[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

        • AssociatedR1ngSt1nger @ Metro Trains on 13/08/2015 - 19:54

          @Drew22: Okay thanks for that Drew22, I had no idea about the PTV AOs.

          Regarding PSOs issuing fines… okay, but they only patrol stations from 6pm onwards, so I'm pretty sure it'd be unlikely before then.

        • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2015 - 20:53

          @SavageCarrot:
          Again, not true. PSOs are at Flinders St all day

        • AssociatedR1ngSt1nger @ Metro Trains on 13/08/2015 - 21:06

          @Drew22: Okay, I've worked at Flinders Street for around ten years now, and not once have I ever seen a PSO there unless it has been 6pm onwards. I've seen Police there, but not PSOs. Just my observation. But yes, I agree they could be re-rostered.

        • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2015 - 21:07
          -1

          @SavageCarrot:
          You need to look harder, I see them every single morning. Heck, I just walk past the station and still see them inside.

        • neil on 13/08/2015 - 22:32

          According to the official documentation and the PTV site, AOs start their shifts somewhere between 3PM and 7PM (and patrol from 6PM).

          Shifts can vary from 8 to10 hours and can start anytime from 3pm to 7pm.

          SavageCarrot seems correct based on the AO PTV page:

          Authorised Officers are employed by public transport operators to check tickets, improve customer safety, provide customer information and help during special events.

          So not directly. However, with that vagueness an authorized officer from another transport company can technically check Myki passes. I've pressed my source in PTV and doesn't sound like they have anything organized. They are more worried about knowing what trains are running and when.

          Note: This is a comment made as a commenter and not as a moderator. This reflects my opinion and my opinion only.

        • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2015 - 22:54

          @neil:

          Sorry, you're wrong. PTV directly employs their own Authorised Officers in addition to those employed by the operators.
          http://www.railexpress.com.au/ptv-cracking-down-on-fare-evas…

          The key here are that they are multi-modal, meaning they check trains, trams and buses, and are employed by PTV directly.

        • neil on 13/08/2015 - 23:08

          @Drew22:

          From the PTV, page 12:

          The cross-deployment of Authorised Officers between the public transport operators will
          target fare evasion from an holistic, network-wide perspective. Cross-deployment initiatives in
          2014 will build on cross-deployment work undertaken in 2013. Under this initiative, Authorised
          Officers employed by one operator may be deployed to check tickets and report offences on
          another operator’s services.

          Cross-deployment is intended to maximise the value of Authorised Officers as the key, frontline
          barrier to fare evasion. Through the sharing of resources, the public transport operators are better
          equipped to undertake targeted, high-visibility enforcement activities, particularly at large modal
          interchanges and on busy bus routes. Cross-deployment will also allow the public transport
          operators to efficiently target train, tram and/or bus services in specific geographic areas.

          So, for example, it looks like Metro AO's can work on trams and vice versa. I think we are both saying the same thing Drew but seems like as per the other pages are employed by transport companies. So in that sense multi-modal AOs who are not part of the union that is striking can certainly be rostered on to train stations next Wednesday & Friday. I wonder how many there are and if PTV will bother spending the extra revenue.

          This comment reflects my opinion and not a moderator opinion.

        • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2015 - 23:27

          @neil:
          They can, they're authorised for the entire network. However, PTV employ their own people in addition to Metro and Yarra Trams.

          I can probably find out next week how many AOs PTV employs directly.

        • neil on 13/08/2015 - 23:35

          @Drew22:

          Cool. Would be interesting to know (and for them to update their websites). As it's a govt agency it should be printed somewhere. Might have to peruse Hansard (if I get really really bored).

    • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2015 - 18:54
      +1

      So, are you confirming here that all Authorised Officers will be on strike?

      Interestingly, I'm sure you'll know that some PTV (not Metro employees) Authorised Officers are not members of the RTBU. Can you confirm that non-union members will not be issuing infringements for fare evasion?

      Also interesting that volunteers would be manning barriers. Who exactly are these volunteers??

      And lastly, would you know why PTV themselves have not uttered a single word about this?

      I truly appreciate your valuable 'insider' input to this discussion, however I'd still maintain that people deciding to travel free on the affected days wait for official announcements confirming this before taking the risk.

      • AssociatedR1ngSt1nger @ Metro Trains on 13/08/2015 - 19:08

        On Wednesday, they are not striking, they are performing work bans. Friday is stop work between 10am and 2pm.

        I have no idea whether there are non RTBU AOs around. I can't comment on the percentage of AOs who are members vs. not a member (I have no idea).

        Non union members cannot perform industrial action as they aren't protected by law.

        I guess this is a 'do at your own risk' type exercise.

