A jump in bus fares for children and young people as Government subsidies end will further burden families when the cost of living is hitting hard, says Nelson deputy mayor Rohan O’Neill-Stevens.
Minister of Transport Simeon Brown announced in December last year the scrapping of Crown funding for free public transport fares for 5 to 12-year-olds and half-price fares for 13 to 24 year-olds.
As a result, bus fares for under 13s in Nelson Tasman, which are currently free, will cost from $1 to $3, depending on zones travelled, while fares for 13 to 25-year-olds will double from May 1. Those aged 18 to 25 without student ID or a Community Services Card will pay adult fares.
