$27m bid to get more people on buses

Public transport operators have received a $27 million incentive to attract more passengers over the next three years.

In a move which is aimed mainly at freeing Auckland's clogged roads, the Government will pay the companies more money from this month to get more people to use buses, trains and ferries - especially at peak times.

Stagecoach commercial manager Ian Turner said the company planned to use the new money to put more peak-hour bus services on busy routes such as Dominion Rd from February, when there was a seasonal upsurge in public transport patronage.

Transport Minister Mark Gosche and Auckland Issues Minister Judith Tizard said the new arrangements gave Auckland great opportunities to bring about real changes.

Transfund, the Government's roading and public transport financing agency, yesterday announced details of the scheme, which will run until July 2003.

It includes "kick-start" cash for increasing public transport services, marketing, electronic ticketing and capital items such as bus shelters costing less than $400,000.

Transfund will pay 80 per cent of eligible costs until next July, 60 per cent the following year and 40 per cent in the year to July 2003.

Until now, transport companies have been paid per route through a combination of rates money and a Transfund subsidy capped at $41.2 million.

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