Auckland Transport Media Release:
16 April 2012

Auckland Transport completes 2012 Public Transport Fare Review

Auckland Transport said today it has completed its annual review of bus, ferry and train fares.

The review is based primarily on recovery of cost increases including fuel and labour, and equalising the cost of travel for bus and train users.

Auckland Transport’s Manager, Public Transport Operations, Mark Lambert says, “In general fares have not kept pace with cost increases over time.

“As a result of this year’s review, some bus and ferry fares and most rail fares will increase between 10 cents and 90 cents but many fares remain the same.

“For a number of years train users have enjoyed significantly lower fares than bus users. We now have 2,000 train services a week, the rail network and facilities have been substantially upgraded including the first phase of the Manukau train station which opened for service yesterday.

“This year’s increase in rail fares removes that inequity with bus and simplifies the fare structure prior to the full introduction of HOP near the end of this year.

“In the ferry sector many fares will remain unchanged and fares for similar journey lengths on different routes will be closer aligned.

“In the tertiary sector, the 40% discount currently in place is not sustainable for operators or the ratepayer. This is being reduced to 38% which remains significantly greater than the 20% that was in place in 2008”.

Mr Lambert says, “Public transport fares remain heavily subsidised through Auckland Transport and government agencies such as NZTA. Public transport continues to offer good value for money against petrol prices and the full cost of car ownership”.

Full details of the new fare structure, which comes into effect on 29 April at 4am, can be found on the MAXX website maxx.co.nz.

About Auckland Transport
Auckland Transport is a Controlled Organisation (CCO) of Auckland Council. It is responsible for all of the region’s transport services (excluding state highways) - from roads and footpaths, to cycling, parking and public transport.
Among its main tasks are:
-- To design, build and maintain Auckland’s roads, ferry wharves, cycleways and walkways.
-- Co-ordinate road safety and community transport initiatives such as school travel
-- Plan and fund bus, train and ferry services across Auckland.

ENDS

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