Photo: Greater Wellington Regional Council
The Greater Wellington Regional Council has voted unanimously to extend half-priced fares for everyone until August.
From July, children under 13 can ride for free on public transport and under 25-year-olds will still get half price off fares throughout Aotearoa.
But Metlink is not able to activate discounts at short notice so under 13s will not ride for free yet.
Transport Committee chairperson Thomas Nash said the extension would give Metlink time to adjust its systems to add in the changes.
"Until we've got the system in place, that is the fairest, simplest and smoothest way to transition from where we are now to the government policy on free fares for under 13s and half price for under 25s," Nash said.
Council chairperson Daran Ponter said the council had to wait for its electronic ticketing partner Snapper to build a digital registration portal.
"Metlink passengers will be expecting the discounts next month, so we've come up with a solution to tide them over until the portal is open in August.
"Until then, no passenger will pay more than they currently do for public transport."
Extending half price fares will cost the Greater Wellington Regional Council around $2 million per month.
"We've asked the government to contribute to this cost as it's signalled implementation funding for its discounts is available," Nash said.