It appears that Auckland Transport have finally realised the trouble the public transport system faces with the proposed requirements from the NZTA to hike how much public transport funding comes from users and other PT related revenue.
In Wellington we've seen fighting words from the regional council. Transport Committee chair Thomas Nash has repeatedly pushed back against drastic changes to fare recovery. However, it's clear council is already under pressure to generate more revenue. A recent announcement indicated fares increases from 1 July this year will be limited to the rate of inflation at 2.2%, however off-peak fares will rise significantly.
It's uncertain where the council will land for future years. In the Regional Public Transport Plan 2025-35, which is currently being consulted on, a commitment is made to limit fare recovery to 25% of operating revenue. At the same time, a vaguely worded statement suggests that this may not be the last word. It is noted: "Revenue ratios under the guidance of the new GPS are yet to be finalised; however, Greater Wellington intends to be compliant with NZTA guidance on farebox recovery when it is released." This is a concern and our council needs to make the strongest possible stand against ratcheting up to higher levels of user pays.
I don't know how enlightening NZTA workings will be, but they have said "that once the negotiations with PTAs conclude, NZTA will proactively release: the modelling for the initial proposed private share targets; the source data for the above modelling; and the targets agreed with each PTA.
In Wellington we've seen fighting words from the regional council. Transport Committee chair Thomas Nash has repeatedly pushed back against drastic changes to fare recovery. However, it's clear council is already under pressure to generate more revenue. A recent announcement indicated fares increases from 1 July this year will be limited to the rate of inflation at 2.2%, however off-peak fares will rise significantly.
It's uncertain where the council will land for future years. In the Regional Public Transport Plan 2025-35, which is currently being consulted on, a commitment is made to limit fare recovery to 25% of operating revenue. At the same time, a vaguely worded statement suggests that this may not be the last word. It is noted: "Revenue ratios under the guidance of the new GPS are yet to be finalised; however, Greater Wellington intends to be compliant with NZTA guidance on farebox recovery when it is released." This is a concern and our council needs to make the strongest possible stand against ratcheting up to higher levels of user pays.
I don't know how enlightening NZTA workings will be, but they have said "that once the negotiations with PTAs conclude, NZTA will proactively release: the modelling for the initial proposed private share targets; the source data for the above modelling; and the targets agreed with each PTA.