Subsidising transport for our seniors carries a whole swath of benefits which Auckland Council recognises. Retirement means that those hips need to be moved and those bones need to be shaken. Making public transport available provides the vehicle, so to speak. The health benefits are only one aspect where access to public transport generally brings more ‘out and about’-ness. The social and economic benefits also call to be drawn on. Facilitating seniors to keep up with their peers is a social knitting activity that public transport lends itself to. Keeping retirees active in their communities and the broader city has an economic benefit too, by enlarging the web of consumers. 

Unfortunately government has not seen it this way and has undercut funding for SuperGold cardholders using Auckland’s transport network, choosing to eliminate funding for a notable chunk of fares. There is no reason for SuperGold cardholders to fear though, following confirmation of Auckland Council’s budget on 13 May. It could have been a Black Friday budget decision but Auckland Council has stepped in to pick up the pieces and underpin concession fares for seniors.

Retirement can often mean a limited budget, whereby increases in costs can make or break a decision to partake in a given activity or outing. In a mean-spirited move the government has curtailed $3m of funding to SuperGold cardholders. This is based on government’s shift from subsidising seniors’ travel on a per trip basis to providing bulk funding to councils. As it pertains to Auckland, this sees an immediate $3m cut in funding, with the prospect of falling short of necessary subsidies in years to come.

Auckland Council has decided to pick up the tab in a unanimous fashion. During the Budget decisions, every councillor voted to commit $1.5m to SuperGold subsidies, indicating an unequivocal commitment to our seniors. This dedicated amount is designed to be supplemented with a further $1.5m from efficiency savings at Auckland Transport, reflecting a clear recognition of the value of keeping our city accessible for SuperGold cardholders.  

Another change to note is that as of 1 July 2016, SuperGold Cardholders will be required to use AT HOP cards to travel. The government has made a shift to embed SuperGold into the HOP smartcard in order to facilitate more efficient travel. I think that’s a good move and should result in a more seamless service. In order to secure SuperGold subsidies, AT HOP cards will be required to be loaded with the SuperGold concession. From 27 May, SWAP to AT HOP packs will be available via AT call centres (09 366 4467), online at <www.at.govt.nz/supergold> or at AT HOP card retailers. Alternatively, users can make a trip to the Smales Farm customer service centre where a friendly AT member of staff can be called on for help, or if all else fails please do not hesitate to contact yours truly: Chris.Darby@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz