KEY POINTS:
Auckland commuters are unhappy about higher fares for public transport, which began this week.
On Sunday train fares rose between 9.4 per cent and 19 per cent, while bus fares went up by an average of 7.8 per cent.
The fare increases are being blamed on a rise in costs for bus and train operators.
The Auckland Regional Transport Authority, which runs public train services in the area, said it had "limited means to recover cost increases" - including fares.
ARTA communications manager, Sharon Hunt, said an alternative option to recover cost increases was to stop running commercial services, which would either increase contracting costs or reduce service levels.
However, commuters spoken to by the Herald were unimpressed.
"I'm not too happy about it at all, but what other choice do we have," said Dosu Kotwal, who takes a return trip by train every day from Panmure to Britomart station.
He said the price increases would add an extra $10 to his monthly ticket.
Jordan Guy, who takes the bus from Kumeu to Auckland central every day, was also not happy.
"The council is wanting everyone to catch buses, but is putting prices up - that doesn't really make sense to me," he said.
Lisa Agnew said it would cost her $4 more each week to take the train from Greenlane to Britomart.
"It's all a bit unexpected really, and while the service is good, it's starting to get a bit more expensive, particularly with the cost of petrol coming down so much since last year too," she said.
Ms Hunter said train fares were still comparatively lower than bus fares. This gap would be addressed by ARTA in years to come to allow for integrated fares across bus and train services which offer the same cost for the same distance of travel.
She said it was hoped a legislation change would enable better value from contracted bus services in future and that ARTA aims to oversee the operation of all bus services in Auckland.
The current transport system has around 26 per cent of bus services provided on a commercial basis, which carry around 46 per cent of passengers.
Increase prompts rethink
Trina Sutherland, Glendene:
I'm not too impressed because it keeps going up even though petrol has come down in price. It seems like they went up just a few months ago and are going up again.
Jordan Guy, Kumeu:
The council wants everyone to catch buses, so putting prices up doesn't really make sense. There's all this talk about infrastructure and using the public transport system, so putting prices up seems pretty stupid.
Renee Hodder, Massey:
If it goes up any higher it's not going to be worth it, really. It's getting pretty expensive. It was $120 a month for me; now it's closer to $140.
Paul Ryan, Newmarket:
It might get to the point where it's easier to bring my car in every day. It costs me $3.60 a day for the train and I probably wouldn't use that in gas. Plus I have free parking at work.
Deepal Singh, Blockhouse Bay:
I think it's too much really. Six months ago it increased and now it has increased again so it's become quite expensive. If it gets any more expensive I might start bringing my car in.
Ramona Van Der Lee, New Lynn:
It's pretty stink. They should be promoting public transport to reduce the amount of traffic on the roads as an incentive for people to use buses and trains.
