SEEQ Card - tourist go card

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail click here!

Costly tourist card for south-east Queensland may be a no go

Costly tourist card for south-east Queensland may be a no go

    by: Robyn Ironside
    From: The Courier-Mail
    November 05, 2012 12:00AM

A LONG-awaited tourist go card will be available in south-east Queensland from Wednesday, but the cost could have visitors - particularly backpackers - avoiding the product.

At $129 for a five-day "SEEQ" pass, the cards are more expensive than a 12-month entry ticket to Gold Coast theme parks ($99.99).

A three-day pass is available for $79 and parents will pay $65 for a five-day kids' pass or $40 for a three-day concession card.

For a family of four, the cost for five days would be $388 ($238 for three days).

A similar product in Sydney costs $21 a day for all train, light train, bus and ferry services, or $10.50 for children - that is $315 for a family over five days.

In Melbourne, visitors pay $14 for a one-day travel pass that can then be topped up at a cost of $8 a day, as required. It includes $130 worth of vouchers and discounts for tourist attractions.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the SEEQ go card also included a return trip on the Airtrain - valued at $31.

"This is yet another part of our push to get people back on to public transport particularly during the Christmas holiday period," Mr Emerson said..

"The SEEQ card will also provide tourists with great offers and discounts for more than 70 major tourist attractions, restaurants and hotels across the region."

Daniel Gschwind from the Queensland Tourism Industry Council conceded the price was "not giving it away".

"Visitors do understand it does cost to access public transport but (the Government) has very much tried to build value into it,'' Mr Gschwind said.

"I think if we find it needs adjusting whether it be different day options, I'm sure they'll be open to adjustment to meet market demands.''

Robert Dow from commuter advocacy group Back on Track said tourists would "do their sums" and decide what worked best for them in buying an SEEQ card or using a regular go card.

"The difference between this product and those interstate is that they don't include travel to and from the airport. That's a significant cost," Mr Dow said.

"I don't think business travellers would use it but for people seeking the full tourist experience in south-east Queensland we think it represents good value."

He said the biggest problem was the cost of public transport fares in south-east Queensland compared with other areas.

"We're starting from a very high base, so we're immediately at a disadvantage.''

Among the discounts offered by the SEEQ card are 10 per cent off entry to Dreamworld, Whitewater World and Australia Zoo, $20 off Gold Coast whale watching tours and a 10 per cent discount for the Story Bridge Adventure Climb.

Mr Emerson will join Gold Coast MPs Michael Crandon, Verity Barton and Mark Boothman at Dreamworld today to launch the card.

[ozbob]

The discounts at 70 various establishments list is not yet available. 

The cost is much the same as Sydney (difference being Airtrain), the myki product doesn't give unrestricted network wide travel as for Sydney / Brisbane, the $8 is only for a daily one zone.  Tourists have to add money to their myki  depending on their travel.

For some SEEQ will be good deal.  A trip to and from the Airport, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast and already doing well.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

5th November 2012

SEEQ Card welcome

Greetings,

SEEQ tourist go card to be launched today.

The discounts at 70 various establishments list is not yet available.

The cost is much the same as Sydney (difference being Airtrain), the myki product (Melbourne) doesn't give unrestricted network wide travel as for Sydney / Brisbane, the $8 is only for a daily one zone.  Tourists have to add money to their myki  depending on their travel.

For some SEEQ will be a good deal.  A trip to and from the Airport, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast and already doing well.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/costly-tourist-card-for-south-east-queensland-may-be-a-no-go/story-e6freoof-1226510183877

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Tourists SEEQ new go card

The Newman Government will deliver a shot in the arm for tourists using South-East Queensland's public transport with the new SEEQ go cards to be available from Wednesday.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the three-day and five-day SEEQ go cards would provide a simple, unlimited transport option for interstate and international tourists.

"This is yet another part of our push to get people back on to public transport, particularly during the Christmas holiday period," Mr Emerson said.

"Tourists now have the option of a regular pay-as-you-travel go card with tourist information packs or they can plan ahead with the new pay-up-front unlimited travel SEEQ go card."

Adult SEEQ go cards will allow unlimited travel for $79 (three consecutive days) and $129 (five consecutive days) with children travelling for $40 (three consecutive days) and $65 (five consecutive days).

Mr Emerson will today join Gold Coast MPs Michael Crandon (Coomera), Verity Barton (Broadwater) and Mark Boothman (Albert) to launch the SEEQ go card.

