Re: [Vic] Metcard - What could be done.

["Eric Cartman" <erkV69@erk.au.com>]

With regards to the problems with the Metcard system shown below by James B,
the problems (while they are bad for the system) are not restricted to
Melbourne and some of them would occur in any system (regardless of system
or equipment), especially fare evasion, lack of ability for 100% of people
(or close to that figure) to use the machines and vandalism.

With respect to validation of tickets, how reliable would it be without
random spot checks by RPO's? During my recent trip to Melbourne, I caught
trams and trains across Melbourne. Other than at the City stations, I only
saw RPO's once (on a tram, not looking the best) and numerous examples of
non staffed barriers at Prenmium stations where people could just walk
through an open barrier. An attended barrier and validation is a good method
of preventing some of the fare evasion.

Just a quesion for the opponents of revalidation - how do you feel about
paying (say) $1500 for a yearly ticket and getting the travel while fare
evaders can pay $0 for the same travel?

So what can be done IMHO?

1) Scrap the name Metcard. "The Met" is no longer relevant as a public
transport empire. How about something called Meltix?
2) Improve the availability of tickets - eg non daily tickets on trams
3) Decide once and for all if revalidation is required.
4) Ensure that all companies who use the system use the system as designed
and not to suit themselves
5) Decide on a revenue sharing system (if that is the right term) which
encourages each operator to sell the tickets

One question - what tickets are used for tickets which are longer than a
week?

| These are what I think the main problems with the metcard system are:
|
| - It is hard to get some types of tickets in some areas of Melbourne.
| - The tram TVM's don't sell daily tickets.
| - Many people don't bother to buy tickets, especially on the trams and
|   unmanned stations.
| - Many people don't validate them so how can they split up the revenue
|   accurately?
| - One bus company doesn't even use Metcards!
| - Cardboard tickets are too flimsy for anything more than a weekly.
| - Metcard TVM's are vulnerable to vandalism at unmanned stations.
| - Although the instructions are fairly straightforward, some elderly
|   and disabled people can't cope with the metcard machines. Although
|   there is no problem with buses because the driver inputs the details,
|   at unmanned stations and on trams there is no help available.

--
Eric
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