News release
21 July 2006
Bus and train fares to rise on 4 September
Bus and train fares will rise on 4 September 2006, Greater Wellington Regional Council has confirmed. Train fares will
increase by an average of 15% and bus fares will increase by varying amounts. At the same time, new fare boundaries will
come into effect.
The decision was made at a meeting of Greater Wellington’s Policy, Finance and Strategy Committee following public
consultation in April and May on a new Metlink fare structure based on 14 zones. This introduces a single set of fare
boundaries for nearly all public transport services in the Greater Wellington region and is a significant step towards
making an integrated ticketing system feasible.
The fare increase applies to Metlink train and bus services operated by Tranz Metro, Stagecoach Wellington, Cityline
Hutt Valley, the Flyer, Mana Coach Services, Newlands Coach Services, Runciman Motors Limited, Wairarapa Coachlines,
Tranzit Coachlines, Classic Coaches, Community Coach Services, Paraparaumu Taxis and Madge Coachlines. It does not apply
to the harbour ferry or cable car services.
“More than a thousand public submissions on the proposed new fare structure for the region’s public transport network
were received by Greater Wellington and the majority* supported the proposed new fare structure outlined in the “Fare
Go” brochure, said Councillor Glen Evans, Chairman of Greater Wellington’s Passenger Transport Committee.
“This recognises the fact that fare increases are long overdue,” he said. “Train fares haven’t gone up since 2002 and
there hasn’t been a general increase in bus fares in Wellington city for six years.
“Fares need to increase to catch up with rising fuel costs and to help pay for much needed public transport
improvements. Reliability of services, particularly the performance of the rail network, emerged as a key issue in the
consultation feedback and the new trains we’re bringing onto the Wairarapa Line next year and the Kapiti, Johnsonville
and Hutt Lines from 2010 should help address that. It’s hard to ask people to pay more before they see the benefits, but
fare increases are a vital part of funding much needed upgrades and there is an inevitable time lag before the new
rolling stock appears.
The new Wairarapa carriages are being built now and will be in service next year,” said Councillor Evans.
The public were also invited to give feedback on universal concession fares for young people and senior citizens and
Metlink photo-ID cards. No decision is being made on the extension of concession fares until further work on
affordability and timing has been completed. Existing Wellington City and pensioner fares will increase on 4 September
2006 to be the same as the new child fares.
Introduction of a Metlink ID card was generally supported and is likely to be introduced in 2007. It will be made
available to young people until the end of the year they turn 18 and to seniors who may find it useful.
A new Metlink fares leaflet will be released in mid August in conjunction with a wider promotional campaign to ensure
that people are well informed about the new fares before they start on 4 September 2006.
* 55% of submitters supported the proposed new fare structure.
ENDS
For more information, please go to the Metlink bus and train fares report for the Policy, Finance and Strategy Committee
at http://www.gw.govt.nz/section1159.cfm?MeetingID=5766