"The SEEQ go card will also provide tourists with great offers and discounts for many major tourist attractions, restaurants and hotels across the region," Mr Emerson said.

"The SEEQ go card also includes two Airtrain trips which for an adult is normally valued at $31.

"There are 12.3 million domestic and international tourists who visit South-East Queensland and the SEEQ go card can be pre-purchased before you arrive or when you arrive."

The SEEQ go card will be available for purchase at various locations across Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast including the Brisbane International and Domestic Airports and Queensland Rail CBD stations and can be pre-purchased through the TransLink website.

[ozbob]

SEEQ card

--> http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/seeq-card

[Golliwog]

List of 84 discounts: http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/seeq-card-offers#.UJbvi4ZcA8A

Has what the place the discount is available from is, what the special deal is, as well as contact details and address. Also has a map view, but this only appears to show one at a time when you click 'show on map'

Also, from the looks of the SEEQ page, you can buy your SEEQ card when ever, and the only condition is you have to use it within 12 months of the date of purchase.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Tourists to pay $79 for travel card

Tourists to pay $79 for travel card
November 5, 2012 - 9:17AM
Marissa Calligeros

Translink has finally developed a Go Card for tourists but it will set visitors to southeast Queensland back at least $79.

SEEQ Go Cards, which will be available from Wednesday, will allow tourists unlimited travel over three consecutive days for $79, while a five-day travel pass will cost $129.

    It probably does represent reasonable value for some people, but not for others

Included in the price is a return trip to Brisbane Airport on the Airtrain, which would normally cost an adult $31, meaning an average visitor will pay about $20 a day for unlimited travel across the southeast corner.

Children's SEEQ Go Cards will cost $40 for three days of unlimited travel and $65 for five consecutive days of travel.

Card holders will receive discounts at 70 tourist attractions, including 10 per cent off entry to Dreamworld, Whitewater World and Australia Zoo.

In London, a three-day Visitor Oyster card sets adult tourists back about $30. It is a similar price for a Paris Metro card for three days of travel in the three inner city zones.

A seven-day MyMulti3 pass in Sydney costs $60 for adults and $30 for children for unlimited travel on buses, trains and ferries, while in Melbourne a Myki visitor pack costs $14 but covers only $8 in fares.

"This is yet another part of our push to get people back on to public transport, particularly during the Christmas holiday period," the Transport Minister, Scott Emerson, said.

"Tourists now have the option of a regular pay-as-you-travel go card with tourist information packs or they can plan ahead with the new pay-upfront unlimited travel SEEQ go card."

Translink has long been developing a Go Card for visitors and occasional transport users but has been tight-lipped about the final product.

Robert Dow, of the commuter lobby group Rail Back on Track, said the Go Cards presented a good deal, particularly for tourists travelling from Brisbane to the Gold and Sunshine coasts.

"It probably does represent reasonable value for some people, but not for others.

With time and market feedback, [Translink] may decide to introduce further products with various other options."

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council has repeatedly called for a simple one-day travel pass for Brisbane visitors.

The SEEQ Go Card will be available for purchase at locations across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, including at the Brisbane airports and Central Station.

The cards can also be pre-purchased through the TransLink website.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/tourists-to-pay-79-for-travel-card-20121105-28sxg.html#ixzz2BIg9k5sy

[somebody]

Look at the list of discounts; makes you wonder how much time was spent negotiating this deal rather than sorting out the basics of the service.

[ozbob]

There is value in the SEEQ card, but it really is contingent on air train use.

Eg.  BNE to Varsity Lakes $25.78 off peak, $51.50 just there return which means using up $27 of travel in 3 days plus discounts ...

Do a return trip to Gympie North $39 ... already ahead ...

[nathandavid88]

If you are going to use the Airtrain, and would make use of the attached deals which aren't half bad (10% off 1 day tickets to Dreamworld, or the VIP pass for the Village Theme parks, 5% discount at Oaks Hotels) it makes for a pretty good deal in my opinion.

That said, I think that a bare-bones basic one should be offered as well though. I would argue that not all tourists catch the Airtrain (they may have pre-booked hotel connections, or they may catch a cab or they may arrive at OOL) so one that offers the 3 days travel and the extras deals, but minus the Airtrain travel, should be considered (maybe sold at select locations in the QSM, and hotel front desks)?

