1 Dec 2012: SEQ: CityCycle and GoCard integration welcomed!

[ozbob]

Media release 1st December 2012

SEQ: CityCycle and GoCard integration welcomed!


http://backontrack.org/images/ntours/24jul11/n3.jpg

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 welcomed the integration of CityCycle and GoCard. This is an Australian first, which means that we now lead the pack in terms of bicycle integration with public transport (1, 2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"While our ideal system would be any person with a registered GoCard could simply 'swipe on, swipe off', the announcement that GoCard and CityCycle accounts can be linked is a symbolic and significant step forward."

"For example, toll roads have long allowed anyone with any transponder from any toll company to use any toll road in Australia without having to set up and link multiple accounts, and ultimately we should aim for something similar in this case."

"It remains to be tested whether the perceived risk of people stealing CityCycle bicycles is real - we think the design of the cycles is not one that would be conducive to stealing, and therefore a pre-existing subscription or account may not be not necessary."

"Swipe and Go, without having to set up a subscription beforehand is the ultimate holy grail. Perhaps a bike pass can be loaded on to the GoCard or a small insurance fee incorporated into the price would allow the scheme to be opened to anybody with a registered GoCard."

"We welcome recent improvements and action on the GoCard tourist card, more public transport data made available, the introduction of upgraded train frequency on the Ferny Grove Line and the SEQ bus review in addition to today's announcement."

Further improvements we would like to see in 2013 include:

(a) 100% electronic ticketing environment however preloaded go cards should be available on all buses other than pre-paid services if this is done - Melbourne will be electronic only from late December this year,

(b) absolute #1 priority for the roll out of the Core Frequent Network, beginning with The Bus Grid,

(c) All door 'tram-style' boarding on buses. These incremental improvements are relatively low cost and very rapid to do,

(d) Sector 2 rail timetable implementation,

(e) Review of the fares on the TransLink SEQ network.

"We thank the Minister for Transport, Scott Emerson, JC Decaux, Brisbane City Council and TransLink.

"Keep up the progress!"

References:

1. SEQ: CityCycle scheme 'designed to fail' - fix it! http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9134.0

2. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/commuters-can-use-go-cards-on-citycycle-from-today-20121130-2akkq.html

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

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