Comments on: Odd Way To Celebrate Good News

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:32:25 +0000

I’m not sure why you find these inspections so threatening. Every time I’ve walked through with barely a check in my brisk pace, slowing just long enough to let one of the inspectors see that there are indeed clicks taken out of my concession pass.
As to the person who wanted proof of their right to inspect your ticket, you’re on private property. If they want you to show them proof of your right to use a service that’s being provided, that is their right.
Today’s trick was an inspection at Newmarket South, announced moments before the train arrived at the station. They’re clearly smarter than you lot are prepared to credit, and I suspect that Newmarket West and Boston Rd will be getting their share.

By: Days Two and Three - Delivering Without Wheels

Days Two and Three - Delivering Without Wheels — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:11:59 +0000

[...] banking, then on to Northcote by 9:35am for the rest of the day. With all the trips plus the “leakage inspection” at Britomart (Where do they get these names from?) I showed my pass a total of nine [...]

By: Jon C

Jon C — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:23:22 +0000

Great stories – thanks.
It shows what a total waste of time the exercise is.
I really worry about what image it gives people who are trying out the trains and after a bad experience, then face this kind of inspection.
Good to see people selling tickets on the platform but that feels a bit amateurish.
You are brave William M. At the size of the lads on the western line, the ones who bring in their rugby gear, I wouldnt even dare glare at them let alone point out their cheats!!

By: William M

William M — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:09:21 +0000

Love the year old monthly check.

The students have some right attitude at times – I approached a guard a few weeks ago, because he had missed one of the students on our unusually overcrowded express service. The male student then proceeded to scowl and threaten me. It’s a pity he was wearing uniform, as I’m sure the guard said he’d report the behaviour to his school. He even asked for a student ID to prove he was a student Needless to say, I told the poor fella that without his fare being paid, he could rely on the trains continuing to be faulty, overcrowded old diesels, or not continue at all. And that if he did it again, he can rely on someone like me to make sure he gets a trespass notice. Yes, I’m a cranky old b*stard.

By: Chris R

Chris R — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:14:22 +0000

I refused to let them see my tickets because they refused to prove that they had the right to check them.

One time I showed a year old monthly and was let through.

By: karl

karl — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:10:07 +0000

I found it a bit of a pain this morning as well. Previously with these ‘revenue leakage’ surveys we ahve been warned while on the train to retain our tickets for a ‘check’ at britomart, however we did not have prior warning this morning. We only heard a garbled voice over the PA system. Funny things was that when I got to the review panel, about three or four people before me went on through not showing their tickets as that had not yet had a chance to get them out, just informed the people there that they had tickets and went on through without any issues.
I guess that is what would truly be described as leakage.

A far better solution is what they ahve been doing of late. Having ticket collection staff on platforms. To me, in rush hour this is a far better way of collecting tickets. kind of like everywhere else in the world, where you pay before you get on the train. Also saves a ticket collector, sorry, passenger operator (I think that is the label on their badges) having to make their way up and down three or four times on the train collecting tickets.

By: Jon

Jon — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:58:12 +0000

Yes, I was on a train into Britomart. Upon hearing about the ticket inspection I did a test, and present a 1 stage 10 trip ticket…even though I had my 4 stage clipped this morning!

RESULT: With a smile on his face I was allow through.

My thoughts are these inspections are a waste of time(and caused an additional delay on a train already 5 mins late). Totally agree Jon C. Check random smaller stations.. even then an brain dead zombie could fool the these station ticket inspectors… in my opinion!

Do it right, or don’t do it at all!