[HappyTrainGuy]

Meh. Most of the specials are available elsewhere. A few of which I've seen offer better discounts for haha.

One complimentary glass of wine or beer with a full priced meal. One drink per card holder only.

[Gazza]

Do a return trip to Gympie North $39

An unmissable activity for all visitors to SEQ 

I think the furthest most would go on the train is from Brisbane to a theme park, or vice versa.

[ozbob]

Some will, lunch at Cooroy RSL could become a popular day activity ... 

But many will do well out of the SEEQ card.  Horses for courses ...

But again the SEEQ pricing reflects the high cost base fares for the SEQ TransLink network ...

[Golliwog]

Interesting that the card is only valid for travel for either the 3 days or 5 days, but you can use it for the discounts for up to 12 months (from the date you get it).

I like the idea of it, but think it needs to be more flexible. Perhaps instead of fixed 3 or 5 days, you can choose how many days, so you have the base cost of it for the discounts and Airtrain (which I think you should also be able to choose whether to include or not) then just have a daily rate you add for the unlimited travel part.

[Arnz]

Do a return trip to Gympie North $39

An unmissable activity for all visitors to SEQ 

I think the furthest most would go on the train is from Brisbane to a theme park, or vice versa.

Or train+bus connection to the Coasts.  That's assuming they connect.  I've read of stories where GC bound passengers have to wait 30 minutes for the next bus (as they watch the bus pull out shortly after the train arrives).

As for local knowledge up on the SC, TAG buses have a direct radio link with Landsborough & Nambour stations, which is good IMO, considering the dismal 90 minute off-peak/weekend train frequency.  Most drivers do radio ahead, but it doesn't hurt to ask the driver if your bus is running late to the station.

[ozbob]

Gee, I have seen and experienced waits of 59 minutes due to missed bus connections at Goodna .. lol

Life is tough  indeed ...   :bi

[HappyTrainGuy]

59-119 min waits for me..... Atleast I have a Sunday bus service 

2012 with 119 minute waits..... sigh.

[ozbob]

I think they need to allow the return airtrain journey to be anytime within 12 months of the card being used.  This would improve it a little.

Also an non-airtrain version.

[ozbob]

59-119 min waits for me..... Atleast I have a Sunday bus service 

2012 with 119 minute waits..... sigh.

At least the watering holes are reasonably close at Goodna ...   

[HappyTrainGuy]

59-119 min waits for me..... Atleast I have a Sunday bus service 

2012 with 119 minute waits..... sigh.

At least the watering holes are reasonably close at Goodna ...   

Haha that's true. There's now a Dan Murphy's next to Strathpine station... and a park too... and a watchhouse 100m up the road to sober up in before you get on the next bus

Feel sorry for those buggers on the coast line who have 1439 minutes for their next peak hour service. Must be battling out there to get their free trips 

[somebody]

You mean the ones beyond Nambour?  They also have a second weekday service.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Shorncliffe/Sandgates famous 314 

[somebody]

Shorncliffe/Sandgates famous 314 

That one considerably stretches the definition of peak hour, for both its services.

[ozbob]

Quick scan around Oz ..

Sydney: Mymulti day pass Adult $21 Child/concession $10.50  unrestricted PT.  No other discounts etc.

Old Sydney Pass for interest (don't think this is now available) - 3 day Adult was $100 but included airport fares.  5 day $130 Adult.  Good thing about was you had up to two months to do the final airport trip.

Melbourne: The tourist myki is just a pack with a myki with $8 myki money on it, and access to around $130 discounts.  Cost tourist myki $14.
Daily 1-2 zone fares on myki is $11.08 (unrestricted PT), weekends capped at $3.30.  Tourist need to top up as required.

Perth: Dayrider $11 - all day after 9am ... weekdays, all day weekends etc.  Unrestricted PT.

Adelaide: Day Trip Metro ticket $9.10  - unrestricted PT.

Hobart: Day Rover $4.80 - all day after 9am ... weekday, all day weekends etc. Unrestricted PT.

Brisbane SEEQ  3 day adult $79  5 day adult $129 - unrestricted PT includes airtrain  Children $40 3 day and $65 5 day.  Access to $700 worth of discounts ...

