Bus fares retained across Region

Horizons Regional Council Passenger Transport Committee has decided to retain current fares on all passenger transport services in the Region.

Chair of the Passenger Transport Committee Rachel Keedwell says the committee’s decision is excellent news for passengers.

“We’re committed to keeping fares affordable on all our bus services and this decision reflects our commitment to passengers,” Cr Keedwell says.

The Regional Public Transport Plan states that Horizons will aim to recover at least 45-50 per cent of the total costs of providing public transport services in the Region from fare revenue, with the revenue recovery rate currently tracking at 45 per cent.

“This is an increase on the previous target of 40 to 45 per cent in recognition that Horizons has exceeded its target in the previous two financial years,” Cr Keedwell says.

“It’s also pleasing to see patronage on smaller services growing, with Raetihi-Ohakune, and Taihape services all experiencing higher passenger numbers.

“The Levin commuter service is also on course for its highest ever patronage since Horizons begun contracting the service in 2003-2004, with revenue recovery at almost 70 per cent,”

The Committee heard that an overall drop in patronage in Palmerston North over the previous two financial years can be contributed to a number of factors, most notably a decline in the numbers of trips made by Massey staff and students.

Since 2011, Horizons has been required to annually review fares on all of its contracted bus services. Reviewing the fares has the potential to affect the amount of funding needed for passenger transport services. However, no change to budgeted levels is proposed for the 2015-2016 financial year.

Services retaining current fares include: Palmerston North urban, Wanganui Urban, Ashhurst-Palmerston North, Feilding-Palmerston North, Levin Commuter, Marton Commuter, Raetihi-Ohakune, and Taihape-Palmerston North/Wanganui.

More information about bus fares and timetables is available from the Passenger Transport section of the Horizons’ website www.horizons.govt.nz.

ENDS

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