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Regular users of the Gulf Harbour ferry service are angry at fare increases that came into effect last weekend (February 28), which they say make using the ferry a far less attractive option.
The changes will see the cost of an adult 40 trip pass increase by $50 (from $340 to $390), and a monthly pass go from $270 to $290.
Auckland Transport sets the fares on all the public transport services that it contracts out to companies such as Fullers, and AT spokesperson Mark Hannan says the increases come in preparation for Integrated Fares, which are going to be rolled out later this year. “It is anticipated that there will be a continued rationalisation of some existing legacy operator ferry products; but also the introduction of some new, simplified, products which will continue to provide an affordable travel option for customers,” Mr Hannan says.
Ferry users say that the increase means that it now costs $100 more per month to use the ferry to get into the city than to catch the bus (the monthly bus pass is $190).
However Kevin McLeod of the Ferry Commuters Committee (which represents ferry users) says even though it’s a substantial increase, people will still prefer the ferry. “You can work as you commute, which is much harder by bus,” he says. Mr McLeod says the fact that ferry users are being charged more while the service remains the same is a bone of contention.