        All I'm confirming is what TA said.

        Why PTV have not commented as yet? I can only guess that their interest is to protect revenue. I don't think they'd want to broadcast unsanctioned free travel days.

        • ndr2h on 13/08/2015 - 19:23

          MODS, are you going to add these comments to the main body of the "deal" also?

        • tightarse on 13/08/2015 - 19:28

          @ndr2h:

          TA, are you going to add these comments to the main body of the "deal" also?

          You'll have to ask neil (moderator). He made the change, not me.

        • ndr2h on 13/08/2015 - 19:30

          @tightarse:

          Apologies in that case.

        • Moderatorneil on 13/08/2015 - 22:45

          @ndr2h:

          Which part would you like us to add?

        • pyramid on 13/08/2015 - 22:51
          +1

          @neil: I guess this is a 'do at your own risk' type exercise

        • Moderatorneil on 13/08/2015 - 22:52

          @cniminc:

          Thanks. Added that in bold.

        • pyramid on 13/08/2015 - 23:05
          +3

          @neil: Neil, if deal is 'do at your own risk' kind of then it should not be a deal. I think this kind of deals are not allowed on OZB where you don't know whether its deal or not until you buy/receive service/goods.

        • tikei on 13/08/2015 - 23:17
          -1

          @cniminc:
          Wouldn't that also cover loophole deals and even officeworks deals where there is low stock and you need to go there/phone to check if it is available?

        • pyramid on 13/08/2015 - 23:19
          +1

          @tikei: If its not available at OW then won't fine you for entering their premise. In this deal, if you are caught without ticket, you'll be fined for sure. None knows that who and how many people will be there to man gates.

        • Moderatorneil on 13/08/2015 - 23:23

          @cniminc:

          At this point, we don't have enough information to make that determination that this is not a deal. On the preponderance of facts and not opinions (I can't stress that enough), it seems there will be free public transport on those days in some capacity.

          A recent example of us attempting to verify whether something is a deal or not is this:

          Free 12 Month Apple Music Membership + 500MB Data (from 30/8) for New (12/24 Month) & Existing Telstra Postpaid Subscribers. This was supposed to start July 14. We attempted to get info and dates from various sources including Telstra but were unable to until close to the actual launch date of Aug 4. We had numerous reports and complaints telling us that it was made up and to kill it.

          I know it may seem that I'm beating the dead horse. It doesn't really bother me if this is a deal or it turns out to be better suited in the travel forum. What I am concerned about is making the correct decision based on evidence and to keep this decision inline with previous decisions (e.g. the less complicated Sydney Train Strike.

        • tikei on 13/08/2015 - 23:42
          +1

          @cniminc:
          There's lost time + petrol in the case of officeworks. In this case it would be a fine. Both types have possible losses and risks. Hence I think "Do at your own risk" types of deals are fine. The main argument should be if it's illegal it shouldn't be advertised on ozb.

        • Utopian on 14/08/2015 - 00:20
          +3

          @neil: Neil, I think the blinkers are welded-on by this point. Staring SO hard for a deal, that you're ignoring every single aspect of it being illegal & immoral.

          My understanding of a "DEAL": a bargain or arrangement for mutual advantage.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2015 - 01:00
          +3

          @Utopian: The blinkers are on for good reason, you gotta protect that dank advertising revenue by making sure that OzB is first and at the forefront of every deal and potential deal.

        • Moderatorneil on 14/08/2015 - 01:23

          OK it seems some of you are making it personal so I will recuse myself (if that's the right word) and pass this post onto another moderator. I'll pass on any updates I get from the various sources. Hopefully, the strike will be averted and we can all live happily ever after… or at least until the next hot button topic.

      • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2015 - 19:17
        +1

        100% of the PTV AOs are not union members.
        100% of the PSO are not RTBU members.
        100% of the PTV AOs and PSO will be issuing fare evasion infringements.

        • AssociatedR1ngSt1nger @ Metro Trains on 13/08/2015 - 19:55

          PSOs only patrol stations from 6pm onwards.

        • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2015 - 20:53
          +1

          @SavageCarrot:
          They are at Flinders Street from first to last train. They are also employed elsewhere, not just at train stations and could be reassigned and rostered differently to suit.

    • dealman on 13/08/2015 - 22:16
      +4

      @ TightArse,
      This still doesn't change the fact that this is Ilegal travel.

      OZB hits a new low promoting these sort of illegal " deals."

  • Eeples on 13/08/2015 - 18:04
    +1

    A little offtopic:

    I have visited melb 2 or 3 times a year as a tourist over the last few years.

