QLD Smart Ticketing - Open Payment

[verbatim9]

Brisbanetimes --> Commuters complain of $10 fee after using Central Station express lanes

Some frustrated commuters have been hit with a $10 maximum charge after their cards were not properly read at new express lane card readers at Brisbane's Central Station.

The four express lanes were launched at the station's Edward Street entrance on Tuesday morning, with gates remaining open to allow commuters to tap on and off faster during peak hours.

The month-long trial is part of TransLink's $371 million program to upgrade ticketing systems for commuters and data are being collected on how commuters use the gates.

TransLink expects commuters will one day be able to use smartphones, smartwatches, credit cards and debit cards to tap on and off, reducing reliance on Go Cards.

But commuters heading through the Central Station trial gates reported not being able to hear when their cards tapped on and off, or the machines not picking up their cards at all.

The result is a $10 maximum charge that commuters then have to call or lodge a claim online to dispute.

Multiple commuters took to TransLink and Queensland Rail's social media accounts to complain about problems using the gates, which operate as express lanes from 7am to 9am on weekdays and have staff on-hand to guide people through.

Some people complained using the gates caused more delays because they had use ticketing machines to double-check their cards had been read correctly.

A TransLink spokesperson said the department had received "great feedback" on the trial, particularly over the speed of the new gates.

"Most customers had no issue, but if any did receive a fixed fare [default fare when they don't touch off] between Tuesday and Wednesday as part of the trial, they can call TransLink on 13 12 30 for a refund," they said.

Users also complained they couldn't read the screen to see if their card had tapped on or off correctly.

The spokesperson said covers hiding the screen had been removed after feedback about customers still wanting to see their card balance.

Transport lobby group RACQ said multiple reports of commuters being hit by the $10 fine.

RACQ spokesperson Lauren Ritchie said there were always "teething problems" when new technology was trialled but it was disappointing commuters were paying the price.

"We urge people who've used the express lane this week to check their account and hope Translink does the right thing, by switching off the system until the bug is fixed and refund all those affected immediately," she said.

Ms Ritchie said commuters might be reluctant to try the new system, which would be a shame when we should be "embracing new technology".

The TransLink spokesperson said the organisation would ensure all trial feedback was incorporated into the design and development of the new gates, which are expected to roll out by 2022.

"TransLink thanks customers for taking the time to provide valuable feedback on the express gates trial," the spokesperson said.

" .. Transport lobby group RACQ  ... "   

As stated in my post when I tested the gates. It's very difficult to know if you have successfully touched on or off. This is due to the screens on the old gates being in the wrong position and too small to see the card register. If new gates were installed similar to Sydney, Melbourne or NYC you would be able to see clearly if the card has registered. Without the need of relying on the audible beep which is also difficult to hear at times.

I don't why all this testing is required when it's been successfully done in Sydney. Just another waste. Just get on with the roll out and rely on the test data that has been completed successfully in Sydney, NYC and Vancouver.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1197752564302745600

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1206427753353859072

[verbatim9]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1206427753353859072

I see a reader in the video as well. Does this mean they have a small demographic trialling debit and credit cards?

[SurfRail]

The Atherton and Kuranda routes show up on the TransLink website as routes 850 and 851 - in "Innisfail" despite both running out of Cairns.  Same operator (Trans North), but even still...  :conf

The smaller towns are all gradually being renumbered.  The current regional sequence appears to be:

100s - Cairns (Sunbus)
200s - Townsville (Sunbus) including Magnetic Island (250)
300s - Mackay
400s - Rockhampton (Sunbus)
500s - Gladstone
700s - Hervey Bay and Maryborough (commenced today)
800s - various smaller systems (80# - Innisfail; 84# - Bowen; 85# - Atherton; 88# - North Stradbroke; 89# - Sunshine Coast Hinterland)
900s - Toowoomba

Still to be done
- Proserpine and Whitsundays - possibly 800s
- Yeppoon/Capricorn Coast, Gracemere and Mt Morgan (Youngs Bus Service) - possibly 400s or 800s
- Bundaberg - likely 600s
- Gympie - possibly 700s or 800s
- Warwick - possibly 800s or 900s

[verbatim9]

The Atherton and Kuranda routes show up on the TransLink website as routes 850 and 851 - in "Innisfail" despite both running out of Cairns.  Same operator (Trans North), but even still...  :conf

The smaller towns are all gradually being renumbered.  The current regional sequence appears to be:

100s - Cairns (Sunbus)
200s - Townsville (Sunbus) including Magnetic Island (250)
300s - Mackay
400s - Rockhampton (Sunbus)
500s - Gladstone
700s - Hervey Bay and Maryborough (commenced today)
800s - various smaller systems (80# - Innisfail; 84# - Bowen; 85# - Atherton; 88# - North Stradbroke; 89# - Sunshine Coast Hinterland)
900s - Toowoomba

Still to be done
- Proserpine and Whitsundays - possibly 800s
- Yeppoon/Capricorn Coast, Gracemere and Mt Morgan (Youngs Bus Service) - possibly 400s or 800s
- Bundaberg - likely 600s
- Gympie - possibly 700s or 800s
- Warwick - possibly 800s or 900s

^^Excellent to see these services being integrated into the wider network especially Cairns-Kuranda-Cairns

[Fares_Fair]

Renewed my #GoCard today. It was due to expire next week.
10 years sure goes fast...

