March a record-breaking month for Metlink with 2.7 million bus trips
March was the busiest month on record for Metlink bus passengers, with nearly 2.7 million trips across the Wellington region.
Overall, Metlink services recorded 3.6 million trips across bus, rail and harbour ferries, making March the highest month for public transport use since 2019.
Greater Wellington Transport Committee Chair Ros Connelly says it’s encouraging to see more people choosing public transport.
“These figures show a rapid uptick in public transport use, above and beyond annual March madness. The fuel crisis is having a clear impact on the cost of living, and using public transport is a great way to save money and reduce fuel use,” says Cr Connelly.
“While March shows a near record volume of people travelling across our network, Metlink is still under considerable financial pressure to maintain current levels of service.”
Transport Committee Deputy Chair Tom James says Metlink is monitoring capacity closely.
“With more people travelling, especially on Tuesdays through Thursdays, we are seeing that some services are getting really full,” says Cr James.
“We’re reviewing our capacity and are working with operators to ensure our buses and trains continue to meet demand as the fuel situation continues. If you have a flexible working arrangement, you may want to consider travelling outside of peak times to secure a seat and discount.”
Cr Connelly says she is confident that public transport use will remain high into April, with passengers soon able to pay adult fares with their credit and debit card on Metlink buses and trains.
“Very soon, choosing public transport will be even easier, with more ways to pay for your journey,” adds Cr Connelly.
“The introduction of electronic payments from 12 April will make public transport easier to use and help people adjust to using new payment methods, before we transition to the National Ticketing Solution Motu Move in 2027."