COMMUTER COSTS UP: The train from Wellington arrives at Masterton Station. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA
Travel costs will rise for commuters next month.
Many fares for Wellington buses, trains and harbour ferries will increase from Tuesday, October 1. It is the third price hike since 2011.
For Wairarapa commuters, the cost of rail monthly passes and 10-trip tickets will rise by about 2.5 per cent.
This means an adult buying a monthly pass to travel from Masterton to Wellington city will pay $432 - an increase of $10.50.
From Featherston, it will cost $8.40 more.
Train commuters who buy an October monthly pass before October 1 will need to pay the new price.
An adult 10-trip card between Masterton and Wellington will increase $3.50, to $144.
Most cash fares will not change, apart from a 50c increase to adult and children's cash fares for Wellington - Featherston and Wellington - Woodside.
The Snapper fare in the CBD zone will rise from $1.60 to $1.66.
The price rises are being made now to prevent a much bigger increase in the next year or so.
The fare increase will cover rising public transport costs and ensure the fares contribute about 55 per cent of overall day-to-day costs, in line with Greater Wellington Regional Council and central government policy. The rest of the costs are paid for through regional rates and taxes.
The council has assumed a standard 3 per cent increase in fare revenue a year for 10 years.
A complete list of fare changes is available online at www.metlink.org.nz/tickets-and-fares
Senior Sergeant Fleming, 62, was killed when she was rammed by a car on New Year's Day.