Greater Wellington urges Government to support public transport during fuel crisis

Greater Wellington is calling on the Government to support Public Transport Authorities facing sharp increases in diesel prices, warning that without intervention passengers could face service cuts or rising fares.

Greater Wellington Chair Daran Ponter has written to the Ministers of Finance, Transport and Energy outlining practical steps the Government can take to support public transport use and ease cost of living pressures.

“March saw record patronage across the Metlink network, which shows that people are responding to higher fuel prices by choosing public transport,” says Cr Ponter. “But despite the record numbers, we’re unable to meet the surge in diesel prices.” 

Metlink estimates escalating diesel prices are costing it an additional $130,000 per week, with further increases expected despite news of a cease-fire in the conflict between Iran, America, and Israel.

“Without Government support, we will soon be forced to consider cutting services or hiking fares beyond increases planned in May,” says Cr Ponter. 

“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.”

Chair of Greater Wellington’s Public Transport Committee, Ros Connelly says with spare capacity on Metlink services, particularly off peak, encouraging travel outside peak times is an efficient way to manage demand.

“Spreading the peak allows us to make better use of existing services,” says Cr Connelly. “The Government could allow civil servants to start and finish their workdays earlier or later and encourage flexibility from other employers,” Cr Connelly says.

“The increasing patronage shows how critical public transport is right now. People rely on it every day to access work, school, and essential services. Supporting public transport during a fuel crisis is a shared responsibility.”

As well as help with fuel costs and promoting off peak travel, Greater Wellington has asked the Government to consider supporting higher discounts for off peak travel, and relaxing private share funding requirements. 

“At the same time, Metlink is working hard to make public transport an attractive option, with passengers able to pay full adult fares at Snapper validators with bank cards and mobile devices from 12 April,” says Cr Connelly. 

“We’re also optimising the use of our electric bus, train and ferry fleets, and running a marketing campaign that promotes public transport as a way to reduce pressure on national fuel stocks.” 

Metlink could defer its planned 3.1% fare increase from 15 May if government support is provided, Cr Ponter says.

“We’re not asking for free fares. We’re asking for practical, targeted assistance to help communities with fuel costs.”