Second Waiheke ferry to provide free travel for pensioners

The Explore Group announced yesterday it had won a share of a capped annual allocation previously paid only to long-time operator Fullers. Photo / Supplied

Auckland Transport has confirmed a second Waiheke ferry operator will share a Government subsidy for free travel to and from the island for pensioners.

The Explore Group announced yesterday it had won a share of a capped annual allocation previously paid only to long-time operator Fullers, but the council agency said it was not ready to comment as it was still involved in a bidding process on behalf of the Ministry of Transport.

But AT Metro general manager Mark Lambert this afternoon confirmed Government funding from January 1 for Explore, which started Waiheke ferry operations late last year and now has three vessels on the Auckland-Matiatia run.

The two ferry companies will receive Government money each year until the annual subsidy cap of $1.6 million for SuperGold Card holders -- is reached.

The operators are then expected to keep covering the costs of free travel for pensioners on weekends and after 9am on week days.

Mr Lambert said the Government funding would cover only off-peak travel -- from 9am to 3pm and after 6.30pm.

Auckland Transport would continue to cover travel on Fullers Ferries between 3pm and 6.30pm, but not on Explore vessels, until a funding review next year.

Explore managing director William Goodfellow said the company would offer seniors a similar entitlement pending the review.

Explore has until now been covering the cost of travel for pensioners holding a Waiheke Island loyalty card, but indicated it could not keep doing so indefinitely.