TTF calls for more integrated ticketing for major events

Sports fans are being denied cheaper public transport because of the reluctance of event organisers to embrace integrated ticketing for major events, according to peak industry body, Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).

TTF Chief Executive, John Lee, said that since its outstanding success at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, state governments have established schemes that allow event organisers to include the cost of public transport in event tickets.

Integrated ticketing allows sports fans and other event-goers to travel to venues, at a small additional cost, on the one event ticket. This seamless approach has provided:

• High public transport usage;
• Reduced traffic congestion around event venues;
• Faster entry and exit at major transport interchanges and railway stations; and
• No need for fans to stop to buy a separate transport ticket.

Lee explained that a new TTF report, 'Accessing Major Events', released by TTF "has found that many major sporting and event organisers are yet to come to the party and participate in integrated ticketing on behalf of their customers.

"For example, fans going to the (recent) AFL grand final at the MCG were denied up to a 77% discount on public transport fares because the AFL is not participating in the Victorian integrated ticketing scheme.

"Families could have saved up to $30 in fares if this system had been in place.

"In contrast, at Sydney's ANZ Stadium fans going to the NRL grand final were able to do so using one integrated ticket.

"This sensible and seamless approach should be adopted for all major events across the country."

The TTF report has found that in NSW, ANZ Stadium and the Royal Easter Show regularly use integrated tickets while those going to events at the Moore Park precinct are not given the same opportunity.

The SCG Trust has declined to participate in the NSW Government integrated ticketing scheme which is making traffic congestion worse whenever major events are held at the SCG and the Sydney Football Stadium.

Lee added that "in Victoria, less than a handful of events are participating in that state's scheme."

The report calls for the AFL to sign up so football fans can enjoy what can be considerably cheaper public transport.

Lee stated that "in Queensland, we saw the problems at the Ekka this year caused by the crush of show-goers trying to buy tickets on their way home.

"In contrast, Western Australia has over 100 events participating in its scheme and has what is Australia's most comprehensive integrated ticketing coverage for major events."

Lee said that the report highlighted that event organisers need to be vigorously pursued by state transport authorities.

"As a last resort, state governments should reserve the right to introduce legislation mandating integrated ticketing for large events. The unwillingness of some event organisers to support integrated ticketing is not only disadvantaging event-goers and sports fan but subjecting the broader community to traffic congestion that could be alleviated by better public transport usage."

Click here to view the report.

Image: Sport fans heading to Sydney's ANZ Stadium via the Sydney Olympic Park railway station. 

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