Nelson Bus Fares Raised By 20 Cents

Nelson company Suburban Bus Lines says fuel price hikes have not led more people to use public transport, forcing it to raise its fares for the first time in two years.

From Monday, single adult fares will go up by 20 cents, and child and senior tickets will increase by 10 cents.

Managing director Tony Cumming said the company last put up its prices in October 2005.

He said SBL had hoped rising fuel costs would encourage more people to use the service, but there had been no significant increase in passenger numbers since the last fare rise.

As wages, fuel and running costs had all gone up in the past two years, he said the company had to raise its fares.

Mr Cumming said it was not a large increase, and so far he had not heard of any major complaints from customers.

Since the 5 cent coin had been taken out of circulation, Mr Cumming said increases had to be made in 10 cent increments, and the senior and child fare rises were as low as they could have been.

Ten-trip concession tickets had also gone up by the same proportion, he said.

Inner city bus routes are provided by the Bus, which is owned by Nelson company Leisure Travel New Zealand.

A spokesperson for the Bus said there were no plans to increase inner city fares, which were $1 for a child and $2 for an adult.

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