No cuts to SuperGold Card entitlements - Joyce

The Transport Minister admits his choice of words may have contributed to the outcry over potential cuts to SuperGold Card transport concessions.

When he announced a review of the free off-peak public transport component of the card, Steven Joyce said officials would be looking at how off-peak should be defined.

He also threw a question mark over the eligibility of high cost services including Auckland's Waiheke Island ferry.

Mr Joyce is now keen to assure senior citizens he did not mean their entitlements would be cut.

"It possibly wasn't clear enough but I think also there was definitely some political desire to create some concern and fear."

Mr Joyce says services will continue, but denies opposition claims he has backed down because of the angry reaction.

- NEWSTALK ZB