The Wellington Regional Council has come up with a ‘cheeky’ idea to get MPs to reduce their carbon footprint and save taxpayer dollars.
After launching a "successful" bus service to Parliament last year from Wellington Airport, council chair Daran Ponter told Breakfast they are sending each MP a bus card, with the first two rides free.
Ponter said it was “about time” some of the country’s most frequent travellers take up public transport more regularly.
“It can get MPs in front of Parliament in about the same time as a taxi.”
While Ponter expects some MPs to take up the offer, he also expects an “all manner of excuses” as to why some MPs cannot take public transport.
"If we can only get 10% of those people paying $8 a fare rather than $40 for the taxpayer, we will think we've done a good job, plus the carbon benefits that come with catching the bus."
Ponter said he has seen some MPs on the airport bus "at the green end of the spectrum”, but hopes the move will encourage “the full rainbow" of Parliament to reduce taxpayer dollars and emissions.
Trips will cost MPs $7.98 each way, from the Wellington Airport, compared to a taxi, which Ponter said can cost from “$35 to $45 each way”.
While the cards sent to MPs are not being monitored, Ponter said he would like to check in with MPs some time in the future to see if the offer has been taken up.
The move cost $2400 to set up, but would save a lot of money if MPs made the switch more permanently.
When asked by Breakfast if he would encourage the use of the cards, incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he wasn't sure why the question was relevant.
"I’ve got no understanding of that issue; I don’t know why that’s relevant for me as prime minister to be talking to."
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