More than 500,000 SuperGold Card holders across New Zealand, including all those living in the Wellington Region, will be eligible for free off-peak public transport travel from next week, Labour List MP Charles Chauvel said today.
The Government is providing funding of $72 million over four years ($18 million a year) for the SuperGold Card free off-peak travel scheme for card holders.
"The Greater Wellington Regional Council is rolling out travel concessions from Wednesday 1 October to SuperGold Card holders to enable free off-peak travel on bus, train and harbour ferry services.
"SuperGold Card holders who show their cards will be able to travel for free on public transport from 9am to 3pm and from 6.30pm to the end of service on weekdays, and any time on weekends and public holidays," Charles Chauvel said.
"Buses, trains and harbour ferries are a critical means of getting about for many seniors, and this initiative will ensure that cost will no longer be a barrier to their travel plans.
"Apart from Wellington, the regions ready to roll out free off-peak travel on 1 October are: Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay, Gisborne, Manawatu/Wanganui, Nelson, Canterbury, Otago and Southland. Northland, Taranaki and Marlborough are expected to be ready to roll out the concessions from 1 November," Charles Chauvel said.
Charles Chauvel says the concessions will benefit approximately 530,000 New Zealanders.
"SuperGold Card holders will have increased mobility and greater access to goods, services and social activities in their local communities.
"The New Zealand Household Travel Survey shows most people aged 65 and over do most of their public transport travel during off-peak hours, making an estimated eight million trips per year on buses and trains.
"I am sure this trend can only get better as people take advantage of the new concessions," Charles Chauvel said.
The creation of the SuperGold Card was part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement between Labour and New Zealand First signed after the last election
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