Ekka 2012 9-18 August

[ozbob]

I have heard that there might be some improvements to ticketing involving public transport to and from the Ekka this year.  I hope so, we don't need or want  a repeat of last years ' only in Queensland DEBACLE ' .

Nothing on http://www.ekka.com.au/plan-your-day/getting-to-ekka.aspx  that inspires.

Every year the same incompetent effort.  Assurances were made after last years grand opera of mediocrity, we can only live in hope ...

Time is moving on ...

[somebody]

Not only in QLD.  Everything at Moore Park, NSW is a debacle.  Separate fares for the bus connections required.

[ozbob]

http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6523.msg68442#msg68442

Media release 11 August 2011

SEQ: Lack of an integrated ticket option for the Ekka, presents problems for casual public transport users

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 highlighted the lack of an integrated admission and public transport ticket for the Brisbane Exhibition (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"With the loss of seasonal paper tickets, the only option now for casual users without a go card are paper single tickets, which relative to go card fares are very expensive, and have time limitations that casual users may not be aware of. This also means that under some circumstances they may be liable for a fare evasion offence because of this (2)."

"Major public transport jurisdictions such as Sydney and Melbourne provide integrated public transport and admission tickets for the public to their shows.  This is sensible as it reduces the broader cost of congestion and the associated costs of environmental impacts and road trauma."

"Public transport in south-east Queensland is referred to as 'world class'.  A failure to provide an integrated ticketing product for the Exhibition is not consistent with a 'world class' system.  Far from it ..."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5867.0

2. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/how-to/how-to-transfer-between-services

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Highlight of media for the 2011 Ekka


Ekka  Wrekka

--> here!


Queenslander!!

[ozbob]

Couriermail  --> Train ticket queue chaos at Ekka forces TransLink to change system

August 16, 2011

" TRANSLINK has put the RNA on notice over public transport tickets for the Ekka after throngs of people had to be given free train travel at the weekend. .... "

[somebody]

Ekka is NOT on the list: http://translink.com.au/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/special-event-declaration

[ozbob]

Ekka is NOT on the list: http://translink.com.au/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/special-event-declaration

   

[ozbob]

TransLink have been huffing and puffing for a while ...

From the Brisbane mX 17th July 2009 page 4

TransLink slams Ekka rail shame

[ozbob]

From the archives ...  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5867.msg64611#msg64611

Will the 2011 2012 Ekka be a public transport enlightenment?

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

Sent to all outlets:

2nd August 2011

SEQ:  Will the 2011 Ekka be a public transport enlightenment?

Greetings,

I might be on a losing battle here, but it is worthwhile noting what more enlightened jurisdictions are doing public transport wise.  Just further reinforcement of the public transport backwater we are in south-east Queensland ...

Enjoy the Ekka in your cars cars and cars ...

From the Herald Sun click here!

I'm not following your train of thought



http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2011/08/01/1226106/186806-show-horse.jpg

Jessica Jafer tries to get a reluctant pony on a train. Picture: Bruce Magilton Herald Sun

I'm not following your train of thought

Staff Writer
From: Herald Sun
August 02, 2011 12:00AM

YOU see plenty of sights at Flinders St station, but yesterday some more unusual passengers were roped into promoting a new ticket to this year's Royal Melbourne Show.

The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria waltzed on to a Metro train to promote the new value ticket packages.

The ticket is designed to encourage people to take public transport to the event and for the first time includes entry and travel-saver pass in one.

The $79 package includes all-day zones 1 and 2 travel on tram, train and bus as well as show admission, saving $24.60 on a family ticket for two adults and two children.

The 156th Royal Melbourne Show will be held at the Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale from September 24 to October 4.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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

Media Release 29 April 2011 re-released 22 July 2011 re-released 2 August 2011

SEQ:  Will the 2011 Ekka be a public transport enlightenment?

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has highlighted for a number of years the failure of the Brisbane Exhibition to properly support public transport travel to and from the Exhibition (1).  Travel by bus has in the past incurred no extra fare for public transport commuters transferring but rail passengers have been required to pay an additional fare to travel from the CBD to the Exhibition station as well as the normal fare to and from the CBD (2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Shows in Melbourne and Sydney, the equivalent of the Brisbane Exhibition include public transport travel to and from the shows as part of the admission ticket.  This is sensible and actually encourages more patrons to attend the shows.  This is a lesson that the Brisbane Exhibition organisers fail to grasp.  No doubt the car parking 'gouge' has something to do with it."

