SIMULTANEOUSLY

with the COVID-19 pandemic, is the “fare evader virus”, rampant on our Queensland public transport system.

Fare evasion has grown into a pandemic in its own right, depending on commuters’ own conscience.

It is unstoppable and out of control, for there seems to be a complacency to resolve the dilemma.

The taxpayer is oblivious to the high cost of the free travel epidemic in Queensland, as well as the permanent damage bill to the economy.

It gives fare evaders a sense of entitlement, while excessive money is handed out with impunity by governments under pressure. The economic cost to future generations for the deficit, will take a generation of taxpayers to clear. It is the covert 2020 pandemic we are forced to endure.

The corollary is that, if commuters own and use a Go Card, they pay for their journey.

That makes the system which allows it, with permission by TransLink and local bus services, to be discriminatory.

It is also open to abuse, when policies are in place: to leave noone asking for a ride, behind. Drivers cannot deny anyone a ride, for fear of losing their jobs.

Yet Go Card users continue to pay, regardless, witnessing fare evaders with little or no excuse or conscience, to ride for free. One rule for one, one for the others. Either make them all pay, or no-one pays. That would be fair.

Many young adults know the system so well, the word on the grapevine is, all you do is walk on.

Cashless rides are common, for drivers refuse to top up Go Cards or accept money for fares. This leaves it open to abuse and the streetwise know it.

It is our first Prime Minister, Edmund Barton, who said: “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing.” Sooner or later, we all pay the ferry man.

ELOISE ROWE, TANNUM SANDS