[CANCELLED] FREE Public Transport in Melbourne Wednesday 19th & Friday 21st August

tightarse on 12/08/2015 - 18:41
Last edited 18/08/2015 - 11:04 by 1 other user

Moved to Forum: Original Link

Update from court(18/8):

#1:

Metro has taken #RTBU to Federal Court to stop free travel days. Union has agreed not to proceed with free travel. Strike not mentioned.

&

#2

Metro still wants #RTBU to advertise so passengers know they can't ride for free tomorrow. Union thinks media could inform them.

&

#3

Court has adjourned so #Metro & #RTBU lawyers can reach a compromise on how they'll advertise fact free travel days won't proceed

So looks like we'll see some news articles and ads within today, tomorrow advertising this.

Due to the fact that this deal is no longer going ahead (e.g. price error), this post has been moved to the travel forum per our usual proceedings.

Just heard about this on Channel 9 News tonight. Free tram & train travel for 2 days. Enjoy :)

From SavageCarrot, Metro Employee:

You can use public transport for free on Wednesday and Friday next week without repercussion. Authorised Officers (AOs) are the only people who can issue infringement notices for not having a valid, touched-on Myki. Metro management have called on volunteers to man the Myki barriers at stations. They have no legal right to issue you with an infringement notice, nor do they have any rights to ask to see your Myki (they are NOT authorised by the State Government to do so). Their presence will just be a deterrent. Take no notice of them.

Technically, authorized officers work for a transport company so there is always a possibility that AOs from another transport company that isn't on strike.

Do at your own risk.

Channel 9 video clip
ABC
3AW
The Age Trains free only, not trams.

RBTU Union Statement
PTV - No comment on "Free Travel"
Metro - No Statement (on their website)

Mod: Note: This is a developing news story and will be updated accordingly. If there is no free travel or the union cancels their industrial action then this deal will no longer be a deal and will be moved to the forums for discussion.

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Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 12/08/2015 - 18:43
    +1

    Unions might cancel this ?

    • Da dpG on 12/08/2015 - 19:11
      +4

      i heard that they might hire independent ticket inspectors not with the union and fine people..
      beware!!

      • nikey2k27 on 12/08/2015 - 20:33

        i be very careful you could be fined

      • [Deactivated] on 12/08/2015 - 22:21
        +1

        PTV already has their own ticket inspectors which are non-union and will not be striking.

        They wear the black vests which are kinds of similar to police vests.

        • [Deactivated] on 12/08/2015 - 23:55
          +10

          Immensely factual comment Drew22.

          Many Authorised Officers are now employed by PTV and not individual operators such as Metro and Yarra Trams.

          Those Officers are multimodal. This means they have the power to check tickets across all modes of transport. Many PTV-employed Officers are not part of the RTBU, and it'd be safe to assume that in the absence of Metro Officers, their non-union counterparts would be more than willing to take over.

          Furthermore, considering that non-enforcement of fare evasion detection in itself is not a deal, this is not a deal either.

          For instance, if Coles has a strike where the staff don't scan customers' groceries, it doesn't absolve the customers from paying for their goods and doesn't make shoplifting any less of an offence.

          Similarly, inspectors not checking tickets does not make fare evasion any less of an offence than if the strikes did not proceed.

          Supporting fare evasion is effectively supporting an illegal activity. I really have no idea why illegal activity is being upvoted here, let alone this post making the front page of this website to start with.

        • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2015 - 00:57
          +1

          @KaptnKaos: Agreed !

        • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2015 - 08:24

          @KaptnKaos:

          Exactly zero PTV authorised officers are part of a union.

        • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2015 - 09:12

          @KaptnKaos:

          If staff are not selling tickets, then you get to travel without one.

        • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 13/08/2015 - 09:14
          +5

          @mnermner: The last time I checked, the Ticket Machines & Vending Machines Union wasn't planning on going on strike next week.

        • aj3000 on 13/08/2015 - 10:44
          +2

          @KaptnKaos: +1 Fare evasion is not a deal

    • WoodenSpoon on 18/08/2015 - 11:25
      -1

      They have now… Strikes going forward as planned…

  • HardQuiz on 12/08/2015 - 18:43
    +3

    We should all go on strike.

  • hashtagbargain on 12/08/2015 - 18:44
    +2

    Great news everyone!

    Any idea how far we can travel on these? Like bendigo/ballarat? or is it just Melbourne metro stations?

    • [Deactivated] on 12/08/2015 - 18:46

      would also like to know, saves me $15 if it's vline too

    • icecream on 12/08/2015 - 19:08

      Is VLINE included? If anyone can kindly clarify, please? Thanks

      • nickeveli on 12/08/2015 - 19:31

        the v/line platform announcements this morning said it doesn't apply to them so we still had to touch on/off. bummer!