Somehow, I don't think that it will need renewal in another 10 years. 

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Questions On Notice

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2020/180-2020.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 180
Asked on Tuesday 18 February 2020

MR S MINNIKIN ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

With reference to the potential of the next generation ticketing system—
Will the Minister advise (a) the extent and nature of the public consultation undertaken to help
identify the types of additional fare structures that the public would like to see provided and
(b) the level of input from the Public Transport Fares Advisory Panel into new fare structures?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Chatsworth for the question.

(a) In South East Queensland (SEQ), customers can give feedback on their experience using the
public transport network, including fares, as part of TransLink's ongoing customer experience
surveys which were launched on 21 January 2019. This feedback is available to view on
TransLink's website. Customer satisfaction surveys are also conducted across the regional
urban bus network to inform service planning and delivery in regional Queensland.
Specific community engagement on fare reform was undertaken in June/July 2016 in
developing the Queensland Government's response to the SEQ Fare Review Taskforce's
recommendations. More than 3500 customers provided direct feedback via a ten-question
survey to inform the comprehensive fare and zonal reform, which was implemented in SEQ
in 2017 and future fare planning.

(b) The Public Transport Fares Advisory Panel (the Panel) was established as a recommendation
of the SEQ Fare Review Taskforce. Chaired by Mr Paul Low of KPMG, the Panel plays an
important role in providing independent expert advice to help inform future government
decisions on public transport fares, products and ticketing, along with other key
considerations including fiscal sustainability, the cost of public transport operations, the
impact on patronage of fare changes, and government priorities.

Panel members were selected based on their expertise and to ensure a broad range of
knowledge, including specialist transport knowledge, community insights, regional
perspectives and industry experience was included. The Panel has an integral role to play in
considering and providing advice on fare policy proposals prior to government consideration.

[ozbob]

^

No recent consultation or active involvement of the PTFAP by the looks of things ..   

Not much can be done now of course, but when things are ' back on track ' it is important to get this fired up.

[verbatim9]

This is a good opportunity to bring some of the smart ticketing initiatives of the project forward while patronage is low. Especially on BCC buses.

[verbatim9]

Translink---> Smart ticketing trials

Translink is currently trialling Smart Ticketing technology on new equipment across the Gold Coast Light Rail (G:link) network.

The G:link trial commenced in April 2020 and will continue progressively over the coming months to ensure the new equipment is capable of accepting go cards for all customers along with credit cards, debit cards, smart phones and devices for adults travelling on G:link.

[verbatim9]

@ozbob @SurfRail Did you guys know about the Gold Coast being the first urban  test site for Next Generation ticketing? When the travel restrictions are lifted to go down to coast I will try and get a few pics?

[SurfRail]

Didn't know until this afternoon - I'm not local to the Gold Coast anymore.

It makes perfect sense to do it first before the heavy rail network, it's basically a closed system for ticketing purposes compared to 150+ stations for QR.

[verbatim9]

New smart ticketing readers at Broadwater Parklands

[verbatim9]

I wonder where the touch point is? If it's the rectangular section below the screen? It's alot lower than the current readers. It may prove inaccessible for people over 6 foot 180 cm to touch on or off with wearable. There should be an NFC reader on top as well as one lower down for children and other people with accessible needs.

[SurfRail]

It is the screen.

[SurfRail]

In fact, it appears to be the same product as the OMNY system being rolled out for the NYC MTA.

[Gazza]

Does this mean they've ditched that pink colour scheme?

[ozbob]

Does this mean they've ditched that pink colour scheme?

Not sure.

But less pink than earlier efforts here > https://translink.com.au/about-translink/projects-and-initiatives/smartticketing

[SurfRail]

Does this mean they've ditched that pink colour scheme?

Pink?  Surely you mean #e661a3, aka Cooktown Orchid.  Get it right /s

[verbatim9]

It is the screen.

That's good and a relief that the NFC chip is embedded behind the screen

Does this mean they've ditched that pink colour scheme?

Does this mean they've ditched that pink colour scheme?

Not sure.

But less pink than earlier efforts here > https://translink.com.au/about-translink/projects-and-initiatives/smartticketing

Does this mean they've ditched that pink colour scheme?

