Submitters say some bus fare rises unfair

Proposed lower interim Dunedin bus fares were welcome, but submitters have objected to vulnerable groups facing higher charges for single-zone travel.

An earlier Dunedin City Council written submission stated that proposed $2 flat fares, or $1.50 for youth - part of the planned introduction of the Bee card — would make fares cheaper for about two-thirds of passengers.

Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins yesterday supported the Otago Regional Council’s temporary flat fare aims but warned of "perverse outcomes" in which vulnerable people were disadvantaged.

Mr Hawkins has identified such people as children, students and GoCard Extra holders travelling within one zone.

Several submitters to a regional council hearing panel yesterday said a modest increase for adult single zone travel from $1.92 to $2 was acceptable, but a 16% rise for people with disabilities from $1.72, and a 30% single zone rise for children (from $1.15 to $1.50) were clearly unacceptable.

Submitting by Zoom, Mr Hawkins said the city council had put aside $600,000 to mitigate bus fares and this could help with single-zone issues.

It was also important that the two councils and the NZ Transport Agency discussed how to avoid a potentially "counterproductive" rise in fares on January 1, after the Dunedin temporary flat fares ended.

The hearing panel, comprising chairwoman Kate Wilson and commissioner Brian Baxter, will report its recommendations to a regional council meeting on August 12.

Angus Wilson, of Unions Otago, urged the panel to ensure children, students and people with disabilities paid no more than now, and said proposed big single-zone fare rises - to take effect on September 1 - were "unfair and unreasonable".

Disabled Persons Assembly representatives Chris Ford and Dave King also raised concerns.

The Bus Users Support Group Otepoti-Dunedin said the proposed 30% rise for children was "an unprecedented price gouge", and the Otago University Students’ Association said students should travel on the child fare.

john.gibb@odt.co.nz