Super City Candidates Challenged on Supergold Card Transport
Rt Hon Winston Peters
New Zealand First Leader
Member
of Parliament for Northland
26 AUGUST 2016
Super City Candidates Challenged: How Will You Stop Supergold Card Transport Rip Off
Super City election candidates should explain what they are going to do about the rip-off of SuperGold Cardholders on Auckland transport, says New Zealand First Leader and Northland MP Rt Hon Winston Peters.
“Auckland Transport (AT) is taking draconian measures in blacklisting and cancelling SuperGold Cardholders’ HOP cards when they forget to tag off, that is, swipe their card when they get off.
“That’s working against the principle of free off-peak transport.
“The government is trying to wipe out the SuperGold Card by forcing transport operators to move SuperGold Cardholders to smart cards.
“In Auckland, the forced changeover has gone from one disaster to the next, and been tough on cardholders.
“Now they have to tag on and off, and will have their card cancelled should they forget.
“This is a form of ageism; the whole point of the SuperGold Card was to make it simple and easy for seniors to use public transportation.
“They should not have to go through this mindless rigmarole just because Mr Key won’t keep his word that he would not make changes to the SuperGold Card.
“With their cards being cancelled, seniors will have the frustrating task of getting their card reactivated, which is also an extra cost.
“The SuperGold Card was simple, convenient and free, with the holder simply presenting the card when stepping on board.
“This also allowed some personal contact with the bus driver and that no longer happens.
“Auckland Transport should defy the Prime Minister and Minister Steven Joyce in their attempt to undermine the SuperGold Card and revert back to the original system,” Mr Peters says.
ENDS