Call For More Info On Hints Of Train Fare Rise

Posted by Jon C in electrificationNov 25th, 2009 | 3 responses

There were strong hints in yesterday’s electrification announcement that our present train fares will have to rise – but to realistic, the fares are pretty reasonable at the moment.

Manukau Mayor Len Brown says that  he wants to understand if there will be any implications for fares in the longer term when this is a loan rather than direct funding. But he agrees funding for electric trains is the kickstart needed to get more of his residents using public transport.

“Certainty around government funding for transport is always a major concern so confirmation of this loan is welcome. Along with recent developments like double tracking the western line, the overall electrification project, the Manukau rail link and Newmarket station we are seeing progress in getting better transport options for our city.”

David Collings

David Collings

Councillor and the city’s “transport portfolio leader”, David Collings, says yesterday’s announcement also means we can increase capacity so projects like the inner city rail loop can go ahead and trains can run more often on the new Manukau rail link when it opens.

“We need these new modern, efficient electric trains to really get our city moving and make public transport a realistic alternative to using the car. We need to focus on making it easier to get around the city for both business and residents, better public transport options will help that. Electric trains also have the added advantage of having less impact on the environment. “



3 Responses to “Call For More Info On Hints Of Train Fare Rise”

  1. Jeremy Harris says:
    November 25, 2009 at 10:29 pm

    It may have more to do with the farebox recovery ratio and streamlining for integrated ticketing rather than the nature of the loan but I think people can expect higher fares soon…

  2. Matt says:
    November 26, 2009 at 5:00 pm

    The fares absolutely are not realistic. Not for trains, and definitely not for buses. The economic comparison between cars and public transport is so close that cars win by sheer convenience. I already barely give public transport a thought if I’m going into Newmarket in off-peak hours, and any rise in fares would make the decision even easier.
    Similarly, travel into the CBD, a distance of about 7km if I go all the way to Britomart, will set me back $5.60 by train, $6.40 by bus. That’s return petrol, plus an hour of parking (in case I arrive before the start of the free parking period), and still some change. No deal, Mr Joyce.

    For many people the equation is only barely in favour of public transport. Any rise in fares will tip it back to cars, and then we lose patrons. Or maybe that’s Joyce’s cunning plan?

  3. Jeremy Harris says:
    November 26, 2009 at 9:07 pm

    A plan, maybe…

    Cunning, most definitely not…

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