"For the past years, rail passengers have been slugged an extra fare, bus passengers were not (1).  We have suggested in the past that  rail passengers, if able, detrain at Fortitude Valley or Bowen Hills railway stations and walk to the Exhibition.  The active transport does them good and passengers will have the satisfaction of not having to pay the additional fare costs.  Alternatively they detrained at Central or Roma St and made use of the buses."

"The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association was slammed by TransLink in 2009 (3) for the failure to support proper public transport arrangements, and for the 2010 the Brisbane Exhibition it was still in a state of denial. It would be the benefit to all if Exhibition railway station was treated as a normal zone one station and ticketing was made seamless.  This would encourage maximum utilisation of public transport to and from the Ekka, and in so doing actually saving the community in terms of reduced congestion and less road trauma. Attendance at the Exhibition would also be improved no doubt.  As it is, the travel arrangements in the past for the Ekka have been absurd and anti-public transport. Contrast this to the public transport arrangements for the recent 2011 Sydney Royal Easter Show (4) "

"Will there be a public transport enlightenment for the 2011 Ekka? Or will south-east Queensland remain as a public transport backwater?"

References:

1.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2316.0

2.  http://www.translink.com.au/ekka2010_fares.php#addon

3.  TransLink slams Ekka rail shame Brisbane mX 17th July 2009 page 4 http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2316.msg12161#msg12161

4.  2011 Sydney Royal Easter Show http://www.eastershow.com.au/Plan/public-transport.html

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[somebody]

Part 4 Special events
Division 1 Special events in TransLink area
67B
Declaration of special event
(1) TransLink may declare that an event to be carried out in the
   TransLink area is a special event (a special event
  declaration).
(2) A special event declaration may be for a stated event or all
   events, or all events of a stated type, to be carried out at a
  stated place.
(3) A special event declaration may be made only if TransLink
   considers that—
(a) there will be at least 5000 participants or spectators at
   the event or events the subject of the declaration; and
(b) either—
(i)
significant road closures or bus stop relocations are
likely to be part of the management of transport to
or from the event or events; or
(ii) the provision of transport services to or from the
event or events is likely to rely on an increased use
of vehicles or other facilitates funded or managed
by TransLink.
(4) (5)
Page 92
For subsection (3)(b)(i), a road closure or bus stop relocation
is significant if it is likely to affect the provision of scheduled
passenger services generally in the TransLink area.
A special event declaration is sufficiently made if TransLink
publishes the declaration on its website or in a newspaper
circulating in the TransLink area.
Reprint 8A effective 2 January 2012
Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994
Chapter 6 Service contracts
Part 4 Special events
[s 67C]
67C
Coordination power for scheduled passenger services to
special events
TransLink may coordinate the provision of scheduled
passenger services to and from a special event in the
TransLink area.
67D
TransLink approval required for special event services
(1)
A person must not enter into or perform a contract or
arrangement for the provision of scheduled passenger services
to or from a special event in the TransLink area without
TransLink's written approval.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units.
(2)
67E
A contract or arrangement made or entered into in
contravention of subsection (1) has no effect to the extent of
the contravention.
Special event approvals
(1)
An approval by TransLink under section 67D(1) (a special
event approval) may—
(a) be given on TransLink's own initiative; and
(b) be given for a specific scheduled passenger service to or
   from a special event or generally for a stated type of
  scheduled passenger service to or from a special event.
(2) A special event approval is sufficiently given if TransLink
   publishes the approval on its website or in a newspaper
  circulating in the TransLink area.
(3) TransLink may impose conditions on the giving of a special
   event approval.
(4) The conditions may include a requirement that, before the
   special event approval applies to a person, the person must
  pay TransLink a contribution to TransLink's costs of
   coordinating the relevant scheduled passenger services.

It's a one way option exercisable by Translink.  It has nothing to do with RNA being willing to pay.  They have to, if Translink exercises the option.

I guess the only other possibility is that RNA allows no provision to be made for travel to the event, which may be their game.  Perhaps they should legislate to make this sort of carry on an offence.

[ozbob]

We have Governments, Ministers and staff to sort out these festers of incompetence ....  but they don't?

So will they again change the 2 hour time limit on paper singles and pretend that is a great outcome? 

