Warranted Transport Officers - Kia ora to our new team in green!
Metlink is welcoming eight Warranted Transport Officers (WTOs) to its public transport network for the first time to support passengers with their journeys.
The WTOs will be visible on Metlink buses, trains, and ferries, and at stops, stations, and wharves from today, Monday 16 October.
Dubbed the “team in green” after their distinctive green uniforms, Greater Wellington Transport Chair Thomas Nash defines their primary role as network ambassadors.
“The role of our team in green is first and foremost to be a friendly face and helping hand with fares and ticketing. They can also issue fines for people who are deliberately not paying their fare,” Cr Nash says.
“The team in green are there to engage with people, to educate people and to encourage people. Enforcement action is there as a last resort,” adds Cr Nash.
WTOs have been delegated the ability to issue infringement notices up to $150 under the Land Transport Amendment Act 2017.
Metlink Group Manager Samantha Gain says the WTOs will complement the work of frontline teams.
“Our drivers and onboard staff all perform essential roles of their own, including ensuring passenger safety and helping them during their journey,” says Ms Gain.
“The team in green can also advise passengers on their best fare and help visitors to the Wellington region navigate the network.”
Metlink encourages passengers to say kia ora to the team in green, and feel free to ask for assistance. For more information, visit the Metlink website(external link).
The ‘Team in Green’ are here to help you on your journey. These Warranted Transport Officers (WTOs) will be on the network from Monday 16 October 2023, travelling onboard bus, train, and harbour ferry services, and visiting stops, stations, and wharfs.
Need help getting from A to B, or help finding out what fare is right for you? The ‘Team in Green’ can help.
This teams’ priority is to engage, encourage and educate customers about travelling with Metlink. Teams will be on the network 7 days a week to support staff and customers. As part of their role, our team in green will be checking fares. Keep your ticket handy because fines may be given to customers who have not paid. Cash is accepted on most services but use your Snapper card(external link) to save at least 25% off your fare!
Frequently Asked Questions
Warranted Transport Officers can focus on providing our customers with time and attention, whereas our onboard staff’s priority is to safely operate the service. Our team of Warranted Transport Officers have designated authority by New Zealand Police giving these warranted individuals capability to assist onboard services ensuring terms and conditions are adhered to. Warranted Transport Officers will be clearly identifiable, will carry identification and can issue infringement notices for continuous non-payment.
The ‘Team in Green’ will be wearing Metlink uniforms, with unique green polo shirts. The team will carry identification including their warrant number.
Yes! If you’re having trouble with your Snapper card, ask the ‘Team in Green’ for tips and tricks.
They can also help choose the Metlink service best suited to you, the most cost-efficient fare for your travels or point you in the right direction for the bus replacement stop – the list goes on.
Make sure you pay your fare to avoid a fine. Cash is accepted onboard most services so remember to get your ticket from onboard staff before our ‘Team in Green’ come by. If you want to know the best fare for you, the ‘Team in Green’ can help.
If you fail to present a fare for your trip, you may receive a $150 fine to be paid within a few weeks. All fines will go into the Metlink fares account.
Metlink takes information security seriously and will hold onto your information for 6 months.
We have industry standard aligned processes and secured systems in place to ensure your personal information is safe. Your personal information is stored in secure data centres in New Zealand and with approved third-party service providers. It can be accessed by authorised GWRC Staff, for the purposes described in this privacy statement.
Terms and Conditions of carriage(external link) information is included onboard services and, on our website. Warranted Transport Officers in their role will support onboard crew in promoting understanding of these by engagement and education.
Information on our Warranted Authority is obtainable in the Land Transport Amendment Act 2017 section 128F(external link).