New Metlink buses first business day in operation, some delays to services. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
The Greater Wellington Regional Council will be deciding the fate of after-midnight bus services and cash fares on Thursday.
Metlink currently runs ten bus routes between 1am and 4:30am on Saturday and Sunday mornings, but these could eventually be replaced by extra late night and early morning services added to regular bus routes.
Despite recent advertising campaigns and fare reductions, Metlink said it only has around six passengers per bus on average.
Patronage has also fallen 76 percent since 2006, from about 57,500 to 13,500 per year.
Metlink said the feedback from passengers, community organisations and Metlink's Public Transport Advisory Group indicated a preference for earlier and later services on regular routes at times better suited for shift workers as well as late night entertainment patrons.
Councillors will also consider phasing out cash payments for fares onboard Metlink buses and trains.
The proposed phase out would begin after the introduction of the National Ticketing Solution - expected in Wellington in late 2025 - which will allow passengers to pay fares with credit and debit cards as well as pre-paid public transport cards.