Green Party Transport spokesperson Sue Kedgley is hailing the opening of priority bus lanes in Wellington as "brilliant."

"It is small steps like this that will eventually solve Wellington's congestion problems - not some 'magic bullet' of a motorway," said Ms Kedgley.

"Bus lanes, integrated bus-and-rail transport tickets, cycleways and suburban park-and-ride areas are the sort of incremental transport initiatives that will eventually solve the city's problems."

"Commuters deserve some sort of certainty about the council's commitment to public transport and this will go some way to reassuring them," said Ms Kedgley.

"It is a pity that this boost for public transport comes at the same time as Tranz Rail is threatening a huge fare rise on the region's train commuters.

"It is outrageous that Tranz Rail - which receives $17 million in subsidies from the council and the Government - is refusing to open its books to justify the increase. It certainly deserves Commerce Commission scrutiny."

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