    • Owl on 12/08/2015 - 22:44
      +4

      Am I the only one who read this post in the voice of Professor Farnsworth from Futurama?

      http://www.quickmeme.com/img/ab/ab2ddd82ee9c8b38a97b72750db4…

  • WoodenSpoon on 12/08/2015 - 18:45
    +2

    This is just compensation for the strike on Friday 21st…

    • Gavman on 12/08/2015 - 19:56
      +2

      IS it officially free? or is it just that employees "plan" to be going against their employers and allowing to travel free? What if they decide to start checking ticket midday Wednesday and you have don't have a valid ticket. can u technically get a fine?

  • Scorpiogirl on 12/08/2015 - 18:48

    Sydney to Melbourne? Lol i wish. Retail therapy in mind. Let me dream :)

    • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 12/08/2015 - 19:20
      +4

      Please check your facts before posting next time.

      http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/08/27/1030053058508.h…

      • jv on 12/08/2015 - 19:41
        -5

        Please check your facts

        Which ones?

      • pmupsinep on 12/08/2015 - 19:48
        +1

        I checked my fax, nothing there.

      • dealman on 13/08/2015 - 10:15
        -1

        This is pretty pathetic, Unions are holding the state to ransom and OZbargainers are making merry taking the unions up on their free ride.

        Move this to the forums, not a DEAL. It's like saying There is a fistfight on the street and the parties have dropped their bags on the street , let's take what we can from them.

        • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 13/08/2015 - 10:31

          You're a hero mate. :)

        • dealman on 13/08/2015 - 10:48
          +4

          @JohnHowardsEyebrows:

          Neg me all you want, The facts don't Change, This is ILLEGAL in every sense of the word.

          Militant UNION holding the state and all the passengers to ransom, Can't wait for the trains to become automatic and all these idiots to get the sack.

        • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 13/08/2015 - 11:35
          +1

          @dealman: So when power companies hold consumers to ransom by rigging the power market against rooftop solar, no problem, but as soon as a UNION gets involved, it's the beginning of armageddon? No doubt you also approve of the $80m+ being given to legal identities connected to the Liberal Party to find a few minor irregularities in the histories of prominent former union officials.

          Amazing how hard wired people's brains can become by reading the Herald Sun or Daily Telegraph.

        • dealman on 13/08/2015 - 13:16
          +1

          @JohnHowardsEyebrows:

          Oh yeah the union Officials, they are the worst of the lot, never do any work and cause a bunch of trouble. Main reason Australian Manufacturing is DYING it's unaffordable to do anything here.

          Guess You loved Craig Thompson and the MOB, And the disgrace of a PM Gillard and her ex boyfriend Union leader slush fund manager.

        • jv on 13/08/2015 - 13:46
          -2

          @JohnHowardsEyebrows:

          So when power companies hold consumers to ransom by rigging the power market against rooftop solar

          You are very free to use solar energy directly in your home, it is optional if you want to connect to the grid , which is privately owned…

        • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 13/08/2015 - 15:36

          @jv: If the power companies are paying a fraction of what it would cost them to buy the power off their normal sources, it's called market manipulation.

          Yet you bozos probably claim to support the free market.

        • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 13/08/2015 - 15:38

          @dealman: Newsflash: you don't have to agree with everything your side of politics subscribes to (at the time or otherwise). Abbott is objectively an appalling excuse for a Prime Minister. Not fit to pluck John Howard's Eyebrows.

          There I said it.

    • melbstheburn on 13/08/2015 - 13:35

      Mr Negg is back at it again

      • jv on 13/08/2015 - 13:53

        Mr Negg is back at it again

        Yeah, he was walking around town this morning with a bunch of journalists… I hate seeing his face on the media, I wish he'd just stay indoors in parliament !!!

        • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 13/08/2015 - 16:12
          +1

          Why watch the media when you know they're going to be negative anyway?

        • melbstheburn on 17/08/2015 - 11:20

          I was talking about you jv. Yeah let's hope matthew guy gets in next election so we can have more buildings overshadowing the shrine of rememberance and more dodgy deals in phillip island where he claims nothing happened but pays out 3 million dollars so he doesn't have to go to court.

