HAVE to make this trip. Ever heard of anyone camping out at work over the weekend to avoid paying for the bus fare home on Friday? NUTS!!! These people would pay ANYWAY, this is just PURE WASTE.

Totally unsubstantiated statement about the cars - what evidence is there to say the people using this scheme are not already EXISTING PT users and thus there is NO mode shift from cars whatsoever.

[STB]

From the data I've seen and from what others have said, it seems to me that people are fare evading quite a bit nowadays and that the uptake of new users is much lower than say in the mid 00s shortly after TransLink was established and integrated ticketing began.  From memory, the patronage went through the roof that there was even a news report of them stating that they may have to raise fares to deter travel.  It's somewhere on You Tube, might go looking for it.

[ozbob]

Getting some interesting feedback via twitter.  Bus drivers reporting rorting, as well as other punters ..

No rorting?     It is getting worse and will continue to do so whilst we have the fare fail in operation.

[red dragin]

That reminds me, I must teach my wife "to use the fare structure optimally" now that she doesn't want to deal with the traffic any more and complains about her hour lunch break.

[James]

Nonsense!

Two statements with ZERO proof.

People MUST go home on Fridays and they HAVE to make this trip. Ever heard of anyone camping out at work over the weekend to avoid paying for the bus fare home on Friday? NUTS!!! These people would pay ANYWAY, this is just PURE WASTE.

Totally unsubstantiated statement about the cars - what evidence is there to say the people using this scheme are not already EXISTING PT users and thus there is NO mode shift from cars whatsoever.

James will volunteer to defeat Emerson's statement. I freely 'rort' 9 then free, but in a different way. When Monday comes, I pretty much make it my mission to rack up 9 paid trips. I will do all kinds of little short hops on buses - bus to the shops instead of walking, go home from Uni for my 1-hour break etc. Subsequently, I would often rack up about 6 paid trips on my Wednesday alone (which generally led to the last trip on Wednesday being free). Then the rest of my travel is free.

Despite that, even if my travel wasn't free (and travel occurred under affordable fares) I would still be using PT on Thursday, Friday and over the weekend, and chances are I would not travel home for my hour break either. The former isn't taking cars off the road and the latter is stimulating PT demand. Neither has "congestion-busting" benefits.

James also knows of people who study at UQ over the weekends. They drive to UQ even though they have their 9 trips up because the frequency and span of hours is crap.

[ozbob]

Good on you James ..

Surprisingly poor spin effort from Minister Emerson ...

The correct thing to do is simply say it is stuffed, and we will fix it.  Heck they have the upper hand, it was the ALP that set up the fare fail ...

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

11th June 2014

Re: Go card free trips - comment

Greetings,

A suggested fix to the fare crisis with public transport in south-east Queensland below.  TransLink's own KPIs confirm the fare failure unaffordability crisis.

( 31 May 2014: SEQ: Fare affordability crisis worsens > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10748.0 )

It is surprising that the Newman LNP Government cannot find the courage to fix it.  Is it a failure of leadership or bureaucracy?  Truth be known probably elements of both.

Yesterday's Ministerial denial of the obvious rorting that is occurring just further solidifies the contempt many feel.  Selective drip feed of data to support spin does not work.

The limited data made available shows an increase in free trips on Wednesday of 20%.  Is this a successful fare system?  What are the real figures for free trips for all days of the week?

All other public transport jurisdictions in Australia encourage people to use public transport with sensible fare systems, that actually result in better fare boxes than south-east Queensland.  Here in south-east Queensland it seems there is embedded policy to dissuade people from using public transport and compound the costs of road congestion, health care costs and environmental impacts.

It is time it was sorted.

Best wishes
Robert

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

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

Media release 5th June 2014



SEQ: Outrage to proposed concession fare increases highlights the fare failure in SEQ

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 said the blistering public reaction to proposed 33% fare cost increases for concession card holders confirms the failure of the fare system in SEQ (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Since 2010 we have constantly highlighted the fact that the fare system for south-east Queensland is off the rails. With one of the most costly and bizarre fare structures, no amount of spin is going to cover up the failure now."

"We have outlined the steps that should be taken immediately, and in the longer term to fix it."

Because the go card system has limitations.  These are our recommended immediate measures.

1. Reset base fares on go card.  Zone one fare $2.50, with 40 cent increments to zone 10, then 80 cent increments to zone 23.

2. Increase off peak discount to 30%.

3. Remove the free travel after 9 paid journeys in a week. This is nothing but a rort and is a cause of significant fare box leakage.  Replace with 50% fares after 9 paid journeys in a week.  This will greatly reduce the rorting, and in any case still return a fare box.

4. Allow children to travel free on weekends and public holidays with a fare paying adult.

5. Concession card holders - fares remain 50% of adult fares.

Longer term a proper fare review with public consultation to be conducted.  A new fare system introduced that can accommodate better fare options eg. daily capping, and open payment systems.

"If the above strategies were adopted, the public subsidy would be reduced and patronage would climb.  This in turn leads to further significant savings in terms of reduced health care sector costs, the rampant road congestion would be improved, lessened environmental impacts."

"It is not rocket science - it is basic fare policy 101!"

Reference:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10754.msg142768#msg142768

Contact:

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

[#Metro]

What is happening with the concessions? Are they still going up the fares for those or has that been reversed now? It wasn't clear with regards to PT.

[ozbob]

What is happening with the concessions? Are they still going up the fares for those or has that been reversed now? It wasn't clear with regards to PT.

Concessions to remain as is. 

COTA --> http://cotaqld.org.au/2014/06/concessions-decision-good-news-for-vulnerable-pensioners/

[ozbob]

Have found a question on notice that gives the weekly free trips.

See --> http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2014/355-2014.pdf

[ozbob]

I have converted the data to spreadsheets

Simple plot  week 1 to week 97.

Does seem the ' Don't get angry, get even ' campaign is having an effect    Time will tell ...



ODS (Open Office) --> here!

Excel --> here!

The real story would be told if the data was broken down to days of the week.

My guess is the bulk would be clearly on Thursdays and Fridays, which would confirm the hocus pocus of the free after 9 scheme.