[ozbob]

SEEQ

No airtrain

Three day $79/3 = $26.33 per day

Five day $129/5  = $25.80 per day

Use airtrain

Three day $79-31= $48/3 = $16 per day

Five day $129-31= $98/5 = $19.60 per day

[somebody]

Adding to the Sydney comments, if you use a MyMulti of any form, you can buy a cheaper airport ticket, called a "Gate Pass":
Single: $12
Return: $24
Weekly: $18.60

[ozbob]

That weekly gate pass is intriguing.  I think you can only get at the airport stations and must show a multi weekly ticket?

Not well advertised either ..

[ozbob]

Back to SEEQ -  I think this needs to be done pronto if possible:

The airtrain trips should NOT start the day count.  For example, arrive at BNE, travel by train to city or wherever as a continuous journey.  That should not start the days of travel count.  Next day our tourist heads off to Gympie North (LOL)  ... umm  Helensvale, that then is day one of the ticket use.  Return trip to the airport as a continuous journey allowed outside the continuous ticket days.   That would improve it significantly.

So for a three day SEEQ


Arrive BNE   SEEQ Day 1  SEEQ Day 2  SEEQ Day 3  Depart BNE
   Mon              Tue              Wed             Thu               Fri

Most people on arrival will want to go to their accommodation and get settled.  Have  a good nights sleep and then start touring etc.

The system could be programmed to recognise the first journey not part of airtrain.  If someone wanted to get out on day one after the airtrain journey then the day count starts then on that day.

The old Sydney Pass operated this way, the trip from the airport itself did not start the day count.  And you had up to two months for the return trip to the airport ...

[somebody]

Ok, but if you aren't going to the CBD then you'd need a ticket from there to wherever you are staying.

That weekly gate pass is intriguing.  I think you can only get at the airport stations and must show a multi weekly ticket?

Not well advertised either ..

I think you can get it at either side of ticket barriers, but not from the ticket machine.  The idea is for employees, I believe, so I can understand it not being well advertised.

[ozbob]

Ok, but if you aren't going to the CBD then you'd need a ticket from there to wherever you are staying.

The system could be configured to recognise the first journey connected to an airtrain leg (eg touch on BNE International and no matter where touch off) as not the day one trigger.  As it is someone arrives at 7pm, uses their SEEQ to get to the City or wherever, day one gone, only two days then  left ... bit rich really ...

[ozbob]

SEEQ card conditions of use ... 

http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/seeq-card-conditions

3. The SEEQ card may be used for travel on a designated TransLink service, provided that:

    the service is equipped with an operational card reader
    the SEEQ card is valid, has not expired, or been blocked.

Huh?  Many a rail bus substituting does not have an operational card reader ...  I think they need to rethink this one ..

I have requested clarification.  Condition 14 may overide condition 3 ..

Condition 14

14. You can use your SEEQ card on all TransLink bus, train and ferry services, and Airtrain services (travel on Airtrain services to or from the Airtrain Domestic Station or Airtrain International Station is limited to two (2) trips). (For further information visit translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.)

[somebody]

So a broken reader and it's not valid!   

[BrizCommuter]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/go-card-for-visitors-another-translink.html
An updated blog post. The Paris Visite card fare comparison shows that TransLink are treating SEQ visitors as cash cows.

[ozbob]

So a broken reader and it's not valid!   

Exactly.  TransLink have indicated they will review this.  Buses often have non operational equipment ...

[ozbob]

SEEQ apparently available from today (7th November) but nothing yet on the TransLink web site for online purchase ...

[nathandavid88]

Here's the link. It was well hidden. You had to go to the SEEQ link on the main page, then to the SEEQ Card offers link at the bottom of that page, and then there's the link on the related links panel on the right.

http://shop.translink.com.au/epages/shop.sf/en_AU/?ObjectPath=/Shops/shop/Categories/SEEQ

[ozbob]

Thanks, gee you would think they would make it a little more obvious ... lol


I actually checked that earlier this morning, has only just been added.

[ozbob]

There are now buy online links on the SEEQ page

[somebody]

The question is should the option of buying a standard go card and getting a refund be more prominent?  I guess they don't want to encourage that too much.  It's hardly the end of the world if it happens.

[Golliwog]

The question is should the option of buying a standard go card and getting a refund be more prominent?  I guess they don't want to encourage that too much.  It's hardly the end of the world if it happens.

They have the 'gocard login' button on the homepage, which should be changed to better reflect that it's everything go card online (I know if has 'buy, top up, login, more' across the bottom, but why not just call it the gocard store or something. Make it clear that you can do everything go card online on the website.