Ekka Public Transport

Another shining example of why Go Card is dumb

Remember the advertising mantra for the Go Card. 30% cheaper. Like bicycle helmets and speeding - The government says it enough times and you we believe it. Along with the idea that the Go Card is the best way to implment a public transport ticketing system.

Amazes me that we implement a system that requires so much hardware - terminals, people to answer queries and sort of account issues, A thing that you have to own and carryu with you.

Compare this with flying on a plane - book and print your own ticket at home.  Same with the footie and for both of those you can send it to your phone.  But not translink.  Oh no.  You need a go card.  The wonderful system that works oh so well and 30% chaper.  Must be so much better than anything else.

And then blow me over, you go to the Ekka and how much does it cost.

Well when you go to the footie, the train fare is just in the ticket.  You just have to have you footie ticket on your person and hey presto you are good to travel.

You would think that the Ekka could do this too but no they have the best of both worlds.

From http://www.ekka.com.au/plan-your-day/getting-to-ekka.aspx    and we read

 New for 2012
Getting to and from the Ekka has never been easier or cheaper with TransLink's new Ekka travel ticket.

Simply pre-purchase your Ekka entry ticket then show it at any attended Queensland Rail station or on board any TransLink bus or ferry and you can buy your Ekka travel ticket for only $6 return for adults and $3 return for children/concession.

That's one price across the entire TransLink network that covers both journeys to and from the Ekka.

 Sorry did I read easier?  You still have to rock on up to a ticket window and buy a train ticket and thats easier?

Mind you to use that wonderful GoCard thing its more expensive (I think) but how do you ever know.  I assume this is "Off Peak" being sunday. 

No wonder public transport is so frustrating.

Fare information

This is a 3 zone journey, travelling in zones 1 - 3

Ticket type	Price
go card adult	$4.24
	$3.40 (off-peak)
go card concession	$2.12
	$1.70 (off-peak)
Single paper adult	$6.20
Single paper concession	$3.10