Who knows, there may be a grand ticket plan that will be announced the day before the event.  This is the typical modus operandus for other events, but I fear not ...

[somebody]

Well it's too late to change the legislation for this years' event.

We have Governments, Ministers and staff to sort out these festers of incompetence ....  but they don't?

That's the way I view it, but I'm somewhat cynical.

So will they again change the 2 hour time limit on paper singles and pretend that is a great outcome? 

Who knows, there may be a grand ticket plan that will be announced the day before the event.  This is the typical modus operandus for other events, but I fear not ...

Probably the best we can hope for at this stage is bringing back dailies for that day.  But that doesn't seem likely.

[ozbob]

We will see how ' passenger focussed ' the new mob resident on George actually is ....   

[ozbob]

From the archives ...

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

From the Couriermail click here!

Push to force event-goers to pay for public transport

Push to force event-goers to pay for public transport

    by: Robyn Ironside
    From: The Courier-Mail
    September 26, 2011 12:00AM

EVERYONE who goes to a major sporting, music or cultural event in southeast Queensland could soon be required to pay for public transport, whether they use it or not.

Powerful lobby group the Tourism and Transport Forum is pushing for the cost of public transport to be included in the ticket price at all events with crowds of more than 5000.

In a report to be released today, the TTF recommends the Queensland Government introduce mandatory integrated ticketing to the Ekka, and also other major events such as Riverstage concerts and the Big Day Out.

"The unwillingness of some event organisers to support integrated ticketing is not only disadvantaging event-goers but subjecting the broader community to traffic congestion," said TTF chief executive John Lee. "As a last resort, state governments should reserve the right to introduce legislation mandating integrated ticketing for large events."

Currently all Suncorp Stadium and Gabba events include public transport with a pre-purchased ticket and Translink also has arrangements with Skilled Park and Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast and the Queensland Tennis Centre. But Ekka organisers have resisted because of the added cost, particularly on those who do not use public transport to get to the show.

RNA chief executive Jonathan Tunny said Translink had previously suggested $7 be added to the Ekka entry price.

"The proportion of people coming by train is between 30 and 35 per cent," said Mr Tunny. "Integrated ticketing isn't a solution for us."

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk declined to say if the Government would legislate to force the RNA to introduce integrated ticketing but said it had been a huge success at other venues.

"About 50 per cent of people going to the Gabba and 80 per cent of people going to Suncorp Stadium use public transport while more than 90 per cent of people used public transport to go to the Queensland Tennis Centre for the Brisbane International this year," said Ms Palaszczuk.

She said efforts were being made to "deliver the best public transport outcomes at non-sporting events such as the Ekka".

"Translink and the RNA had a meeting just last week which discussed transport options and possible integrated ticketing, with more meetings planned to discuss next year's Ekka arrangements," Ms Palaszczuk said. "We're also piloting an integrated ticket with QPAC for their current showing of Le Grand Cirque's Adrenaline."

[ozbob]

There is such a simple solution to this.

Two ticket types.  Entry only, Entry and public transport.  That would keep everyone happy and avoid the single paper ticket shambles ....

Only in Queensland ....

Queenslander!

[Gazza]

Things looking up:

[tweet]https://twitter.com/TheEkka/status/224656962850275329[/tweet]

Translink will be announcing ticketing information shortly, we'll let you know when it is out

[ozbob]

 

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

17th July 2012

Ekka 2012

Greetings,

Will there be good news concerning transport arrangements for this year's Ekka?

Past years have been a disgrace.  All documented here of course -->  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8762.msg104266#msg104266

Other states have no problem implementing ticketing policies that encourage patronage and ease of use of transport options.

Will we see a ticketing break through this year for the Ekka?  Seems Queensland just loves to wallow in mediocrity, but I am more optimistic.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[beauyboy]

http://www.ekka.com.au/plan-your-day/getting-to-ekka.aspx
Once again they have left out the fact that RBWH busway station is a mear 200m away from the Bowen Bridge road entry. DUMBA*SES, Honestly how hard is it to see, it big and it's white

Donald

[WTN]

Haha, maybe this year they'll close off half the showgrounds to use as a carpark then charge punters a fortune to park there.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Daily tickets return, but just for the Ekka

Daily tickets return, but just for the Ekka

Date July 19, 2012 - 3:00AM  Daniel Hurst

Southeast Queensland's scrapped daily paper transport tickets will effectively be brought back – but only for Ekka goers.

