ARTA Media Release
26 September 2008

Free off-peak travel for Auckland’s SuperGold Card holders from 1 October

From next week, Auckland’s senior citizens will be eligible for free travel on off-peak public transport services thanks to a central government initiative focused on thanking and rewarding the country’s eligible senior citizens and veterans for the contribution they have made and continue to make to New Zealand society.

The Government is funding the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) and councils around the country to provide the country’s SuperGold Card holders with free off-peak travel on scheduled public transport services from 1 October.

ARTA’s Chief Executive, Fergus Gammie says, “From next Wednesday, all SuperGold Card holders will be entitled to travel for free on Auckland’s public transport services after 9am on weekdays, and all day on weekends and public holidays.”

The New Zealand Household Travel Survey shows most people aged 65 and over do most of their public transport travel during off-peak hours, making an estimated eight million trips per year on buses and trains.

Mr Gammie says, “To travel for free, SuperGold Card holders should show the staff on board the bus, train or ferry their SuperGold Card or other ARTA-approved Senior Citizen ID card and state their destination. They will then be issued with a ticket.

“Please remember that if you are travelling before 9am on a weekday you will have to pay the full adult bus, train or ferry fare.”

Mr Gammie says SuperGold card holders will be able to travel for free on most scheduled public transport services in Auckland, including Auckland’s entire rail network, urban bus services, and ferry services between Downtown and Pine Harbour, Half Moon Bay, Devonport, Stanley Bay, Birkenhead/Northcote Point and Birkenhead, Waiheke Island and Gulf Harbour.

Free off-peak travel is not available on the Airbus and Nite Rider bus services, inter-regional coach services, or on ferries serving Rangitoto, Great Barrier, Rakino or tourist destinations such as Tiritiri Matangi. Vehicular ferry services operating from Half Moon Bay to Kennedy Point on Waiheke Island are also not eligible.

Off-peak hours in Auckland are from 9am on weekdays, and any time on weekends and public holidays.

For more information about free public transport services for SuperGold Card holders call MAXX on (09) 366 6400 or visit www.maxx.co.nz

The SuperGold Card is available to all eligible New Zealanders aged 65 years or over and those under this age who receive the New Zealand Superannuation or the Veterans Pension. The card was launched in August 2007, providing access to business discounts, government and local authority services, entitlements and concessions.

ENDS

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