5 Oct 2012

Uncertainty over free evening trips in Auckland

11:02 am on 5 October 2012

There is uncertainty over the future of some free public transport trips in Auckland for the over-65s.

The Transport Agency says free late-afternoon travel available only in Auckland, is unaffordable.

Auckland region extended the free off-peak travel in the SuperGold Card scheme to include the evening peak and shares the cost with the Transport Agency.

The agency now says the Auckland deal is unaffordable and its $1.5 million share falls outside its responsibilities.

Auckland Transport is to review all its passenger concessions and says there may be other ways to fund the evening travel perk, if Government funding ends.

Grey Power Waiheke and Gulf Islands branch president Allen Davies said life would become extremely difficult for those who need to get into the city for hospital appointments.

He said the change would create a very narrow window when GoldCard holders can travel for free.