Andrew's View
Andrew's View is a place where I get to express my feelings, views and opinions on various issues.
Andrew's View Index - That’s not "fare"!
| That’s not "fare"! | Queensland | 24/01/2010 |
Click here for printer friendly version
(CTRL-click to view without leaving Andrew's Place.)
Anyone living in Brisbane or parts of South East Queensland covered by the TransLink Transit Authority for public transport would only be too aware of the dramatic price increases that commenced on 4 January 2010, particularly for those choosing to purchase paper tickets.
The TransLink Transit Authority increased fares across the board to reduce the Government subsidy. At the same time they increased the price of paper tickets compared to the Go Card. This double-whammy has resulted in a major uproar from commuters across the South East. The Authority also announced that paper tickets would be phased out altogether by 2011. On the positive side, Go Card users would finally receive off-peak discounts.
All of this has put the focus on the Go Card, as though it alone is responsible for the fare increases. It is certainly the reason why there is such a huge jump in the cost of paper tickets – as the TTA tries to "encourage" commuters to use the Go Card before paper tickets are phased out.
The TransLink Transit Authority has had several years to determine the best strategy to phase out paper tickets. They could have come up with a far better implementation strategy.
For example, it would have been far better to stage the increase. Prices could have been raised across the board – with discounts offered for Go Card Users as part of the second stage. This means that the Go Card would be seen as "The Saviour" instead of the reason for the increases.
Instead we see price jumps of up to 40% for users of paper tickets – and people being forced to use a system that has been botched from day one.
Of course it comes with the promise of new services – but from what I understand, there will be no major train timetable update for at least another year (when some of the infrastructure projects are complete).
I understand the need to reduce the Government Subsidy in order to increase services. I also understand the desire to phase out paper tickets as much as possible. Unfortunately the Government has completely gone the wrong way about it despite the years it had to plan it. No wonder people are upset! It’s just not "fare"!
(CTRL-click to view.)