  • exp1 on 12/08/2015 - 18:50
    +4

    too bad I have a monthly lol

  • Mechanist on 12/08/2015 - 18:51

    So what happens with my MykiPass? Got that thing activated until the 24th

    • IdBuyThat4aDollar on 12/08/2015 - 19:43
      +1

      They'll no doubt give you a day in lieu of your choosing….maybe….probably not

  • pointless martyr on 12/08/2015 - 18:54
    +1

    have a +1. If i was in melbourne i most definitely might use this probably

    • TheOneWhoKnocks on 12/08/2015 - 20:11

      i most definitely might use this probably

      Huh?

      • Bluewhisky on 12/08/2015 - 20:19
        +1

        It's a joke. Wordplay.

  • bloomer on 12/08/2015 - 18:54
    +9

    There's no point planning for this. I don't even think it should be listed here — it's over a week away and there'll be significant negotiations going on for a while yet before we can really know for sure that the strike will happen.

  • WoodenSpoon on 12/08/2015 - 18:54

    Any Melbourne CBD parking vouchers/codes? lol

    • simprosimple on 12/08/2015 - 19:07
      +1

      Free after 3pm

      • WoodenSpoon on 12/08/2015 - 19:13
        +1

        Have work at 3, needs to be earlier…

    • smartazz104 on 13/08/2015 - 11:09

      What would you be parking if you're using public transport? ;)

  • c0balt on 12/08/2015 - 18:57
    +2

    It's the lowest skilled workers in the Metro machinery that are demanding the highest pay hikes also.

    I can't even get a raise that equals the rate of inflation and these guys are demanding 18% over 3 years..

    University degrees don't mean jack these days.

    • Meowcat on 12/08/2015 - 19:58
      +7

      So you're seemingly discontent at workers for fighting for better conditions and wages because you yourself can't get a big enough raise?

      Wow…

      • fickre on 12/08/2015 - 20:15

        and using personal experience as comparison is statistically accurate and reliable.

      • c0balt on 12/08/2015 - 20:19
        +2

        Do you realise that by demanding 18% over 3 years it means a lot of layoffs to pay for it. You're so far left you've come full circle to the hard right.

        Good on you for lacking the foresight to think that money on balance sheets in infinite and helping contribute to the increasing unemployment in this country, 7% here we come.

        • bloomer on 12/08/2015 - 21:08
          -3

          How about leaving the whingeing about other people until there's something concrete? And then improve your own bargaining skills if - by some improbable miracle - 18% over 3 years were ever achieved. Demanding something is a negotiation tactic, not an outcome, so save the hyperbole for later.

    • arcticmonkey on 12/08/2015 - 20:19

      Look at how much their execs get paid.

    • DeafMutePretender on 12/08/2015 - 23:42
      -1

      Tried joining a union? I heard they're pretty good for advancing the causes of employees.

  • Armin65 on 12/08/2015 - 19:00

    How about regional BUSes?

    • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2015 - 00:04
      +2

      I don't think bus personnel would be taking any part in these strikes, as this round of industrial action is associated with Metro employees.

      Bus employees are generally employed by individual bus operators such as CDC Melbourne, Ventura, etc.

  • lindol on 12/08/2015 - 19:02
    +1

    vline and metro can give the job to me: it's already extremely well paid job, no tertiary qualification required. give me train driving job and i promise i'll never go on strike

  • quincymac on 12/08/2015 - 19:07

    OP Not sure about free trams. The ever reliable Age says "However on trams mykis will be checked and infringements notices issued as usual."

    Ref: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/trains-and-trams-to-come-t…

    • rapoot6 on 12/08/2015 - 19:17
      +7

      I love that the age says 'On this day authorised officers will REFUSE to give infringement notices.' What if I really want one?

      • [Deactivated] on 12/08/2015 - 19:45
        -6

        How about asking for a post dated one?

      • hahaboy on 12/08/2015 - 21:48
        +1

        don't worry. Some of those guys are scum, who will give you a ticket still.

    • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 12/08/2015 - 19:17
      +3

      Imagine if they had all the gates open in the suburbs, but had inspectors waiting at the other end. They'd more than pay for the disruption…

  • DEvok on 12/08/2015 - 19:15
    -5

    Any loopholes to work around using it other areas?

  • simplycurious on 12/08/2015 - 19:31
    +1

    As much as it goes against the ethos of OzBargain, with our constant belief that we should spend minimal amounts of our money, in the long term I hope this leads to increased funding and investments to infrastructure and the personnel who look after our rail (not road!) infrastructure. Same goes in regards to the rest of the other states. Gotta stick it to our current government!

    We should just create a utopian society built by OzBargainers! That will totally work. Our economic system will the exemplar model for all!

    • arcticmonkey on 12/08/2015 - 20:20
      +3

      Trains not toll roads.

    • DeafMutePretender on 12/08/2015 - 23:44
      -1

      "Eneloops(-powered trains) is good for humanity"

      -Tony Abargained.

