Metlink fares to increase 3.1 percent from 15 May 2026
Metlink public transport fares will increase by 3.1 percent from 15 May, with discounts applied to off‑peak fares being reduced from 30 to 20 percent
The decision to adjust fares follows Greater Wellington’s Annual Fare Review, a policy requirement that ensures public transport fares keep pace with inflation and operating costs. The review helps ensure passengers contribute a balanced and sustainable share toward running and improving the network alongside ratepayers, and other funding partners, including the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
Greater Wellington Public Transport Committee chair, Cr Ros Connelly, says the decision was carefully considered.
This was a difficult but necessary call for the Council to make. We have to balance fiscal responsibility and funding constraints with what people can reasonably afford,
“We know the cost of living is challenging for many households, but we must ensure our fare revenue is sufficient to meet our funding and revenue targets set by NZTA as well as maintain the services people rely on every day.”
From 15 May, the cost of a three‑zone trip will increase by 14 cents, bringing the peak adult Snapper fare to $4.67 for those travelling to the CBD from Miramar or Karori. For Wairarapa passengers travelling by train from Masterton to Wellington, the fare will rise by 56 cents to $18.50 at peak times.
Cr Connelly says councillors are committed to keeping public transport affordable.
Metlink Senior Manager of Strategy and Investments, Tim Shackleton, noted the need to address a projected revenue shortfall expected to be $3 million for the current financial year.
“Our operating costs continue to grow, and patronage, particularly on rail, remains a challenge. This means the gap is growing between revenue we earn
from fares and the cost to operate public transport services across the region,” Shackleton says.
“We need to address at least some of these costs with fare increases to ensure council costs remain financially sustainable.”
Shackleton says Metlink is also preparing to introduce new contactless payment options for full‑fare‑paying adults, ahead of the region’s transition to the national ticketing system Motu Move.
Adults will be able to tap on and off Metlink buses and trains using a debit or credit card, smartphone or smartwatch, through the existing Snapper system from 12 April. Once these additional payment options are available, Metlink will start to phase out the use of cash on board buses and trains over the next 12 months.
Fare‑paying passengers, ratepayers, road users, and the private sector all contribute to funding public transport. Annual fare increases help ensure fares keep pace with rising costs while maintaining services.
This year’s change also reflects government policy requiring a greater share of funding to come from passenger fares and third‑party revenue, such as advertising. More information is available on the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) website(external link).
Fuel price context
The timing of the fare increase was approved by Council on 19 February 2026, before the recent fuel price increases.
Greater Wellington is actively monitoring fuel price movements and their impacts on any necessary fare or service changes as part of its response.
Balancing affordability
Greater Wellington aims to keep fares affordable while maintaining services. To balance rising costs and government funding requirements, rather than larger peak fare rises, a modest 3.1% increase has been applied alongside a reduction in the off-peak discount.
Metlink remains one of the few transport providers in the country offering an off-peak discount and the services remains relatively affordable by international standards.
Fare increase
The 3.1% increase will apply across Metlink bus, train, and harbour ferry services.
This includes Snapper fares, credit and debit card payments, period passes, and some cash fares.
Concessions
Concession discounts will continue to apply and will increase in line with the general 3.1% fare adjustment.
Fare examples
From 15 May 2026:
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The cost of a three‑zone trip will increase by 14 cents, bringing the peak adult Snapper fare to $4.67 (for example, travelling to the Wellington CBD from Miramar or Karori).
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For Wairarapa passengers travelling fourteen zones by train (for example, from Masterton to Wellington), the peak fare will increase by 56 cents to $18.50.
Off-peak discount change
The Snapper off‑peak discount on buses and trains will change from 30% to 20%.
Off‑peak discounts do not apply to ferry services or Airport Express services.
Off‑peak travel times
Bus
- Before 7am
- Between 9am and 3pm
- After 6.30pm
- All day on weekends and public holidays
Train
- Between 9am and 3pm
- After 6.30pm
- All day on weekends and public holidays
SuperGold travel
SuperGold Card holders can continue to travel free during SuperGold off‑peak times.
We’re phasing out cash payments to help create a faster, more efficient and safer public transport system for everyone. There is no immediate change, and customers can continue to use cash on board for now.
We’ll begin making changes gradually over the coming months, with cash payments fully phased out by March 2027. In the meantime, customers are encouraged to switch to contactless payment options, such as debit or credit cards, which are already available across Metlink buses, trains and ferries.