Plans to improve ticketing options for those attending the Brisbane show follow major transport problems for Ekka visitors last year.

Early last year, the former state government scrapped all paper tickets except those for single journeys in a bid to push public transport users onto the electronic Go Card system.

But the removal of daily paper tickets meant many people leaving the Ekka last August had to buy another single ticket before catching a train from the Exhibition railway station.

Following complaints about long queues at the station, TransLink last year told travellers to buy two single tickets on their way to the show and the two-hour expiry time would be ignored.

The Newman government will today announce a new approach for this year's Ekka, which effectively brings back a version of the old daily ticket for show goers.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson said Ekka ticket holders would be able to purchase a special show travel ticket for $6 (adults) or $3 (concession).

The prices would be the same regardless of zones travelled in southeast Queensland.

"Whether you are coming from Robina or Rosalie the special Ekka travel ticket means show-goers only have to pay $6 for adults and $3 for concession," Mr Emerson said in a statement.

"A family of four purchasing the travel tickets rather than normal paper tickets from the Gold Coast, could save $85 and avoid the queues at Ekka station after the fireworks for the return trip home."

Mr Emerson said the tickets would be available from all attended Queensland Rail stations and on bus and ferry services upon presentation of a valid Ekka entry ticket.

The special deal would not apply to people who chose to use their Go Cards.

However, Mr Emerson said those using their Go Card would no longer face a $1.30 surcharge which previously applied to train passengers travelling between Ekka station and the CBD.

He said the special travel ticket was designed to avoid a repeat of the "chaotic situation" at the Exhibition station last year.

"I spoke to a number of upset families at last year's Ekka that were weighed down with show bags and tired children and waited more than 30 minutes to purchase a ticket home," he said.

"TransLink and the RNA have been able to work together to deliver an affordable option to benefit the 200,000 people who used public transport last year."

The ticket will be valid on regular TransLink services and any additional bus and train services added for the event.

To be able to purchase the travel ticket, Ekka goers would have to have already pre-purchased their show entry tickets at www.ekka.com.au.

This year's Ekka runs from August 9 to 18.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/daily-tickets-return-but-just-for-the-ekka-20120718-22acs.html

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

19th July 2012

Ekka 2012

Greetings,

After angst for a number of years, finally a practical solution.  Why are things like this so hard to sort in Queensland?

Well done TransLink.  Thank you.

Best wishes
Robert

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

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Daily tickets return, but just for the Ekka

Daily tickets return, but just for the Ekka

Date July 19, 2012 - 3:00AM  Daniel Hurst

Southeast Queensland's scrapped daily paper transport tickets will effectively be brought back – but only for Ekka goers.

Plans to improve ticketing options for those attending the Brisbane show follow major transport problems for Ekka visitors last year.

Early last year, the former state government scrapped all paper tickets except those for single journeys in a bid to push public transport users onto the electronic Go Card system.

But the removal of daily paper tickets meant many people leaving the Ekka last August had to buy another single ticket before catching a train from the Exhibition railway station.

Following complaints about long queues at the station, TransLink last year told travellers to buy two single tickets on their way to the show and the two-hour expiry time would be ignored.

The Newman government will today announce a new approach for this year's Ekka, which effectively brings back a version of the old daily ticket for show goers.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson said Ekka ticket holders would be able to purchase a special show travel ticket for $6 (adults) or $3 (concession).

The prices would be the same regardless of zones travelled in southeast Queensland.

"Whether you are coming from Robina or Rosalie the special Ekka travel ticket means show-goers only have to pay $6 for adults and $3 for concession," Mr Emerson said in a statement.

"A family of four purchasing the travel tickets rather than normal paper tickets from the Gold Coast, could save $85 and avoid the queues at Ekka station after the fireworks for the return trip home."

Mr Emerson said the tickets would be available from all attended Queensland Rail stations and on bus and ferry services upon presentation of a valid Ekka entry ticket.

The special deal would not apply to people who chose to use their Go Cards.

However, Mr Emerson said those using their Go Card would no longer face a $1.30 surcharge which previously applied to train passengers travelling between Ekka station and the CBD.

He said the special travel ticket was designed to avoid a repeat of the "chaotic situation" at the Exhibition station last year.

"I spoke to a number of upset families at last year's Ekka that were weighed down with show bags and tired children and waited more than 30 minutes to purchase a ticket home," he said.

