Blitz on Citytrain fare evaders starts tomorrow

Queensland Rail Citytrain passengers who try to catch a free ride on the network will be hit with $150 penalty notices when a fare evasion blitz starts tomorrow.

The crackdown comes after a Translink survey conducted in November last year revealed fare evaders were costing the system around $10 million a year.

Minister for Transport John Mickel said passengers should ensure they had enough time and spare change to buy a valid ticket before boarding trains.

``Failing to buy a ticket is theft. A majority of people do the right thing but a small percentage evade fares and this ultimately prevents more services being offered,’’ he said.

Mr Mickel said passengers who approach the reverse ticket window without a valid reason for not buying a ticket would be hit with the $150 penalty.

Those travelling from an unattended station where ticket machines were not in use would be permitted to buy a ticket from the reverse ticket window at CBD Citytrain stations.

“Translink transit officers are notified immediately of any ticketing machines which are not in use across the Citytrain network, which helps them verify passengers’ claims,” he said.

For more information visit: www.qr.com.au

Media contact: Shannon Mackay 3237 1125

January 8, 2008