Metlink’s ‘team in green’ help protect a fair share of fares

Metlink’s on-board rail staff and Warranted Transport Operators, known to passengers as the ‘team in green’, moved from spot checks to checking all tickets across rail this week as part of efforts to reduce lost fare revenue.

Christine Bulmer, Metlink’s Manager for Revenue Protection, says data from spot checks since 2023 found that around 2% of fares being paid are incorrect.

“We know that Wellingtonians across the region value public transport, with the majority of people paying their fair share of fares. However, there are some people travelling without paying their share or using concessions they do not qualify for - like adults travelling on child snapper cards,” says Christine Bulmer.

Metlink will be launching an information campaign to help inform passengers of the importance of paying the correct fare, having the appropriate ID for the concessions they are travelling under, as well as the infringements notices that can be issued.

Councillor Thomas Nash, Chair of Greater Wellington’s Transport Committee backs the campaign and says the more people paying their fair share the better for everyone.

“We are very aware of the cost-of-living crisis, and we want to continue to make public transport affordable for as many people as possible. The more people that pay the correct fare means less lost revenue we have to account for next time we review fares as a council,” adds Cr Nash.

Warranted Transport Officers have been in place since 2023, engaging, encouraging and educating passengers travelling on the Metlink network.

Passengers who fail to provide evidence of the correct fare payment with any appropriate concession ID, may receive a $150 fine to be paid within 28 days.