"TransLink and the RNA have been able to work together to deliver an affordable option to benefit the 200,000 people who used public transport last year."

The ticket will be valid on regular TransLink services and any additional bus and train services added for the event.

To be able to purchase the travel ticket, Ekka goers would have to have already pre-purchased their show entry tickets at www.ekka.com.au.

This year's Ekka runs from August 9 to 18.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/daily-tickets-return-but-just-for-the-ekka-20120718-22acs.html

[ozbob]

 

[achiruel]

In one way, I see this as a positive move.  In another, I'm disappointed that yet again, short trip travellers are massively subsidising those who live on the Coasts.  I would have been happier with a return ticket for the price of two singles.  This ticket will also discourage go card use, making queues at railway stations in the mornings much longer and slowing down buses.  If it is to be sold I would think it better to restrict it to off-peak.

[ozbob]

It is no different with respect to the public transport component for other events, eg. football.

I think it is great outcome, particularly kicking the Exhibition station in to touch, now just part of zone 1 as it always was.

Been pushing for this for over 5 years ...

People just pre-purchase their Ekka tickets, get their public transport tickets and they are set.

2012 Ekka official launch is today.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Return tickets for public transport to prevent Ekka queues

[beauyboy]

The special deal would not apply to people who chose to use their Go Cards.

However, Mr Emerson said those using their Go Card would no longer face a $1.30 surcharge which previously applied to train passengers travelling between Ekka station and the CBD.


Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/daily-tickets-return-but-just-for-the-ekka-20120718-22acs.html#ixzz210o7dWuG

This bit I am disgusted in. I do agree with people getting special fares to Ekka but it should be applied to everyone. You can't tell me that it would of been impossible to change the go card system to read EKKA station as a flat fare point. Hell if they could apply a special fare point to it before why not now?

Donald

[ozbob]

Many regular go card users can probably get there for free it they go towards the middle end of week, if not do the sums.  Might be cheaper to buy the paper return ticket, what ever suits.

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson
19/07/2012

Ticket to ride, to the rides

The Newman Government has overhauled public transport fares for Ekka ticket holders.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said public transport options to this year's Ekka (August 9-18) would be easy and affordable, after years of commuter dissatisfaction.

"This year, people have a real incentive to use public transport to get to and from the Ekka with a special travel ticket," Mr Emerson said.

"Whether you are coming from Robina or Rosalie the special Ekka travel ticket means show-goers only have to pay $6 for adults and $3 for concession.

"A family of four purchasing the travel tickets rather than normal paper tickets from the Gold Coast, could save $85 and avoid the queues at Ekka station after the fireworks for the return trip home.

"The tickets will be available from all attended Queensland Rail stations and on bus and ferry services upon presentation of a valid Ekka entry ticket.

"Those who prefer to use their go card will no longer face the $1.30 surcharge which previously applied to train passengers travelling between Ekka station and the CBD."

The Labor Government removed daily Ekka ticket options last year, leading to a chaotic situation at Ekka station where there were long queues to purchase return tickets home.

"I spoke to a number of upset families at last year's Ekka that were weighed down with show bags and tired children and waited more than 30 minutes to purchase a ticket home," he said.

"TransLink and the RNA have been able to work together to deliver an affordable option to benefit the 200,000 people who used public transport last year."

The Ekka travel ticket can be used on any regular TransLink services or any of the hundreds of additional bus and train services added for the event.

Ekka goers should pre-purchase their entry tickets at www.ekka.com.au prior to purchasing the travel ticket.

For further details about using public transport to the Ekka this year will be available from www.translink.com.au or on 13 12 30 closer to the event.

[ENDS] 19 July 2012

[achiruel]

"The proportion of people coming by train is between 30 and 35 per cent," said Mr Tunny. "Integrated ticketing isn't a solution for us."

I notice they conveniently choose to omit bus patronage figures.  Additionally, I'd wager that this only counts people through the gate at Ekka station.  Some people may choose to walk from Brunswick St or Bowen Hills (I know I did a number of times, simply because it was more convenient back in the days I used to buy monthly tickets rather than having to queue to buy a second ticket).

I also wonder if the proportion of public transport users will increase substantially this year with the introduction of the flat fare.

