Cheaper fares for students

Student discounts on Wellington public transport could soon be a reality, but they may also come at the expense of city ratepayers.

Mayor Justin Lester said yesterday he would look at opportunities for Wellington City Council to provide financial support to help get cheaper fares when its 2018-19 Annual Plan was decided later in the year.

‘‘This will go a long way for students … I’m committed to working with the regional council towards this.’’

Lester pledged to get tertiary fare concessions during his election campaign last year.

He claimed his student concession policy would knock $3.80 off the cost of a three-zone return trip for students, provided they were using a Snapper or Mana card, saving more than $900 a year.

The city council does not set public transport fares – that’s a job for the Greater Wellington regional council.

The regional council will vote next week on whether to review public transport fares and consider a tertiary student discount.

The Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association has been lobbying the regional council for years to introduce a tertiary student discount. It is asking for a 50 per cent discount on all Wellington buses and trains.

It will be making a presentation to the regional council today.

The council has previously favoured an off-peak discount, believing it would help students as well as other disadvantaged sectors of society, such as those on invalid benefits.