New Fares effective Monday 1st September 2008

Fares are going up to meet the rising costs of public transport. Greater Wellington’s rail operating contracts will cost $2.5 million more next financial year due largely to increased labour costs, while bus operating contracts will cost $2.4 million more due largely to oil prices. It is estimated that diesel bus contracts will cost significantly more the following year due to soaring oil prices. There have also been increases in the cost of maintaining infrastructure such as bus shelters, car parks and trolley bus overhead wires. To help meet these increased costs, Greater Wellington Regional Council has approved, in its annual plan, a $1.7m increase in revenue from fares. Rates have also been increased to meet public transport costs. Greater Wellington is not alone in its need to raise fares to meet rising costs. Other regional councils, from Northland to Otago, are also raising fares.

There are ways in which passengers can save on cash fares. Click on the various passes on the left that offer you different savings.

Student Information

School Bus Time tables click here

5-15 year olds inclusive pay child fares at all times. Full-time secondary school students aged 16-19 inclusive pay child fares at all times. An approved photo ID, issued by a secondary school may be requested by the driver to prove eligibility. Students must not occupy a seat while adults stand.

The Fares

The amount you pay on the bus depends on how many zones you are travelling. You can either travel with cash, a Smartcard or if you are a student - a termpass. There are also other great passes that give you discounted bus/train travel. Read on below.

Metlink Explorer: $18

Here is a great way to explore Wellington! It’s the one ticket for a whole day, on all your bus and train travel! A child can travel for free with an adult!

For all-day (except before 9.00am on weekdays) travel on any Tranz Metro (except Capital Connection and Wairarapa line), Stagecoach Wellington, Cityline Hutt Valley, Newlands or Mana Coach Service.

Tickets can be purchased from Cityline, MCS, NCS or Stagecoach bus drivers or usual rail ticket outlets and train guards (on a MCS & NCS bus, you can use your smartcard to purchase a “Metlink Explorer” ticket – no 20% discount).

'The Metlink Explorer' ticket is also available on weekends and public holidays.

Working out your fare/zone

If you click into the "Timetables" in the metlink website http://www.metlink.org.nz/, you may download the bus timetable you are enquiring on - On the timetable Find where you will start and end your journey on the map.  Count the number of different coloured fare zones you will travel through, including the zone that you will start and finish in.  Then look at the adult/child fares tables, to work out the fare for your trip.