[somebody]

In one way, I see this as a positive move.  In another, I'm disappointed that yet again, short trip travellers are massively subsidising those who live on the Coasts.  I would have been happier with a return ticket for the price of two singles.  This ticket will also discourage go card use, making queues at railway stations in the mornings much longer and slowing down buses.  If it is to be sold I would think it better to restrict it to off-peak.

Fully agree.  This ticket is cheaper than 2 peak 1 zone go card singles and worth 2 23 zone singles.

It is no different with respect to the public transport component for other events, eg. football.

Very different.  In those instances you are not asked to purchase a separate paper ticket.

I think it is great outcome, particularly kicking the Exhibition station in to touch, now just part of zone 1 as it always was.

achiruel is right, this will mean go card use will plummet to close to zero for those days.  There will mayhem on the buses as people buy their Ekka tickets.

Many regular go card users can probably get there for free it they go towards the middle end of week, if not do the sums.  Might be cheaper to buy the paper return ticket, what ever suits.

See this is the problem with fare systems like myki and Oyster - that you have to do the sums to see which option is better.  It shouldn't be required!

-
However, I'm pleased about getting rid of the surcharge.  Perhaps they could have just done that, and increased services!

[ozbob]

Quote from: ozbob on Today at 06:34:52 AM

    It is no different with respect to the public transport component for other events, eg. football.

Very different.  In those instances you are not asked to purchase a separate paper ticket.

Of course, I was referring to the fact that the public transport surcharge on football and other events is flat ....

[somebody]

I forgot to mention that I see a level of transport chaos with this move.  However, it won't be localised into one place like last year.  Giving people an incentive to use paper is a BAD MOVE.

[Derwan]

Messy "solution"!!! 

If they added just $2 to the cost of the Ekka ticket, public transport could be included and it'd save people having to run around here and there to organise tickets and transport.  People would be encouraged to use public transport as their ticket already covers it!

[somebody]

Messy "solution"!!! 

If they added just $2 to the cost of the Ekka ticket, public transport could be included and it'd save people having to run around here and there to organise tickets and transport.  People would be encouraged to use public transport as their ticket already covers it!

Yet Translink reckon it would add $7.    It's as though they are trying to price themselves out of the market.

[somebody]

Next issue is what is the frequency of the Ekka loop services going to be?  15 minute frequency will not cut it with such generous fare arrangements!

[BrizCommuter]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/ekka-va-improvement.html
A good move, but still a few catches.
Maybe a free go card should be thrown in for those who continue to use paper tickets to get to the Ekka?

[ozbob]

Getting to the Ekka ==> http://www.ekka.com.au/plan-your-day/getting-to-ekka.aspx

Public transport

Get to the Ekka and home for less this year.

New for 2012
Getting to and from the Ekka has never been easier or cheaper with TransLink's new Ekka travel ticket.

Simply pre-purchase your Ekka entry ticket then show it at any attended Queensland Rail station or on board any TransLink bus or ferry and you can buy your Ekka travel ticket for only $6 return for adults and $3 return for children/concession.

That's one price across the entire TransLink network that covers both journeys to and from the Ekka.

How to travel to Ekka using your Ekka travel ticket

Scheduled services
Train arrival and departure platforms are located in the middle of the RNA showgrounds (Exhibition station). A loop service operates between Roma Street, Central and Fortitude Valley stations. Trains leave these stations every 10 minutes from 8:20am, returning frequently until 10:00pm. The train ride to Exhibition station takes about 10 minutes from Central Station.

RNA Showgrounds are close to RBWH and RCH Herston busway stations.

Use the TransLink journey planner to find out which scheduled bus and train services travel to the RNA Showgrounds.

Ekka dedicated services

To minimise congestion at the Exhibition railway station for Ekka ticket holders, additional bus services will operate to and from the Ekka from various locations across the network on a 20 minute frequency (more information coming soon).


All dedicated bus services will arrive and leave from either O'Connell Tce (entry to the Ekka is via Gates 5 & 6) as well as the RBWH busway station.


Additional train services and 14 loop services will also be running to and from Exhibition station during the Ekka. Trains between Roma Street and Exhibition station will operate approximately every 15 minutes.

