Ministerial Statement: Go Card records 500,000 free trips in one month

[ozbob]

http://www.scottemerson.com.au/media-releases/go-card-records-500000-free-trips-in-one-month.html

Go Card records 500,000 free trips in one month

Friday, 27 July 2012 19:36

The 500,000th free go card trip was taken this week, exactly one month after the Newman Government's nine-and-free fare incentive was introduced.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the effort to tackle Labor's declining public transport affordability had been embraced by passengers.

"The 500,000th free trip was taken on Wednesday, and I would expect the 600,000th free trip to be taken today – the fifth Friday that regular Monday to Friday passengers will travel home for free," he said.

"All up passengers have saved almost $2 million in fares since June 25, delivering real cost of living relief for Queenslanders.

"Last week there were 135,000 free trips taken and I would expect that number to rise with university students returning for second semester this week.

"We are restoring confidence in our public transport network by improving the affordability, reliability and frequency of public transport."

During the January-to-March quarter, affordability of public transport dropped to an all-time low – 45 per cent on trains and 51 and 53 per cent on buses and ferries.

Under the nine-and-free scheme a regular weekday commuter to the CBD from Oxley or Mitchelton will save up to $220 a year while customers travelling from Varsity Lakes or Palmwoods will save up to $642 each year.

[somebody]

Love the spin.  How many additional free trips from nine then free?

[ozbob]

The more I think about this fare structure the more I feel it is not going to be a happy ending if it stays as is.

[somebody]

The more I think about this fare structure the more I feel it is not going to be a happy ending if it stays as is.

Better than myki-style.  IMO.

[ozbob]

LOL  ....  you never give up do you.  Most public transport jurisdictions differ though.

Having a high price product and then offset it by giving it away for free is silly.

A more uniform approach would be a lot better.

Fare box leakage is going to become a flood that will ultimately have to be plugged.

Either change the structure or keep jacking up the price of fares - excessively.

There will be significant political grief if the 7.5% fare increase (6 times CPI, 75 times DFRDB pension increase of 0.1%) is not off set or wound back.

[somebody]

LOL  ....  you never give up do you.

Neither do you!

Having a high price product and then offset it by giving it away for free is silly.

On that point, we agree.  Seems we just differ as to the appropriate solutions.

[ozbob]

500,000 free trips is around 3.3% of all trips in month. Around 15 million trips in a month on PT.

Be interesting to monitor to see how it goes.

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail click here!

Campbell Newman's free journeys election promise for public transport could cost LNP government $24m

Campbell Newman's free journeys election promise for public transport could cost LNP government $24m

    by: Robyn Ironside
    From: The Courier-Mail
    July 31, 2012 12:00AM

A COST-of-living election promise by the LNP is proving so popular it could end up costing three times its original budget.

In its first month, the "nine journeys then free" public transport initiative has cost $2 million in fare revenue after more than 500,000 trips were taken for nothing - making it a potential target for government cost cutters.

The government refuses to guarantee the program's future, there is no set time limit for it to continue.

The LNP allocated $9 million for the initiative in its first year, but if the enthusiastic take-up continues, that could blow out to more than $24 million.

At the same time, the Government is continuing to cut thousands of jobs and programs, some costing as little as $88,000. The Commission of Audit report raised concerns about the affordability of other transport initiatives, but Minister Scott Emerson said the success of the "nine journeys then free" would only increase.

"Last week there were 135,000 free trips taken and I would expect that number to rise with university students returning for second semester this week," he said last Friday.

A spokesman for Mr Emerson said the LNP's funding for the promise was in addition to the $7 million a year the previous government had budgeted for its "10 journeys then free" initiative.

He also pointed out the uptake in free trips was expected to slow during school holidays and the traditionally quieter December-January period.

But Robert Dow, from commuter group Rail - Back On Track, said it was clear the system was causing "massive fare leakage" that was unsustainable.

"We're conservatively looking at $30 million in lost revenue," Mr Dow said.

