Fare dodgers out, but pets in
The leash is about to be tightened on Wellington’s fare dodgers – while at the same time being relaxed for pets travelling on public transport.
Fare dodgers may soon face the prospect of paying a $150 penalty, as Greater Wellington Regional Council looks to plug what it calls ‘‘revenue leakage’’.
Council officers have suggested the possibility of putting enforcement officers on buses, trains and ferries, warranted by police to hand out $150 infringement notices.
If the fees are not paid and the matter goes to court, the maximum fine could reach $500. If a conviction results, that figure could reach as high as $1000.
Little information exists as to how much fare evasion costs Wellington transport provider Metlink. Data from other networks put annual losses at about $2.5 million for rail and $500,000 for buses.
However, random train ticket checks in Wellington in November 2016 and February 2017 showed less than 1 per cent of travellers were dodging fares.
The proposed crackdown will be discussed by the regional council’s sustainable transport committee this morning.
If councillors agree to introduce enforcement officers, they would receive specialised training, and be given the power to require passengers to provide evidence they have paid the correct fare, and to issue infringement notices.
Those caught without a ticket could be asked to leave the service by the officer.
Councillors will also vote today on whether to approve new rules allowing domestic pets to travel on all off-peak buses and trains for free, provided they are enclosed in a suitable carrier.
If adopted, the rules will come into effect between the end of April and mid-July, depending on the service.
Lower Hutt resident Sophie MacDonald said the news was music to her ears. With her border terrier Rufus following her to work every day, a rule change will mean less chance of being stranded in Wellington should ferry services to her home in Eastbourne be cancelled.
‘‘We had a storm come through recently where ferries were completely cancelled, and they couldn’t guarantee I would be allowed to take him in any of the privately owned ferry shuttles.’’
The proposed new rules suggest owners may be refused entry to a bus or train, or asked to leave, if their pet was causing a nuisance, or if there were safety concerns for passengers. Pets may also be rejected if the service is crowded.
Disability assistance dogs will still be allowed to travel on all public transport without a cage, provided
they are seated on the floor. Wellington cat owner Alex Ladyman said the council’s initiative was a great move, with many owners struggling to take their animals to the vet because of their reliance on public transport.
In May 2017, Island Bay resident Belinda Croft started a petition to have the rules changed to allow her pug Rupert and shih tzu Lulu to ride together on the city’s buses. The petition received more than 1000 signatures. Last night she said she was elated to hear the idea could soon become a reality.
‘‘I think it’s revolutionary. There’s a lot of stigma about dog owners and non-dog people, and I think it would be great for the two worlds ... to finally come together.’’