Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas
Greater Wellington councillors have agreed to increase Metlink public transport fares by 10 percent from 1 July 2024.
Metlink group manager Samantha Gain said in a report before that council estimated that without the fares increase, a rates rise of 3.3 percent would be needed to cover public transport costs, expected to climb by 19 percent in the next financial year.
Approximately a third of Metlink funding comes from fares, the rest from the government and regional council rates.
The council also confirmed that free travel for under 13-year-olds and half-price fares for under 25-year-olds would end on 1 May 2024, in line with the government's decision to withdraw funding for these concessions.
Children under five will continue to be able to travel for free with Metlink, and half-priced fares will remain for passengers holding Community Services Cards through the government's Community Connect scheme.
The 75 percent discount on Total Mobility taxi services for Total Mobility Card holders will also continue, as will half-price off-peak fares for all passengers.