Train fares to increase

3 February 2006

Train fares to increase

The Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) today announced the rail network's first fare increase in over five years. An average 10 per cent increase in train fares (excluding day and monthly passes which stay the same) will commence on Monday 13 February 2006.

This fare change follows last October's annual review of changes in operating costs for Auckland's transport service operators and is line with the region's Maximum Fare Schedule.

ARTA's Chief Executive Officer, Alan Thompson said, "Fuel and wage costs have gone up significantly in the last year, and the CPI has risen 13.1 per cent since the last train fare increase over five years ago. Day and monthly passes will stay the same price, giving frequent train travellers an attractive option.

"Aucklanders can use the city's trains seven days a week, including late nights on Fridays and Saturdays. An increasing number of passengers are appreciating the benefits of train travel for their daily commute, weekend day trips and special events such as the Super 14 and 20/20 cricket at Eden Park or Warriors games and the U2 concert at Ericsson stadium. ARTA is working hard with its partners Connex Auckland (to be renamed Veolia Transport Ltd on March 1 2006), ONTRACK, TOLL and ARTNL to continue the improvements in the quality of the network's facilities and service performance," said Mr Thompson.

Example of fare changes include: a single trip ticket between between New Lynn and Britomart previously $3.00 will cost $3.30; or a single trip ticket between Pukekohe and Britomart previously $7.20 will cost $7.90.

All train fare revenue is used to offset running costs and invested in the on-going service and rail system improvements. Auckland's train services are operated by Connex Auckland Ltd on behalf of ARTA.

To find out about the new fare prices or to order a hard copy of the new fare brochure customers should call MAXX on 366 6400 or visit www.maxx.co.nz . From Tuesday 7 February 2006 Fare Brochures will be available at Britomart Transport Centre, Papakura station or local ticket agencies.

Improvements to the Auckland rail network and services since 2000 include:

* Over 80 per cent overall increase in services across the network (over the week)
* Improved performance across the network
* Introduction of the first regular Sunday passenger services on the rail network in over 40 years
* Introduction of Friday and Saturday late night services
* Increase in special services for events around Auckland (including International rugby, Super 14 Rugby, International Cricket, Big Day Out, and Farmers Santa Parade)
* The opening of the train station at Britomart Transport Centre in July 2003; the first time trains came into downtown CBD since the 1930s (before this they stopped at the Strand)
* Upgrading of stations across the network. Kingsland, Ranui, Glen Innes, Papatoetoe, Homai have already been upgraded and work has commenced on Manurewa, Meadowbank and Panmure stations amongst others. The new stations will have improved connections with buses and better fit with existing and planned land use
* Completion of the first stage of track duplication on the Western Line (between Boston Rd in Mount Eden and Avondale) and on-going works to complete duplication to Swanson, which will improve service reliability and capacity allowing more frequent services between Swanson and Britomart Transport Centre.

About the new train fares

Adult Ten Ride Fares

Stage
Station from Britomart
Existing
New
1
Newmarket/Orakei/Kingsland
$10.00
$10.50
2
Ellerslie, Glen Innes, Mt Albert
$20.00
$21.50
3
Otahuhu, New Lynn
$27.00
$29.50
4
Papatoetoe, Henderson
$34.00
$37.50
5
Homai, Ranui
$41.00
$45.00
6
Papakura, Waitakere
$45.00
$49.50
8
Pukekohe
$64.00
$71.00

Concession Child & Senior Citizen Ten Ride Fares

Stage
Station from Britomart
Existing
New

1
Newmarket/Orakei/Kingsland
$5.90
$6.50

2
Ellerslie, Glen Innes, Mt Albert
$11.70
$12.50

3
Otahuhu, New Lynn
$16.20
$18.00

4
Papatoetoe, Henderson
$19.80
$21.60

5
Homai, Ranui
$24.30
$27.00

6
Papakura, Waitakere
$27.00
$29.50

8
Pukekohe
$38.70
$42.50

Tertiary Student Ten Ride Fares

Stage
Station from Britomart
Existing
New

1
Newmarket/Orakei/Kingsland
$8.80
$9.60

2
Ellerslie, Glen Innes, Mt Albert
$17.60
$19.20

3
Otahuhu, New Lynn
$24.00
$26.40

4
Papatoetoe, Henderson
$30.40
$33.60

5
Homai, Ranui
$36.00
$40.00

6
Papakura, Waitakere
$40.00
$44.00

8
Pukekohe
$57.60
$63.20

ENDS

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