REGIONAL COUNCIL RATES RISING

The capital’s other 218 diesel buses will eventually suffer the same fate, but will be progressively phased out as they reach their end of their useful lives between 2017 and 2032.

The scrapping of Wellington’s trolleys was arguably the most controversial aspect of the plan, which will act as a blueprint for developing all public transport services across the region for the next decade.

It was met with stern opposition from some regional councillors right up until the very end.

Councillor Sue Kedgley proposed a couple of motions that would have either delayed a decision on the trolleys until more was known about their cost, or, at the very least, forced bus operators to trial the new technology within the next 12 months so councillors could have confidence it would work in Wellington.

‘‘It would be grossly irresponsible if this council was to buy a fleet of hybrids before trialling them to see if they work on our steep hills.’’

No other councillor supported Kedgley’s proposals.

Transport portfolio leader Paul Swain said there were enough hybrid buses operating in hilly cities around the world for the council to feel confident the technology was up to scratch. Greater Wellington Regional Council adopted its 2014-15 annual plan yesterday along with an average residential rates increase of 5.7 per cent, or $21 a year.

The average increase varies across the Wellington region based on capital values, from a low of about $5 in Masterton to a high of about $34 in Lower Hutt. A 2.5 per cent increase in the water levy was also approved.

Councillor Paul Swain acknowledged

The real issue with the trolley buses was their ageing power supply infrastructure, which would need a $52 million facelift to ensure a reliable service.

‘‘I don’t think the ratepayers of the Wellington region should bear the cost of the increase had been pegged back from 6.1 per cent to 5.7 per cent, but said that was still quite high in percentage terms.

‘‘In the end, the rates we set need to be funded and paid for by people on fixed incomes.’’

Council chairwoman Fran Wilde said an average increase of $21 across the region was a pretty good result.

Previous rates increases had been quite modest, which made this one look larger by comparison, she said. upgrading what is effectively 10 per cent of the bus fleet.’’

Council chairwoman Fran Wilde said the public would not jump on buses unless they were frequent and reliable. ‘‘The problem with the trolleys is that they’re neither of those things.’’