[LINK] Tcard 2.0?

[Marghanita da Cruz]

Martin Barry wrote:
> Reading all the latest developments on the NSW Government's smart card
> based, integrated ticketing system makes one boggle a little bit.
> 
> Reading between the lines of
> http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/new-tcard-to-bypass-ticketing-system/2008/07/03/1214950951485.html
> it seems to imply that all the critcisms ERG made of the State Government
> and it's requirements have been all been taken onboard resulting in a plan
> for Tcard 2.0 (or are we up to 3.0 or 4.0 by now? Tcard ME?) that is
> remarkably similar to ERG's remediation plan presented late last year.
> 
> I'd hate to be the QC that has to demolish the credibility of the ERG plan
> in court...
> 
> And what about this pearler?
> "The Government has denied specific allegations of its agencies hampering
> the project. But it has revealed in court papers that it was not obliged to
> obtain the co-operation of operators under the terms of the contract."
> 
> Who else could possibly be responsible for that?
> 

My understanding of the problem was the variable fares. The article is still 
talking about flag fall and km fee. This is impossible unless the ticket is 
scanned at entry and exit as is the case for train and ferry stations, but not 
buses. Ofcourse it causes delays at ferry and bus stations and isn't feasible on 
buses.

It should also be noted that part of the business model of the electronic debit 
systems, such as the Tollway e-tag is the pre-paid amount. In Sydney the Toll is 
rebated by the government. However, as an infrequent user of tollways an e-way 
is not worth my money. Don't forget that last year, the state government 
compensated the cross-city tunnel operators an undisclosed amount.

Public transport by contrast to Tollways provides nett benefit to the economy, 
through delivering a workforce, reducing Carbon Dioxide emissions and the cost 
of Infrastructure. A standard fare makes sense as the commuter has no choice 
about the length of the trip. It is an interesting point as to what would be 
valid boundaries. Should there be financial obstacles to commuting between the 
blue mountains, newcastle, southern highlands, goulbourn, canberra and Sydney? 
Think of access to medical and education.

In Istanbul, they have a standard fare for all public transport. This includes a 
metro, ferries, light rail, finucular and a couple of quaint antique trams. You 
can pay cash (requires carrying the right change) or use a pre-paid debit 
contact 'Akbil' (which gives a slight discount on the cash fare). You can reload 
the akbil at specific locations. Note the Akbil needed to be purchased, but was 
worthwhile for the convenience of a few days visit.

In Athens and Thessaloniki,  the length of the trip didn't seem to matter (or at 
least not on our 24 hour pass). They had an honour system on the metro and bus 
respectively. Spot checks incur fines relative to the fare.

Marghanita
-- 
Marghanita da Cruz
http://www.ramin.com.au
Phone: (+61)0414 869202