MP backs pledge over free travel

DIANA WORTHY

Central MP Nikki Kaye is backing government pledges to ensure free travel continues for the Waiheke elderly.

The pledge comes in the wake of government’s announcement that a review of the scheme initiated by the last Labour government is about to get going.

When the SuperGold Card scheme was set up in October 2008, it was agreed a review would be undertaken after the scheme had been operating for 12 months to ensure its ongoing viability.

But the past week has seen a flurry of reports across all media about possible cuts as a result.

Reports have focussed on what will happen to the free travel on Fullers Ferries to and from Auckland, with those subsidies costing taxpayers $2 million of the scheme’s $18 million budget this year.

New Zealand Transport Agency manager Dr David Watson was on the island at the end of last year to tell SuperGold Card users more about the impending review.

The meeting had been arranged by Grey Power Waiheke branch chairman Allen Davies and saw record attendance by concerned cardholders.

Mr Watson said then government had allocated $72 million for four years but SuperGold card holders were increasing fast, with an expectation costs would be $12 million over budget at the end of the period.

He said operators got three-quarters of an average adult cash fare for each SuperGold trip, with transport providers in Auckland doing well.

Residents were also shown a graph illustrating how Waiheke got far more of the budget compared to many other areas in the country.

Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye is keen to nip island cardholders’ fears in the bud following the media reports, and vows their free travel will be safe.

She says she has been keeping in close contact with Transport Minister Stephen Joyce who has confirmed SuperGold cardholders’ entitlements will not be affected by any possible changes.

Ms Kaye says officials will consider, among other things, how much reimbursement transport operators and councils receive.

“Currently the price paid to operators does not match the marginal cost of providing the service to SuperGold Card holders.”

She says administration costs will also come under scrutiny as public transport operators receive subsidies for those as well as for fares, resulting in some duplication of cost recovery.

And she believes taxpayers will welcome any savings so long as it does not affect users of the scheme.

“I think it is positive if costs can be saved while ensuring entitlement for Waiheke SuperGold Card members.”

Waiheke Community Board transport spokesman Herb Romaniuk thinks the scheme already saves government cash in health costs.

He says he sees many cardholders getting on ferries in Auckland on his way to work and it is obvious how light and happy they feel as they board.

“Journeys to Waiheke are of far more interest to them than the bus route into Papakura. It’s an occasion enjoyed by all, and the community benefits at large from people that are healthy.

“I’ve been talking to my medical friends and they say there has been a big reduction in prescriptions.”

Auckland City Council councillor Denise Roche echoes Mr Romaniuk’s comments about health benefits.

She also says the free travel has also helped remove stress from island cardholders having to get to appointments at city hospitals.

“I think the free travel for cardholders has been a fantastic initiative for Waiheke seniors and for those elsewhere in the country visiting our island.

“I’m not really surprised that $2 million of the $18 million budget has been spent on trips to Waiheke, it’s a great place to visit.”

She thinks though the big winners are the ferry companies, noting subsidies have not been spread over other ferry fares or resulted in fare reductions.

“It’s probably time for government to start negotiating with the ferry companies to reduce the costs to the taxpayer.”

- Waiheke Marketplace