Start dates for Metlink fare increases clarified
Greater Wellington Regional Council today apologised for any confusion caused by information on next month’s fare
increases for Metlink bus and train services and announced a special deal for advance purchases of September monthly and
quarterly tickets.
New fare zones for bus and train travel within the greater Wellington region are being introduced on Monday 4 September
and most fares will rise at the same time. However, price increases for monthly and quarterly train tickets, and
Stagecoach Wellington monthly bus tickets, were to take effect from Friday 1 September because holders of these tickets
are entitled to start travelling on them from the first day of the calendar month.
The 4 September start date for most fare increases was planned to give bus companies the weekend to change their ticket
machines over to the new fare structure.
“Although the Metlink fare changes were widely advertised in leaflets and posters, we did not make it clear enough that
people would still have to pay the new prices for monthly and quarterly tickets if they bought them before 4 September,”
said Greater Wellington Transport Division Manager Dr Wayne Hastie. “We are sorry that this has confused some people and
we certainly don’t want anyone to be out of pocket because of this misunderstanding.
“Following discussions with the Commerce Commission, Greater Wellington has asked Tranz Metro and Stagecoach to offer
September monthly and quarterly bus and train tickets for travel starting on 1 September at a slightly reduced rate,”
said Dr Hastie. “These discounted tickets will be on sale from 25 August. In addition, for people who have already
bought September monthly and quarterly tickets, refunds will be available for the difference in the cost of travel for
the three days from 1 to 4 September. Refunds will range between $1.00 and $9.00. Effectively, this means that all the
new fares start from 4 September.
“We are keen to take this step to make things clearer and fairer for commuters.”
To obtain a refund for tickets sold prior to 25 August, train passengers should present their September monthly or
quarterly ticket at the ticket offices at Wellington, Petone, Waterloo, Upper Hutt, Porirua or Paraparaumu stations.
Stagecoach passengers should post a photocopy of their ticket, along with proof of purchase and their contact address,
to PO Box 14070 Wellington.
Monthly and quarterly tickets for travel from October onwards will be at the new prices shown in the Metlink fares
leaflet.
The new fare information is available on the Metlink website, www.metlink.org.nz.
If bus or train users have any queries about the new Metlink fares, they can also contact Metlink on 0800 801 700.
ENDS