"I think that's going to become increasingly a serious drain, and they're already talking about cutbacks to transport. We think they need to bite the bullet now, in concert with other reviews."

Opposition transport spokeswoman Jackie Trad questioned what services would be cut to pay for the shortfall.

"What's becoming quite clear is that this government is cutting and slashing everywhere in order to maintain election commitments that weren't fully funded," said Ms Trad.

The Transport Minister said he was committed to an $18 million plan for extra off-peak services on the Ferny Grove line, and $110 million over four years to halve annual fare hikes from 15 to 7.5 per cent.

The Commission of Audit report in June cast doubt over whether the reduced fare hike could be delivered while achieving vital revenue growth.

Mr Emerson said affordability was a big issue in growing public transport patronage.

"By attracting people back to public transport we will also increase revenue from fares, which helps fund vital public transport services," he said.

Mr Dow said commuters were already going to extremes to save money, such as taking short bus trips during the day to reach the nine journey threshold quickly and make their longer commutes free.

There was also evidence commuters were sharing go cards to save money.

Mr Dow said even 7.5 per cent fare hikes were more than most commuters could bear after rises of up to 65 per cent in the past three years.

"The whole fare structure is a flop," he said.

"They're either going to have to take a more rational view and a fair structure review to ensure more equitable fares, or some budget moves to absorb the significant fare leakage."

[ozbob]

http://www.scottemerson.com.au/media-releases/free-travel-records-tumble.html

Free travel records tumble

Tuesday, 31 July 2012 05:24

A record 75,000 public transport users claimed free go card trips last week as commuters continue to embrace the Newman Government's nine-and-free fare incentive.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the return of most university students last week had boosted the number of free trips taken by 22 per cent.

"Those 75,000 individual go card users took 166,000 free trips last week – an average of 2.2 free trips each card.

"We set out to tackle Labor's record low affordability in public transport and that commitment is already producing record high results.

"For most public transport passengers that means a free trip home from work on Friday and across the weekend, but we are seeing many students reaching the nine journey threshold early in the week and travelling for free for the rest of the week.

"Passengers are saving almost $500,000 a week since the nine-and-free policy was introduced on June 25, delivering real cost of living relief for Queenslanders.

"If we are to make public transport a viable alternative to car travel we need to restore confidence by making services more affordable, reliable and frequent."

Under Labor, affordability of public transport dropped to an all-time low – 45 per cent on trains and 51 and 53 per cent on buses and ferries.

Under the nine-and-free scheme a regular weekday commuter to the CBD from Oxley or Mitchelton could save up to $220 a year while customers travelling from Varsity Lakes or Palmwoods will save up to $642 each year.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

31st July 2012

Call for review of fare structure for public transport

Greetings,

The failing fare structure is concerning.

Couriermail:
Free trips taking toll on State's bottom line
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/campbell-newmans-free-journeys-election-promise-for-public-transport-could-cost-lnp-government-24m/story-e6freoof-1226438930571

It is pointless reviewing the bus and rail system without reviewing the other critical component.  The fare structure.

Having a high price product and then offset it by giving it away for free is silly.

A more uniform approach would be a lot better.

Fare box leakage is going to become a flood that will ultimately have to be plugged.

Either change the structure or keep jacking up the price of fares - excessively.

There will be significant political grief if the 7.5% fare increase (6 times CPI, 75 times DFRDB pension increase of 0.1%) is not off set or wound back.

The LNP gave a commitment to review the entire fare structure during the election. See -->  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8719.msg103659#msg103659

Best wishes
Robert

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


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

Media release 10 July 2012 re-released 31 July 2012

SEQ: Call for review of fare structure for public transport

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 an immediate review of the fare structure for public transport in south-east Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The latest TransLink Tracker has confirmed that fare affordability is at an all time low (1). The Passenger load survey shows a similar dim picture (2).  Patronage growth is now stunted, with flow on effects for traffic congestion, environmental impacts and trauma costs."

"Further planned fare increases of 7.5% for 2013 and 2014 will just further compound the present unaffordability."

