Greater Wellington Regional Council is urging the Government to step in with targeted support for public transport as rising diesel prices put pressure on services and fares.
Chair Daran Ponter said the council has written to ministers outlining options to ease costs, after Metlink recorded a surge in passenger numbers alongside escalating fuel expenses.
“March saw record patronage across the Metlink network, which shows that people are responding to higher fuel prices by choosing public transport,” Ponter said.
Despite the increase in demand, Metlink estimates diesel costs are rising by about $130,000 a week, with further increases expected.
Ponter warned that without Government intervention, the council may need to consider reducing services or increasing fares beyond those already planned for May.
“At a time when households are under pressure, we’re ready to work with the Government on practical solutions that reduce fuel use and mitigate the inflationary costs New Zealanders are facing,” he said.
Public Transport Committee chair Ros Connelly said encouraging off-peak travel could help ease demand, particularly where spare capacity exists.
“The Government could allow civil servants to start and finish their workdays earlier or later and encourage flexibility from other employers,” Connelly said.
Greater Wellington is also seeking support for higher off-peak fare discounts and more flexible funding arrangements.
Metlink is introducing contactless payment options from 12 April, allowing passengers to pay adult fares using bank cards and mobile devices. The agency is also promoting public transport as a way to reduce pressure on national fuel supplies.
Ponter said a planned 3.1 percent fare increase on 15 May could be deferred if Government support is provided.
“We’re not asking for free fares. We’re asking for practical, targeted assistance to help communities with fuel costs,” he said.
