Greater Wellington council officers have recommended a 42.8% increase to off-peak fares for trains and buses, citing rising operating costs and government cuts to public transport funding. \
The regional council will conduct its annual review of public transport fares on Thursday, and it looks like the changes will go further than regular inflationary adjustments.
Currently, it costs $4.43 to bus from Island Bay – in zone 3 – to the city at peak times. Off peak, that same journey costs $2.22. If these recommendations are accepted, the off-peak cost would increase to $3.17.
The recommendation is unfortunate, but necessary, according to the council’s transport committee chair, Thomas Nash.