"The fare structure as it is a failure.  Cost of short journeys is relatively too expensive (3). Lack of family tickets as for other states further restricts public transport use as a choice (4)."

"Concession public transport travel should be afforded to all health care card holders, this is done in all states except Queensland.  Queensland is fast becoming unaffordable for many."

"Messing around with journey caps as has been recently implemented doesn't address the fundamental structural failure of the present fare table."

"It is time for the Queensland Government to actually implement the ' passenger focussed ' rhetoric."   

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/2011-12-quarterly-report-jan-to-mar.pdf

2. http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/2012-q1-passenger-load-survey.pdf

3. 1 Jul 2012: SEQ: Reduce or eliminate the fare 'flag-fall'  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8673.0

4. 8th July 2012 Lack of family ticket arrangements public transport in Queensland  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2006.msg103684#msg103684

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Free fares not blowing hole in budget: Emerson

Free fares not blowing hole in budget: Emerson
Date July 31, 2012 - 8:21AM

The Queensland government insists record numbers of people taking free trips on public transport under a new scheme are not eating into the budget.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson said 75,000 people claimed 166,000 free trips last week under the Newman government's "nine-and-free" public transport incentive scheme.

People who use their Go Card to pay for nine bus, train or ferry journeys from any Monday can travel free until the following Monday.

The free trips represent $2 million in potential lost revenue in the past month, leading to criticism at a time when the government is cutting costs elsewhere and sacking public servants.

Mr Emerson said the scheme was estimated to cost $18 million over the first two years, and dismissed suggestions its success was cutting into the state budget, telling 612 ABC Brisbane many commuters who travelled free would not have used public transport without the savings incentive.

He said university students had reaped the most significant savings, boosting the number of free trips taken by 22 per cent last week at the start of their second semester.

"We believe these passengers wouldn't be travelling in any case in the past because they felt that public transport wasn't affordable," he told ABC Radio.

However, a commuter lobby group warned the scheme was unsustainable in its current form, and called for an overhaul of public transport pricing.

"Ultimately, the free travel is going to become unsustainable economically," Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said.

"It's already running at about three times what the government budgeted ... and it's going to go up exponentially, particularly when people get the smarts and learn how to manipulate the free journey cap."

Mr Dow said the government needed to reassess the overall fare structure and reduce the initial flag fall component of fares by $1.50.

"Take $1.50 off all zones and in addition increase the off-peak discount from 20 per cent to 30 per cent and reinstitute the 50 per cent concession for commuters after 10 journeys," he said.

"It's a bit pointless reviewing the bus system and reviewing the rail system without reviewing that other critical component of the public transport network which is the fare structure."

Last week, Mr Emerson announced a six-month review of Brisbane's bus services, shining the spotlight on several costly routes.

Mr Emerson said the free fare scheme was a necessary measure to restore confidence in the public transport network.

"If we are to make public transport a viable alternative to car travel we need to restore confidence by making services more affordable, reliable and frequent," he said.

- with AAP

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/free-fares-not-blowing-hole-in-budget-emerson-20120731-23bdd.html

[colinw]

From the Couriermail click here!

Call to arms!  Some numpty in the feedback has actually suggested cutting the half hourly offpeak rail frequency back further!

How much longer will the state continue to fund ghost trains? trains that run with "special" on the destination, empty services or services with less than 10 passengers. surely the rail network's master train plan should at least be reviewed! the 30 min off peak service as it exists now could be reduced due to lack of patronage, i cannot see the logic in the government investing in a 15 min service when half or more of the off peak services currently running carry thin air especially the night services!

Comment 19 of 23

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

Check out the poll at @brisbanetimes --> http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/free-fares-not-blowing-hole-in-budget-emerson-20120731-23bdd.html we are on the money ... fare review needed ... @scottemersonmp

[somebody]

$7m p.a. was the budget for 10-then-free.  I wonder if that has to be subtracted off the $24m p.a. for 9-then-free

[STB]

From the Couriermail click here!

