Re: Melbourne validators eat tickets

Michael Walker (walker@hotkey.net.au)
Tue, 03 Feb 1998 23:12:54 +1100

Mick Stock wrote:
>
> On Mon, 2 Feb 1998, David Goll wrote:
>
> > Mike Alexander wrote:
> > > On the subject of Flinders St, and the other City stations; does anyone
> > > have any idea why they are persisting in operating _all_ the gates in
> > > bi-directional mode? This means that people can come up to either side of
> > > the gates, and get through on a first-come first-served basis.
> >
> > Hmm, now thats interesting. If they intend to operate them in such a
> > silly manner, why did they incorporate LED direction indicators on them?
> >
> > Seems a bit odd, maybe they're only operating them bi-directionally as
> > part of the initial phasing in? (even thats odd!)
> >
> > David
>
> When I work night shifts, I usually catch my train home from Melb Central
> at about 07:30am. Even before the auto gates were put in, it was almost
> impossible to get through the barriers when a train had just emptied out -
> let alone 4 trains (which was often the case!). There were several
> occassions where I ended up jumping the fence - suprisingly with
> permission from the R.P.Os who are quite often manning the gates at that
> time of the day.
>
> Since the new gates went in, it isn't so bad, as most passengers still
> head for the "other tickets" escape path! :-)
>
> On a related note, I currently have a weekly ticket. So far (after 4 days
> use) it is still in perfect condition, especially seeing that it has gone
> through validators & gates at least 15 times so far. I use a small vinyl
> holder (as used to hold credit cards), with a thin piece of stiff
> cardboard inserted to help prevent bending. An old credit, Medicare or
> similar plastic card would be ideal for this job too!
>
Thats a good idea, the PTC used to issue such holders for weekly/monthly
tickets for free to keep them in good nick. (Then they started charging
increasingly higher amounts for them until it wasn't worth their
bother). Maybe Onelink can do the same to overcome some of the hassles,
as a PR exercise and as good advertising.