Wellington public transport passengers are paying higher fares after Metlink increased prices by 3.1 percent on Friday, May 15.
The off-peak Snapper fare discount has also been reduced from 30 percent to 20 percent.
Metlink says the increase follows Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Annual Fares Review, which is used to keep fares in line with inflation and operating costs.
The council says the review helps ensure passengers contribute a balanced share toward running and improving the network, alongside ratepayers and funding partners including the New Zealand Transport Agency.
Greater Wellington Public Transport Committee chair Ros Connelly said the council agreed to raise fares earlier this year to respond to cost pressures and revenue loss.
“We resolved to raise fares prior to the current conflict in the Middle East to mitigate cost pressures and address revenue loss,” Connelly said.
“Since then, the cost of diesel has skyrocketed, costing Metlink an extra $200,000 a week.”
Connelly said Metlink understood the cost-of-living pressure facing households.
“However, even with the inflation-adjusted fares, using public transport saves personal fuel use and contributes to the running of the whole network.
“We are also having to balance fiscal responsibility and funding constraints with affordability, ensuring our fare revenue meets targets set by NZTA.”
From May 15, the cost of a three-zone trip increased by 14 cents, bringing the peak adult Snapper fare to $4.67 for people travelling to the CBD from suburbs such as Miramar or Karori.
For Wairarapa passengers travelling by train from Masterton to Wellington, the adult Snapper fare rose by 56 cents to $18.50 at peak times.
Wellington passengers can check updated fares for their route through the Metlink Journey Planner or fare information at metlink.org.nz.
