Rumours that Auckland Transport is set to raise the fares on buses and trains are disappointing given the huge fall in oil prices, said the Green Party today.
Auckland transport writer, Ben Ross, has reported today that Auckland Transport is set to raise public transport fares on February 28.
“Auckland’s bus and train fares should be falling, not rising, if Auckland wants to fix its transport problems,” said Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter.
“With record low inflation last year of 0.1 percent and falling oil prices, the cost of using Auckland’s buses and trains should be going down, not up.
“Raising fares will only encourage more people to drive, making Auckland’s road congestion even worse than it already is.
“If the rumours of fare rises are true, the National Government can help by easing up on their requirements for Auckland Transport to collect more of the costs of running the public transport network from passengers.
“National’s fixation on user pays overlooks the wider economic benefits to Auckland of a fast, efficient, and well used public transport network. Better buses and trains are the fastest, cheapest, and least polluting way to get Auckland moving again.
“The Green Party would expand the rail network and build more busways, creating the Congestion Free Network, and make sure services were frequent and affordable to get the best economic outcome for Auckland," Ms Genter said.
Link to the Ben Ross article:
http://voakl.net/2016/01/20/auckland-transport-to-raise-public-transport...
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