9 Feb 2010

Public transport fares tipped to rise

12:30 pm on 9 February 2010

Some public transport fares in Wellington could be about to rise by up to 50%.

Three shortlisted options from an annual fare review have been put before members of the Wellington Regional Council.

Commuters escaped a rise in ticket prices last year, but WRC says an increase of 3% in its fare revenue is needed now and in each of the next 10 years.

The council says it prefers smaller, more regular fare increases to larger more infrequent ones.

Bus passengers will be hit the most.

One-zone cash concessions and adult tickets would rise by 50 cents each, to $1.50 and $2 respectively. A $1 city-section fare would be removed.

If approved, the increases would begin in September.