Wellington’s Bus Fares Increased

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31112, 15 July 1966, Page 9

Wellington’s Bus Fares Increased

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 14. Sweeping increases to Wellington’s city bus fares will come into effect on September 5.

The Wellington City Council approved changes to all aspects of its public transport service. Almost all cash fares will increase and a standard 6d fare for children whatever distance they travel will come into effect. The following are the new fare schedules, with present fares in brackets: Adults—one section city, 7d (fid); one section, 7d (7d); two sections, Is (lOd); three sections, Is 3d (Is Id); four sections, Is 6d (Is 3d); five sections, Is 9d (Is 4d); school passes, 12s 6d 7s 6d). Cr. J. H. Turk, chairman of the transport committee, said the council was also investigating the introduction of a housewives’ concession shopping ticket for use during daytime off-peak hours. The costs of running the public transport had risen to the point where the fares had to be increased. The issue was simply whether the increasing costs should be passed on to the ratepayers or the users, he said. The increases will provide an estimated extra revenue of £llB.OOO.

Increasing wage costs were mainly responsible for the department’s continuing loss, said Cr. Turk. “They account for 82 per cent of every pound we receive,” he said.