"Auckland Transport raised the issues around fare evasion with me, and it has been good to work constructively with them to ensure public transport is a success in our biggest city," the minister said.
"Left unchecked, evasion of fares increases the costs of public transport for paying passengers as well as taxpayers and ratepayers who subsidise the services.
"It undermines the integrity of the ticketing systems used and the effectiveness of public transport generally."
Mr Bridges said that with the looming arrival in Auckland of dozens more double decker buses, the law change would be useful for combating fare evasion on those as well as on trains.
He and Auckland Mayor Len Brown said fare evaders could account for up to six per cent of Auckland rail travel, meaning a financial drain of $2 million a year.
Those refusing to pay the $150 infringement fee could still face a maximum fine of $500 on conviction in court, as is theoretically possible now following police involvement.
But Mr Bridges said the Land Transport Act would be amended to created a new offence - punishable by a fine of up to $1000 - for anyone who refused to provide a warranted enforcement officer with a name, address and date of birth or who disobeyed an instruction to get off a train, bus or ferry.
Auckland rail operator Transdev has about 45 roving ticket inspectors, but company chief Martin Kearney said it has yet to learn details of who would qualify to become warranted officers under the Act.
Enforcement officers will have power to:
• Ask passengers to provide evidence they have paid a fare
• Ask passengers to advise their name, address and date of birth if they cannot produce evidence of a valid ticket
• Advise the passenger to get off the public transport service
If a passenger hasn't paid a fare:
• May face an infringement fee of $150
• $500 fine on conviction
• $1000 fine on conviction if failing to comply with enforcement officer's directions
