Aucklanders will soon have to pay higher fares for public transport.
Public transport fares in Auckland will increase by an average of 6.2 percent from February 4, Auckland Transport (AT) said. The increase for longer journeys is only one to four percent.
It is estimated to be an increase of between $0.06 and $0.40 per journey on buses, trains and ferries for adult fares.
AT said the increase will help meet "significant and sustained operating cost increases".
"Each year Auckland Transport (AT) reviews its fares against changes in operating costs and available budget, taking into account the cost of living and the investment needed to maintain and improve public transport services. Fares are then typically updated in February," AT director public transport and active modes Stacey van der Putten said.
"This year we are having to increase fares to keep up with the rising cost of running and maintaining Auckland's public transport network."
Van der Putten noted due to COVID-19 and the extreme weather events, AT deferred 2023's fare increase and in 2022 there was no increase at all.
"But operating costs have spiked dramatically over this period, driven by high inflation and staff shortages. Adjusting fares to raise revenue is unfortunately one of the steps AT needs to take to cover these higher costs," she said.
Despite the changes to fares, van der Putten said patronage growth is forecast to continue and this will generate more revenue to help AT meet its operating costs.
"Aucklanders can also look forward to simpler fares and more affordable public transport for frequent users following an independent review of AT's fare structure. The review will explore initiatives such as a weekly fare cap and its findings are expected in the coming months."