Call to arms!  Some numpty in the feedback has actually suggested cutting the half hourly offpeak rail frequency back further!

How much longer will the state continue to fund ghost trains? trains that run with "special" on the destination, empty services or services with less than 10 passengers. surely the rail network's master train plan should at least be reviewed! the 30 min off peak service as it exists now could be reduced due to lack of patronage, i cannot see the logic in the government investing in a 15 min service when half or more of the off peak services currently running carry thin air especially the night services!

Comment 19 of 23

I try to ignore the comments in The Courier Mail nowadays, full of right wing LNP hacks who haven't a clue on how public transport works, just more focused on $$$ which IMO the CM markets it's readers towards.  We really need some balance in the media up here in Qld IMO, but that's a story for another day.

[ozbob]

BT Poll: Would you rather receive free fares after nine trips each week or simply have the cost of public transport reduced?

Free fares - it encourages more use 18%

Cheaper fares - it's simpler and fairer 82%

Total votes: 331

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/free-fares-not-blowing-hole-in-budget-emerson-20120731-23bdd.html

[Gazza]

Good to see that poll result 

It's not the fare structure which is (was) the problem, its the fare levels.

[somebody]

Good to see that poll result 

It's not the fare structure which is (was) the problem, its the fare levels.

Wow, we agree.

[Gazza]

Have been saying that from the start.

It's a bit like the slogan from the old BiLo ads..."It's the total on the docket that counts".

Theoretically, if the base fare is cheap enough, such that it works out the same per week as a hypothetical periodical when you multiply it out, then what's the problem?

[ozbob]

Fare structure is all about price in the end.

This poll needs to be understood in context of the article, however it is useful to drive home the need to get a review.  A review promised by the LNP.

Show me the money!

[Gazza]

Fare structure = How thing are calculated mathematatically (Eg x free after y, number of zones, periodicals available etc)
Fare levels = the prices actually inserted.

[ozbob]

You can't have a price (level) without a structure Gazza.  Price is a component of the overall fare structure.

You can isolate the components, that is structure and price, but one cannot really exist without the other in practise.

[somebody]

I'm with Gazza.  Why make the argument about something which is tangential to the issue?

[ozbob]

I'm with Gazza.  Why make the argument about something which is tangential to the issue?

Because structure and price are dependent variables.

[Gazza]

Because structure and price are dependent variables.

In the context of SEQ, the main aspect of the structure (Number of Zones) is pretty much right IMO.

That just leaves the prices being inserted into it.
We could have a dead simple system where you'd pay straight off whatever the table of fares says, every time (Obviously a cheaper fare level off peak) and the fare would be set at the cheapest possible level, and that would grow patronage quite well because the barrier to entry would be at its lowest.

Sweating about wether it was the old-old frequent user scheme, or 10 then free, or 9 then free etc etc has kind of been beating around the bush, because the whole time they could have just dropped the fare levels overall and achieved a better effect.

I mean, the community wants cheaper fares, so give them cheaper fares! No need to complicate things any further.

[ozbob]

Agree there and so does the public. 

Zones - fine (except the mismatches eg. Oxley rail 3 bus 4)

Flagfall needs to be lower.

[somebody]

Agree there and so does the public. 

That would be a red letter day if it could be taken as read.  I imagine though that you just agree with the part about giving the public cheaper fares.

[Gazza]

Zones - fine (except the mismatches eg. Oxley rail 3 bus 4)

True, zones are pretty much right...How many other examples of this are there actually? Worthy of a topic?

Flagfall needs to be lower.

Which is a question of fare levels 

[#Metro]

Cut gimmicks!! Every day low fares!!

[Mr X]

Cut fares across the board! Why are we slugging people like pensioners $3.50 just to get a paper ticket to the city? Enforce pre-paid PT (scrap paper tickets), cut the 9-then-free and cut the flagfall...

[kazzac]

I was able to travel in Perth recently  on PT for $11!A Dayrider ticket, gives you unlimited travel on any Transperth service  all day,do Translink have anything similar for tourists?

