Starting from July 1, 2025, Wellington’s public transport users will see a change in their travel costs as Metlink fares are set to increase by 2.2%. Alongside this, the off-peak discount for those using a Snapper card will be adjusted from 50% to 30%. This decision, made by the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC), aims to align fares with inflation while still offering benefits for off-peak travel. Let’s delve into what this means for Wellingtonians and the rationale behind these changes.
Why the Fare Increase?
The decision to increase fares by 2.2% was not taken lightly. According to Thomas Nash, the chair of the Greater Wellington Transport Committee, this adjustment is necessary to keep the costs fair between transport users and ratepayers. “Bearing in mind our fiscal constraints, we have no choice but to increase fares to keep up with inflation and operational costs,” Cr Nash explained. This increase ensures that public transport remains a sustainable part of Wellington’s transport network, funded equitably by users, ratepayers, taxpayers, and other private funding sources.
Changes to Off-Peak Discounts
The off-peak discount, which was previously a generous 50%, will now be reduced to 30%. This change might seem significant, but Cr Nash reassures that it’s still a considerable saving for those who can travel outside peak times. “I don’t want to lower the discount for off-peak fares, but the government plans to reduce its share of funding to public transport give us no choice,” he stated. This adjustment still positions Metlink as one of the few transport providers in New Zealand offering an off-peak discount, making travel more affordable for those with flexible schedules.
Impact on Commuters
For an adult travelling from Karori to Wellington CBD during off-peak times, the fare will rise from $2.22 to $3.17. While this is an increase, it remains significantly cheaper than the peak fare of $4.53 for the same journey. This pricing strategy encourages the use of public transport during less busy times, which helps in reducing congestion and lowering carbon emissions. Here’s how the new pricing will look:
- Off-Peak Fare (Karori to CBD): $3.17 (up from $2.22)
- Peak Fare (Karori to CBD): $4.53 (unchanged)
Who Remains Unaffected?
SuperGold card users will continue to enjoy free travel during off-peak times, ensuring that our senior citizens are not burdened by these changes. Additionally, existing concession discounts will still apply, maintaining affordability for students, children, and other concession holders. However, it’s worth noting that off-peak discounts do not apply to ferry and Airport Express services, which will see the standard fare increase.
Off-Peak Travel Times
Understanding when off-peak times occur is crucial for those looking to save on their travel. Here are the off-peak travel times for Metlink services:
- Bus: Before 7am, between 9am-3pm, after 6.30pm, and all day on weekends and public holidays.
- Rail: Same as bus, ensuring consistency across services.
The Bigger Picture: Funding Public Transport
Public transport funding is a complex issue. Tim Shackleton, Metlink’s senior manager of strategy and investments, highlighted the collaborative effort with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to set targets for public transport affordability and efficiency. “Fares, rate payers, tax payers, and the private sector all contribute to funding the public transport,” Shackleton noted. With government funding decreasing, Metlink has been proactive in increasing revenue from non-government sources. For instance, Metlink’s advertising revenue has seen a threefold increase over the past four years, showcasing innovative approaches to funding.
Global Comparison and Local Impact
Despite the fare increase, Cr Nash points out that Metlink fares remain among the most affordable globally. According to a study by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), Wellington’s public transport fares are competitive when compared to cities like London, Sydney, and Vancouver, where similar adjustments are common to keep up with economic changes. However, in the current economic climate, any increase can feel burdensome. Here are some statistics to consider:
- In London, a single bus fare can cost up to £1.65, which is roughly NZD $3.30, higher than Wellington’s new off-peak fare.
- Sydney’s public transport fares have seen increases of up to 3.7% in recent years, reflecting similar pressures.
- A report by the NZTA indicates that public transport usage in Wellington has increased by 10% over the last year, suggesting a growing reliance on these services.
Looking Forward
As we approach the implementation date, it’s important for Wellingtonians to plan their travel accordingly. The reduction in the off-peak discount might encourage more people to shift their travel times, potentially easing peak hour congestion. Metlink and GWRC are committed to monitoring the impact of these changes, with potential adjustments based on public feedback and usage patterns.
The council’s annual review of Metlink fares is a policy requirement to ensure that fares reflect inflation and operational costs, maintaining a balance between affordability and sustainability. This approach ensures that public transport remains a viable option for all, contributing to a greener, less congested Wellington.
Conclusion
The upcoming changes to Metlink fares and off-peak discounts are part of a broader strategy to maintain a robust, affordable, and sustainable public transport system in Wellington. While the increase might be unwelcome, the adjustments are designed to keep public transport accessible while managing financial realities. As always, feedback from the community is vital, and GWRC encourages Wellingtonians to engage in discussions about how public transport can best serve our city’s needs.
Note: This article was crafted by One Network Wellington Live to inform and engage our community on the changes to Metlink’s fare structure. We welcome your thoughts and encourage active participation in shaping Wellington’s transport future.