Other Information

Conditions of use for Ekka travel ticket

http://www.ekka.com.au/media/514598/translink%20conditions%20of%20use.pdf

Conditions of use for Ekka travel ticket:
. Ekka travel ticket is only valid for travel to and from the RNA Exhibition between
Thursday 9 August and Saturday 18 August 2012.
. Inbound and outbound journey must be completed on the same day (or the last
scheduled service of the day).
. Customers must be in possession of a valid RNA Exhibition entry ticket, RNA
Exhibition badge or RNA Exhibition pass to purchase the Ekka travel ticket from a
Queensland Rail ticket office or a normal scheduled bus services.
. Tickets purchased from attended Queensland Rail ticket office will be undated.
Customers will need to write in biro the date of travel on the ticket prior to travel.
. Ekka travel tickets are non refundable and not transferable from one person to another.
. Concession entitlement cards must be carried when travelling and produced upon
request to verify eligibility.
. It is valid for travel on date of purchase.
. The combined Ekka entry and travel ticket is only available for purchase at attended
Queensland Rail stations.
. Can be used on all TransLink integrated scheduled and special event transport.
. Normal TransLink ticketing and fares apply on all TransLink services.
. go Card can be used as per normal conditions.
. No additional charge for the loop service between Roma Street, Centre and Fortitude
Valley stations.
. Not valid for travel on Airtrain services.
. Normal conditions of travel apply.

[ozbob]

Next issue is what is the frequency of the Ekka loop services going to be?  15 minute frequency will not cut it with such generous fare arrangements!

10 minute frequency by the looks of things ....

[ozbob]

TransLink --> Travel to the Ekka

Travel to the Ekka

Get to the Ekka and home for less this year.

New for 2012

Getting to and from the Ekka has never been easier or cheaper with TransLink's new Ekka travel ticket.

Simply pre-purchase your Ekka entry ticket online at ekka.com.au then show it at any attended Queensland Rail station or on board any TransLink bus or ferry and you can buy your Ekka travel ticket for only $6 return for adults and $3 return for children/concession.

That's one price across the entire TransLink network that covers both journeys to and from the Ekka.

This initiative is in partnership with the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association (RNA).
How to purchase your ticket

You can pre-purchase your Ekka ticket online at www.ekka.com.au. Then on the day you plan to visit Ekka, present your Ekka ticket at any attended Queensland Rail station or on any TransLink network bus and ferry service (scheduled or dedicated) to buy your adult or concession/child Ekka travel ticket*. *Conditions apply.

How to travel to Ekka using your Ekka travel ticket

Scheduled services

Train arrival and departure platforms are located in the middle of the RNA showgrounds (Exhibition station). A loop service operates between Roma Street, Central and Fortitude Valley stations. Trains leave these stations every 10 minutes from 8:20am, returning frequently until 10:00pm. The train ride to Exhibition station takes about 10 minutes from Central Station.

RNA Showgrounds are close to RBWH and RCH Herston busway stations.

Use the journey planner to find out which scheduled bus and train services travel to the RNA Showgrounds.
Ekka dedicated services

To minimise congestion at the Exhibition railway station for Ekka ticket holders, additional bus services will operate to and from the Ekka from various locations across the network on a 20 minute frequency (more information coming soon).

All dedicated bus services will arrive and leave from either O'Connell Tce (entry to the Ekka is via Gates 5 & 6) as well as the RBWH busway station.

Additional train services and 14 loop services will also be running to and from Exhibition station during the Ekka. Trains between Roma Street and Exhibition station will operate approximately every 15 minutes.

Other information

*Conditions of use for Ekka travel ticket:

    Ekka travel ticket is only valid for travel to and from the RNA Exhibition between Thursday 9 August and Saturday 18 August 2012.
    Inbound and outbound journey must be completed on the same day (or the last scheduled service of the day).
    Customers must be in possession of a valid RNA Exhibition entry ticket, RNA Exhibition badge or RNA Exhibition pass to purchase the Ekka travel ticket from a Queensland Rail ticket office or a normal scheduled bus services.
    Tickets purchased from attended Queensland Rail ticket office will be undated. Customers will need to write in biro the date of travel on the ticket prior to travel.
    Ekka travel tickets are non refundable and not transferable from one person to another.
    It is valid for travel on date of purchase.
    The combined Ekka entry and travel ticket is only available for purchase at attended Queensland Rail stations.)
    Can be used on all TransLink integrated scheduled and special event transport.
    Normal TransLink ticketing and fares apply on all TransLink services.
    go Card can be used as per normal conditions.
    Not valid for travel on Airtrain services.
    Normal conditions of travel apply.

Find out how to get to the Ekka and home for less.