Pink?  Surely you mean #e661a3, aka Cooktown Orchid.  Get it right /s

Not to fond of the pink either. But I reckon it will still be used in some capacity.

[verbatim9]

New smart ticketing readers at Broadwater Parklands

Translink.com.au---> Smart Ticketing

New Smart Ticketing readers now operational for the Public at selected Glink Stations.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast Light Rail: New smart ticketing system allows payment by phone, card instead of Go card

A NEW system coming to Gold Coast trams could see Go cards become a thing of the past.

The Smart Ticketing Project, launched at Broadwater Parklands on Monday, allows commuters to use their credit card, phone or smart watch to tap on and off the tram line.

TransLink boss Matt Longland said the "sophisticated" $371 million project would be rolled out across the city over the next few months.

"The system will be rolled out right across Queensland, the Gold Coast is our first trial location," he said.

"We've got three stations to start with, from Broadwater Parklands through to Surfers Paradise. In the next month or two we'll complete the rollout right across the system."

Travellers moving between Broadwater Parklands and Surfers will be able to use the new system, while those travelling either side will still need a Go card or ticket.

The new system comes as TransLink unveiled a new Gold Coast tram featuring artwork by Indigenous artist Elisa Jane Carmichael.

The "Connecting Thread" design, meant to represent the different landscapes of Queensland, will feature both on the tram and on new Smart Ticketing materials.

[ozbob]

Latest information:

Smart ticketing: https://translink.com.au/about-translink/projects-and-initiatives/smartticketing

G:link Smart Ticketing trial: https://translink.com.au/about-translink/projects-and-initiatives/smartticketing/glink

Smart Ticketing FAQs: https://translink.com.au/about-translink/projects-and-initiatives/smartticketing/faqs

Regional trials as well:  Bowen | Hervey Bay | Innisfail | Maryborough | Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)

[ozbob]

Been booked for a short interview on Smart Ticketing ABC Gold Coast radio and 6.40am today.

[ozbob]

Been booked for a short interview on Smart Ticketing ABC Gold Coast radio and 6.40am today.

Done 

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsGoldCoast/status/1285118139785711616

[verbatim9]

Good to see. Looks like they are rolling out the pink contact wrap for the readers as well.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1285373681787564032

[verbatim9]

I guess there will be a new revised Translink app for account based ticketing. Similar to that of the Opal app in NSW to link Credit or Debit cards as the primary card? A question for Translink

I assume.if you use different credit or debit  cards it will automatically create different accounts. Hence you wouldn't be able to fulfill travel rewards. So the same credit card or debit card would need to be used or linked to ensure eligible user's discounts  are correctly calculated and rewarded.

[ozbob]

Been booked for a short interview on Smart Ticketing ABC Gold Coast radio and 6.40am today.

Done 

Interview  ABC Gold Coast Breakfast with hosts Nicole Dyer and Tom Forbes, and Robert Dow RAIL Back On Track 21st July 2020

Subject Smart Ticketing

Here > https://backontrack.org/docs/abcgc/abcgc_21jul20rd.mp3 MP3 9.0MB

====

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1285420748727697414

[verbatim9]

I went past Helensvale station yesterday by train and noticed that the new readers are installed at Helensvale Station on the Glink Platforms.

[SurfRail]

I believe all of the light rail readers have been replaced now.

I used them over the weekend - reaction time faster, reaction distance greater, audible tone much louder.  They work a charm.

[verbatim9]

I believe all of the light rail readers have been replaced now.

I used them over the weekend - reaction time faster, reaction distance greater, audible tone much louder.  They work a charm.

[achiruel]

I believe all of the light rail readers have been replaced now.

I used them over the weekend - reaction time faster, reaction distance greater, audible tone much louder.  They work a charm.

How are the displays? More legible in bright sunlight than the old ones?

[verbatim9]

I believe all of the light rail readers have been replaced now.

I used them over the weekend - reaction time faster, reaction distance greater, audible tone much louder.  They work a charm.

How are the displays? More legible in bright sunlight than the old ones?

I could see the displays (screens) from the train. Very visible. Plus what I have seen at Broadwater Parklands up close, the displays are very visible even when wearing sunglasses. The travelling public will not have any issues reading the displays.

[achiruel]

^ I'm glad to hear that, because the old ones were sometimes not the easiest.

[SurfRail]

I believe all of the light rail readers have been replaced now.

I used them over the weekend - reaction time faster, reaction distance greater, audible tone much louder.  They work a charm.

How are the displays? More legible in bright sunlight than the old ones?

Much more so.

[verbatim9]

Facebook---> Smart Ticketing validators hit the network! Aug 6

[verbatim9]

Are credit and debit cards going to be accepted for validation on the Glink network from November to coincide with 7-eleven not providing Go card services any longer?