KEY POINTS:
Auckland tertiary students are in for bigger discounts next year on all public transport trips, and bus passengers from all walks of life may be in for treats ranging from biscuits, "mood" music - and smiling drivers.
The Auckland Regional Transport Authority, in a bid primarily to boost sluggish bus patronage, announced yesterday that it will double student discounts on all forms of public transport from 20 per cent to 40 per cent from February.
Although that will be at an extra annual subsidy cost of $1.1 million, the move is expected to boost public transport patronage by 250,000 trips a year.
For the longer term, the authority has produced a development plan in pursuit of a common customer service standard across all bus operators to which it pays subsidies for contracted services.
Possibilities listed for adoption between 2008 and 2011 are complimentary tickets to atone for poor service, cookies for passengers as they get aboard buses, and customer service training to combat complaints about "grumpy" drivers.
An authority report to the Auckland Regional Council noted that such training had already begun at two of the main bus companies, NZ Bus (formerly Stagecoach) and Ritchies Transport.
That covered greetings, smiles, attire and a "How can I help you?" approach to passengers.
The report also pointed to a growing focus on major entertainment events such as sports matches to highlight the convenience of public transport to those unused to catching buses, trains or ferries.
That included a proposal being negotiated with the Auckland Rugby Union for public transport passes to be included with tickets to the next seasons of Super 14 and National Provincial Game rugby games at Eden Park.
Discussions had also begun with North Harbour Stadium to test such a scheme at a Warriors match there in February.
Transport authority chief executive Fergus Gammie told the regional council his organisation was close to finalising a comprehensive new fare strategy, for which it would be back for political approval early next year. That would simplify the more than 100 public transport fares around the region.
TREATS FOR TRIPS
* Tertiary students - 40 per cent discounts from February on buses, trains and ferries.
* General passengers - may be in for snacks, piped music and courtesy.
* Sports fans - public transport passes included with match tickets.
