Re: The PTC's own Gestapo
Chris Gordon (cmgord@ecr.mu.oz.au)
Sat, 11 Oct 1997 13:19:20 +1000
> Chris Gordon wrote:
>
> > I buy consession 1+2+3 monthlies and weeklies. I have paid $108 for the
> > conession card and never once shown it or used it to buy a ticket. I
> > have my monthly or weekly in a clear thing in my wallet. If I put the
> > current ticket behind an out of date one the inspectors have never
> > picked it up at Melb. Central nor the tram conductors.
> >
> > I shouldn't have bothered getting a concession card and if I got caught
> > then paid the $100 fine. So long as I don't get caught a second time
> > then it is saving money.
>
> Chris,
>
> Obviously you don't purchase your tickets at Glenferrie, because my
> friends here always ask people for their concession cards (for those
> over the age of 15). At times (in my opinion) it can be a little
> frustrating for them to ask one after the other for their concession
> cards. Afterall, those over 15 must show their concession cards in
> order to get a concession ticket (for those haven't realised,
> instruction is printed on the back of your card). Otherwise, why bother
> having such card at all!
>
> Finally Chris, honestly will you feel comfortable travelling with a
> concession ticket when you suppose to have a concession card, but you
> don't? When you get fine the first time, you may still save some money
> (as stated above). However, I bet next time when you travel on the Met,
> you will keep a watchout for ticket inspectors. So what will you do
> when this happens and you are in the last carriage of a train travelling
> between stations? I prefer to travel on public transport and not have
> to worry about ticket inspectors!!
>
> I.C.
These are the points I am trying to make:
* I would never travel without a valid ticket and concession card.
* When I had a Secondary Students' Concession Card it cost about $5.40 and I
was asked to show it with my yearly ticket most times
* I can show the inspectors at Museum station (Melb. Central) a non valid
ticket and they won't pick it up. (I have the valid one in my pocket).
* I have never been asked to show my concession card; by inspectors, at the
station where I buy my ticket, on the bus or on the tram.
* The price for the Tertiary Students' Concession Card is too much and it is
better value to be caught "fare evading" once than to buy a concession
card.
Maybe the PTC should:
* Check concession cards for all concession tickets where the person looks
older than 15.
* Make the price for the tertiary concession card cheaper.
How much do you have to pay for a Tertiary Students' Concession Card in other
states and what is the fine for fare evasion?
Chris Gordon
Melbourne University - BE/BSc Student