Still time to give feedback on public transport fares

If you use public transport in the Wellington region there’s still a few days left to give us some initial feedback on possible changes to how Metlink train, bus and harbour ferry fares are set.

Peter Glensor, Chair of Greater Wellington’s Economic Wellbeing Committee which looks after public transport, says about 2000 people have completed a questionnaire.

“But we’d like to hear from as many people as possible about the direction they think we should take.

“We review the fare system about every five or six years. We’re keen to make the fare system simpler for users and prepare for integrated ticketing, where you use just one card or ticket for all your public transport journeys.

“After initially looking at the current fare system, we’ve come up with a range of options that we could explore in more detail.

"For example the current system is based on 14 zones – should we keep this number or reduce the number, making the system simpler and cheaper for long trips, but more expensive for short ones?

"Or should we move away from zones altogether, and move to fares based on distance?

“Should we look at introducing a cheaper fare for people travelling off peak, a new concession for tertiary students, or should the focus be on a simpler system with fewer options but a lower standard adult fare?”

To get more information and to complete the questionnaire, go to www.farereview.co.nz

Feedback is needed by this Friday 14 September.

There will be more public consultation before final decisions are made. Any changes to the fare system will be put in place gradually starting from around the middle of next year. Changes may also depend on the timing and progress of other projects such as the integrated ticketing system.

ENDS

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