  • [Deactivated] on 12/08/2015 - 19:38
    +8

    This is partially useful. Most stations in the suburbs don't have barriers. If you are travelling to the city (where the stations have barriers) by not touching on you are just taking a chance that the barriers might be open. What if metro hires non union staff to work on that day and you get caught for fare evasion. Otherwise, you are just paying normal fare.

    Sorry TA this is not a deal.

    • andysa on 12/08/2015 - 19:45

      They're going to open the barriers in the city, they want you to travel free.

      • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2015 - 00:05
        +4

        Leaving gates open is not an invitation for passengers to travel free.

        A publicly released statement affirming free travel (as is done for Christmas Day) is when they really want you to travel free.

    • ndr2h on 12/08/2015 - 19:46
      +2

      Agree 100%. Feels a bit wrong this deal. Greedy TA.

      • andysa on 12/08/2015 - 19:48

        Jeez guys, if you feel that bad just touch on and off as usual.

        • [Deactivated] on 12/08/2015 - 19:50
          +1

          I will be as I am an early bird.

    • tightarse on 12/08/2015 - 20:16
      -2

      ms, if you don't believe this is a deal, why not follow the rules and report the deal, rather than neg it?

      • [Deactivated] on 12/08/2015 - 20:17
        +10

        OK. Reported it.

      • [Deactivated] on 12/08/2015 - 22:58
        +1

        Its not a deal!
        People will still be fined by the PTV ticket inspectors which work directly for the government and are not unionised and are not striking.

  • steff on 12/08/2015 - 19:51
    +8

    Sorry TA, but this is not a deal. It's only a possibility at this stage (no one knows how the negotiations will go next week); and all the stuff the others have posted above

    • Gavman on 12/08/2015 - 19:59

      yeh and what if the strike goes ahead and Wednesday everyone doesn't touch on and suddenly they strike a deal on Wedneday.. can they then FINE EVERYONE? This is an unprecedented situation

      • [Deactivated] on 12/08/2015 - 20:02
        +3

        Common sense says, better be safe than sorry.

  • Gavman on 12/08/2015 - 19:53

    So is there going to be transport on Thursday?

  • PinzVidz on 12/08/2015 - 20:05
    +1

    Oh my, I've never seen TA get negs before…

  • [Deactivated] on 12/08/2015 - 20:07
    +29

    Sorry to be 'that guy' but technically the travel is not "Free" as in price rather it is just that fare evasion won't be enforced by staff, and honestly I think that it is wrong for the media to claim it to be 'free'.

    I'm surprised that staff are allowed to 'throw open' the gates even before they walk off the job. I know that walking off the job is protected action but I wouldn't have thought that they would be allowed to break company policies other than the walk off and throwing them open just before the walkoff for safety reasons.

    I would not be surprised if they have PSOs/Dept of Transport/Transit Police/Other Police pulled in from other assignments to check tickets.

    It is not a deal because you are STILL liable for a fine.

    It is like saying that everything in Coles is "FREE" if they decided to have a walk out on strike. Not free… just stealing that you can easily get away with.

    • dealman on 13/08/2015 - 10:16
      +4

      This is pretty pathetic, Unions are holding the state to ransom and OZbargainers are making merry taking the unions up on their free ride.

      Move this to the forums, not a DEAL. It's like saying There is a fistfight on the street and the parties have dropped their bags on the street , let's take what we can from them.

      Totally agree.

  • nahi11 on 12/08/2015 - 20:10
    +7

    At the end of the day this is called fare evasion.

      • steff on 12/08/2015 - 20:23
        +9

        i see people do it all the time

        I do too, but hardly the point isn't it?

        • ctg on 13/08/2015 - 01:50
          +1

          What is with the 'entitlement' attitude people have nowadays?!

      • bloomer on 12/08/2015 - 21:11
        +4

        And because other people commit burglaries or fraud or… it's therefore ok for everyone else to do the same? Nice morals.

      • hahaboy on 12/08/2015 - 21:49

        how did you figure that out? Aside from ticket inspectors giving out tickets for non-concession / bad gates.

      • DeafMutePretender on 12/08/2015 - 23:46
        +1

        "who cares if you litter i see people do it all the time….."

        And then Idiocracy (and the landfill disaster of 2098) happened.

      • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2015 - 00:07
        +2

        Dude, seeing people fare evade does not make it right.

        Where did this logic come from, might I ask?

    • String name on 12/08/2015 - 20:31

      As far as I can work out, Metro will pay the price, not the consumers. How is that fare evasion if the gates are open?

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