Confusion over free bus and train fares

Despite initial confusion over who will pay for it, Greater Wellington Regional Council has confirmed fares will remain free for all trains and buses in Wellington until the end of June.

All public transport nationwide has been free since March 24, with the Government’s transport agency picking up the tab for lost revenues.

As recently as Thursday, multiple regional councillors and Metlink officials told Stuff that fares would be fully subsidised by NZTA until June 30.

However, an NZTA spokesperson made it clear yesterday that the agency would not be paying for fares at level 2 or lower.

‘‘While public transport will remain free while New Zealand is at alert levels 3 and 4, up until June 30, 2020, if necessary, when New Zealand enters alert level 2, regions are expected to begin collecting fares on public transport if they can do so safely,’’ the spokesperson said.

NZTA said it would work with the various councils to help them start charging fares again as soon as practically possible.

That news was greeted with initial confusion by regional council transport chair Roger Blakeley and Metlink officials.

‘‘I hadn’t heard that,’’ Blakeley said. ‘‘As far as we know that’s still happening. As of yesterday that was the plan.’’

The confusion seems to have arisen from a miscommunication over who was footing the bill, rather than whether commuters would be charged.

After seeking clarification, Metlink confirmed that Wellington will go ahead with the plan for free fares until June 30, but negotiations over who will pay for it are ongoing.

The revenue shortfall could possibly be covered by GWRC, NZTA, or some combination of the two.

A spokesperson said the decision was made because limits on capacity meant Metlink would not be able to provide a normal service.

Buses and trains will only be able to carry around a third of the normal number of passengers, due to one-metre social distancing rules.

Each regional council and authorities will make their decisions independently, meaning fares could be reintroduced to some areas far earlier than others.

An Auckland Transport spokesperson indicated it was unlikely to follow GWRC’s lead in guaranteeing free fares through till June, though no decision had been made yet.

Environment Canterbury, which operates Metro buses in Christchurch, said it was still in discussions with NZTA.