Regional councils have responded positively to the Government's SuperGold Card free travel funding review, Associate Minister of Transport Nathan Guy told Parliament yesterday.
Speaking on behalf of Minister of Transport Steven Joyce, Mr Guy said the Government had "been getting very positive support" from councils and transport companies on its proposal to cut its travel subsidy from 75% to 65% of the full adult fare.
The Government was totally committed to the SuperGold Card, and a report detailing the final recommendations to Cabinet would be completed "soon", Mr Guy said during question time in Parliament.
Labour Party transport spokesman Darren Hughes asked whether the minister was committed to the present definition of off-peak travel, in which SuperGold Card holders can travel free on public transport.
Mr Guy said the SuperGold Card entitlements would not change.
The Otago Daily Times last week revealed the ministry had decided to cut the rate after a review prompted by concerns demand on the scheme was so great it would outstrip its $18 million funding.
Otago Regional Council director Wayne Scott warned there was nothing in the SuperGold contract to stop bus companies leaving if the scheme started to cost them money.
Two Dunedin commuter-bus company managers said they would struggle to absorb the cost, while one briefly considered charging a top-up or leaving the scheme altogether.
In response, Mr Joyce said the subsidy might not change for companies experiencing hardship. He later guaranteed they would "be compensated to the point where they say they can afford to continue SuperGold free trips".
