7 June 2011

2011 Fare Increases

The Greater Wellington Regional Council will on Wednesday 8 June be considering whether or not to increase the public transport fares from 1 September in 2011

Three councillors – Councillor Daran Ponter (Wellington - Labour), Nigel Wilson (Kapiti Coast - Independent) and Paul Bruce (Wellington - Greens) will be opposing the fares increases.

The fare increases will largely be aimed at multi-trip tickets. The fare increases which range from 0% to 7.6% are aimed at ensuring that the Greater Regional Council is able to generate extra revenue of 3%.

Councillor Nigel Wilson says that “In a time of recession the focus should be on finding efficiencies within existing operations – not passing on yet more fare increases to users . Councillor Wilson says that Council’s emphasis should be on adopting more efficient public transport models rather than stinging commuters year after year.

Councillor Daran Ponter says that “The Wellington Regional has an unduly complicated fare structure which needs to be simplified. Councillor Ponter “prefers a system with a clearer distinction between pricing for peak and off-peak fares”.

Councilor Ponter says that “A low off-peak fare would allow students and beneficiaries better access to public transport.”

Councillor Paul Bruce also argues that the fare rises are not necessary. “Extra revenue can be captured from increased commuter numbers following the introduction of the more reliable Matangi trains.

Cr Bruce added that, “we need to do more to encourage people on to public transport – not punish them year after year with higher fares.

All three councillors will vote against public transport fare increases in future years until the Regional Council significantly addresses the way in which it structures fares and makes demonstrable progress toward integrated ticketing.

ENDS

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