Source: Radio New Zealand
RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
Fare prices on Wellington’s trains, ferries and buses will be increased by more than 3 percent in May.
The decision comes as Metlink revealed contactless payments for adults on their services would go live on 12 April.
The public transport provider would also start to phase out cash payments over the next year.
In December, RNZ reported that people would be able to pay for public transport using their phones, smart watches and debit cards in the first half of this year.
Greater Wellington Regional Council transport committee chairperson Ros Connelly said the decision to increase fares by 3.1 percent was carefully considered.
“We know the cost of living is challenging for many households, but we must ensure our fare revenue is sufficient to meet our funding and revenue targets set by NZTA as well as maintain the services people rely on every day.”
From 15 May, the cost of a three‑zone trip will increase by 14 cents, bringing the peak adult Snapper fare to $4.67 for those travelling to the CBD from Miramar or Karori.
For Wairarapa passengers travelling by train from Masterton to Wellington, the fare will rise by 56 cents to $18.50 at peak times.
The discounts for off-peak fares on buses and trains would also decrease from 30 percent to 20 percent.
Metlink senior manager of strategy and investments, Tim Shackleton, said they needed to address a projected revenue shortfall expected to be $3 million for the current financial year.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