    And I have always noticed heaps of fare evasion on the trams… (it seemed at times I was the only one along with the backpackers to tap on and off)…

    The last time I went the city trams were made free… imo an admission of failure on fare compliance by the government. Yet on my trip to St Kilda still hardly anyone tapping on and off again….

    Perhaps the vic government ought to make all trams free…. then perhaps the trains too?

    • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2015 - 18:38

      You do not need to tap off on a tram, only on.

      Many people have monthly or annual passes and are just too lazy to tap on.

      • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2015 - 19:06

        Furthermore, some people (especially those with myki passes and those who have reached their maximum daily fare) would be more likely to not voluntarily touch off at the end of their journey, as them touching off or not touching off would make no difference to how much they are charged anyway.

        Out of habit and to make my online travel history make more sense when I review it, I touch on and touch off all the time - even on Trams.

    • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2015 - 21:04
      -1

      Perhaps the vic government ought to make all trams free…. then perhaps the trains too?

      Are we living in a communist country?

      • Eeples on 14/08/2015 - 08:53

        I have always paid for public transport in communist countries.

        But, if systems are not working and fare evasion is the norm, then this is an anarchist state. hahaha

  • Jighuv on 13/08/2015 - 22:00

    What a classic, one of my comments was removed as a personal attack. Looks like this potentially illegal post has people hyper sensitive or is that a personal attack? BTW, it wasn't, in any way.
    Then my other comment gets so many neg votes that my neg on the entire deal gets revoked, yet if you read it there are far worse and almost outright rude comments that aren't getting many if any neg votes. I think someone is pulling strings. The balance is way too far off. If your ashamed of other peoples opinions being heard and want to try to silence them I suggest you don't post on a public forum.
    10…9…8…7… comment blocked.

  • Utopian on 14/08/2015 - 00:13
    +3

    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.

    OMG… this has gone from bad to terrible. Now we're having a battle, to bully-ourselves some stolen service?? Every step is immoral. Are we going to push & argue our way through staff members/volunteers to steal a ride from a paid-service provider?? Technically-this, authorised-that. You're kidding-yourself. Support-staff should hang their heads in shame, on this one.

    There are a string of law-breaks involved here. This is just wrong.

    Love ya deals TA, tireless efforts, but this isn't one.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/08/2015 - 22:37
    +3

    Is it a deal now? Free meals are provided in jail also! Every day!

  • c64 on 17/08/2015 - 09:53
    +2

    fare evasion is not a deal

  • Moderatorneil on 18/08/2015 - 10:50

    Update from court:

    #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 procedure.

    • bxpressiv on 18/08/2015 - 17:46

      Is TA part of the negotaitions to get the free travel days back and try to restiore the post?

      • neil on 18/08/2015 - 17:49
        +1

        He's trying to get an OzBargainer exclusive deal from Metro. Use code metroarse the next time you top up.

        • tightarse on 18/08/2015 - 17:56
          +1

          I'm all arsed out.

        • [Deactivated] on 18/08/2015 - 18:40
          +1

          How about the code myarse for myki topups?

        • dealman on 19/08/2015 - 09:02
          +1

          @tightarse:
          Hey TA How about a deal on KY Jelly :-)

          You think you can manage that,, Think of the PUNS on that one..

    • dealman on 19/08/2015 - 07:40
      +1

      Should have always been on the forums, it was never Legal,

  • hashtagbargain on 18/08/2015 - 16:12

    More updates here.

    No more free train day.

  • [Deactivated] on 18/08/2015 - 19:48

    Got an email saying all planned industrial action on Wednesday 19 August has been withdrawn.

  • dealman on 19/08/2015 - 07:40
    +5

    Was always illegal, disappointed that ozbargain supported this all this while,

    What's next deals on Movie downloads on torrents?

  • McFly on 20/08/2015 - 01:25

    Tram strike has been called off as well, so all PT running as normal. ie. expect the usual delays, cancellations, and sudden re-routing out of the loop!

    • [Deactivated] on 20/08/2015 - 06:20

      … And skipping the stations as is the norm.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/08/2015 - 18:58

    The deal's officially off folks.

    Just received an email that all planned industrial action has now been cancelled.

  • [Deactivated] on 27/08/2015 - 02:12

    Folks, for those of you who were still interested in this developing story about the industrial action, there will be a tram-only strike today (Thursday 27 August), from 10am to 2pm. However, it probably goes without saying that services would be affected before and after those times, as trams make their way to and from depots across Melbourne.

    Replacement buses will operate only on some routes.
    These routes include 1, 3, 5, 8, 12S, 12N, 16, 48, 57, 64, 70, 75, 96 and 109.
    All other routes will not receive bus services.

    For the replacement bus map visit: http://ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/news-articles/14893-YTM-Network…

    For more information about the strike visit: http://ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/important-informa…

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