[Gazza]

do Translink have anything similar for tourists?

Is that a rhetorical question?

[ozbob]

Be interesting to follow the basic data in Tracker with fare box.

Eg.  Q2 2011/12 
http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/2011-12-quarterly-report-oct-to-dec.pdf

Subsidy $286.6M

Fares    $84.2

Average fare $1.94

Trips 43.3M

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

Q3 2011/12
http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/2011-12-quarterly-report-jan-to-mar.pdf

Subsidy $294.9M

Fares $93.7M

Average fare $2.13

Trips 43.97M

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

15% fare increase for Q3, you would reasonable expect then 15% increase in fare box, actual was

Fares $93.7M

Expected was $96.8M  (84.2 + (0.15 x 84.2) cf. $93.7.  So the ten journey cap has lead to around $3M fare box leakage for the  Q3 quarter.

The budget for the 10 journey cap was $7M pa.  Clearly an underestimate, and the budget estimate for the 9 journey cap will be a lot more of an underestimate.  Can't wait for the data ...

Another way of looking at is average fare Q2 $1.94 + (0.15 x 1.94) = $2.23  cf.  actual $2.13

[somebody]

I'd prefer to use the same time of year.  Even that is problematic with the changing service levels and floods affecting some services.

There has also been migration from cash fares which has reduced the increase in the fare box, similarly more people seeking adjustments.

What is concerning is the costs increasing faster than inflation & service increases.

[ozbob]

To be precise you just need to standardise on trip numbers, but in the case of Q2 and Q3 trips roughly the same.  If any thing the fare leakage is slightly underestimated as slightly more trips in Q3.  The changes in paper vs go card are relatively small over these quarters.

But it shows clearly that fare box leakage will be an issue down the track with the 9 journey cap, massively and I suggest at least $30M pa, if not more.

This is why I think the free journey cap will be buried eventually.  People are getting a lot smarter and there will be increasing leakage as more achieve up front zoners to offset higher zone travel later in the week.  The Minister doesn't seem to grasp that there is a difference between leakage and people doing free trips after reaching a cap in routine travel. 

Shared go cards is another means of capitalising on the free journey cap as well.  It is hard to judge if this is happening on a large scale, but no doubt is occurring.  No way of stopping it or checking (expect for compulsory registered go cards which won't happen).

[somebody]

I'd say that increased Go Card use explains around $0.5mil of that $3mil disparity.

Perhaps some of the additional trips in Q3 are trips which wouldn't have been made if they weren't free, and the base trips have been reduced by the fare increases.

This is why I think the free journey cap will be buried eventually. 

Absolutely, but they might hang on through this term of government.  I expect it to be buried early in an LNP second term.  It's perfectly feasible to hang on through this term, but then they have already broken other promises according to anecdotal evidence.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

3rd August 2012

Call for urgent review of fares for public transport

Greetings,

It is very clear that the fare structure and price levels must be reviewed, urgently.

A poll at Brisbanetimes has confirmed that the public is not really impressed by the free travel after nine (or ten as the case was).

See http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/free-fares-not-blowing-hole-in-budget-emerson-20120731-23bdd.html#poll

It is a landslide rejection of a flawed fare paradigm.  The fares are unaffordable for many and  are anti-public transport, as also evidenced in the TransLink Tracker for all to see.

Poll: Would you rather receive free fares after nine trips each week or simply have the cost of public transport reduced?

Free fares - it encourages more use

     18%
Cheaper fares - it's simpler and fairer

    82%

Total votes: 391.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/free-fares-not-blowing-hole-in-budget-emerson-20120731-23bdd.html#ixzz22POjICdQ

Due to an ever escalating fare leakage, the price of fares will have to soar to cover the leakage, unless the flawed fare paradigm is sorted.

How this leakage occurs can be reviewed here ( -->  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8840.msg105980#msg105980 ).

My estimate is that this will soon escalate to at least  $30 million dollars or more per annum.

This means that the base fare price will have to continue to increase many times the rate of CPI and inflation to cover it.  Further compounding the unaffordability of the fares.

The State Government is trumpeting the fact they plan to increase fares by only 7.5%, instead of 15% previously planned.  Come on, you can't be serious?

Public transport fares have already increased 65% over the past 4 years, and 7.5% is around 6 times the CPI.  My DFRDB pension increased by 0.1% this year.  7.5% is 75 times the increase in my DFRDB pension!

The lack of a family / group ticket (as available in other states) is another issue that needs addressing.
( 15 Jul 2012: SEQ:Call for a group/family go card ticket on the TransLink network http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8759.0 )

The mean spiritedness of not extending concession fares to ALL health care card holders (as occurs in ALL other states) needs addressing.

Why is Queensland so backward?

Way forward --> 1 Jul 2012: SEQ: Reduce or eliminate the fare 'flag-fall' http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8673.0

It is time the State Government lived up to its election rhetoric.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

31st July 2012

Call for review of fare structure for public transport

Greetings,

The failing fare structure is concerning.

Couriermail:
Free trips taking toll on State's bottom line
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/campbell-newmans-free-journeys-election-promise-for-public-transport-could-cost-lnp-government-24m/story-e6freoof-1226438930571

It is pointless reviewing the bus and rail system without reviewing the other critical component.  The fare structure.

Having a high price product and then offset it by giving it away for free is silly.

A more uniform approach would be a lot better.

Fare box leakage is going to become a flood that will ultimately have to be plugged.

Either change the structure or keep jacking up the price of fares - excessively.

There will be significant political grief if the 7.5% fare increase (6 times CPI, 75 times DFRDB pension increase of 0.1%) is not off set or wound back.

The LNP gave a commitment to review the entire fare structure during the election. See -->  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8719.msg103659#msg103659

Best wishes
Robert

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


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

Media release 10 July 2012 re-released 31 July 2012

SEQ: Call for review of fare structure for public transport

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 an immediate review of the fare structure for public transport in south-east Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The latest TransLink Tracker has confirmed that fare affordability is at an all time low (1). The Passenger load survey shows a similar dim picture (2).  Patronage growth is now stunted, with flow on effects for traffic congestion, environmental impacts and trauma costs."

"Further planned fare increases of 7.5% for 2013 and 2014 will just further compound the present unaffordability."

"The fare structure as it is a failure.  Cost of short journeys is relatively too expensive (3). Lack of family tickets as for other states further restricts public transport use as a choice (4)."

"Concession public transport travel should be afforded to all health care card holders, this is done in all states except Queensland.  Queensland is fast becoming unaffordable for many."

"Messing around with journey caps as has been recently implemented doesn't address the fundamental structural failure of the present fare table."

"It is time for the Queensland Government to actually implement the ' passenger focussed ' rhetoric."   

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/2011-12-quarterly-report-jan-to-mar.pdf

2. http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/2012-q1-passenger-load-survey.pdf

3. 1 Jul 2012: SEQ: Reduce or eliminate the fare 'flag-fall'  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8673.0

4. 8th July 2012 Lack of family ticket arrangements public transport in Queensland  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2006.msg103684#msg103684

Contact:

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

[BrizCommuter]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/still-un-fare.html
BrizCommuter's opinion on fare structure changes.

[Gazza]

With a zone based daily journey cap, shouldn't that really be based around 2x the longest journey travelled? (Since a daily was 2 singles)


Disagree about the need for passes....Weekly could effectively be programmed automatically into the system (No matter how much people fetish the idea of going up to a machine and loading a pass that does exactly the same thing), and monthlies/yearlies weren't used by enough people to warrant reinstatement. It's just a big additional programming cost.

Still, I think the best policy is "Everyday low fares", without worrying too much about other special fare products.

[somebody]

I still feel that our constant bagging of the fare "structure" contributed to this mediocre outcome.

The 50% FUD after 10 journeys wasn't too bad.  It still had its limitations, of course.