Scrapping free peak-hour bus services for SuperGold holders could endanger their health, according to Grey Power Hamilton’s chairperson.
Waikato Regional Council has proposed axing the scheme. Community consultation on the removal of free travel between 7am and 9am and 3pm and 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, starts next week.
Grey Power's Rudi du Plooy says the scheme isn’t a "luxury" for senior citizens, rather a necessity so they can "stay connected, stay healthy and stay independent for as long as possible".
Providing transport to health-related appointments is where the scheme truly shows its value, according to du Plooy, who said it makes the difference between reaching an appointment on time or missing it entirely.
“Parking at Waikato Hospital is genuinely difficult, and driving isn't always safe or affordable once you're older — eyesight, reaction times, and the cost of running a car all factor in.
"If we lose free travel at peak times, we're effectively telling older people to either pay full fare at the exact times they most need to travel, or risk missing appointments."
The council currently pays for the peak-hour service as the nationally funded SuperGold scheme only covers off-peak, weekends and public holidays.
It’s a luxury exclusive to senior citizens in the Waikato, as the region is the sole authority nation-wide offering fully subsidised SuperGold travel during the morning peak.
The price tag lands at approximately $155,000 annually for the council, with a spokesperson saying it was implemented in February 2022.
"The change was introduced to help older people stay connected with family and friends and make it more affordable to attend appointments, including at Waikato Hospital,” the spokesperson said.
'A lifeline'
It’s a chord that’s already struck true with the public, with one commenter on Local Democracy's previous story saying the scheme is “a lifeline” for those travelling to the hospital for appointments during peak hours.
“I work at Waikato Hospital, which as everyone knows, hasn't got sufficient parking. Our patients mostly fall into the SuperGold card demographic, and we advise them not to drive themselves to appointments," they said.
"This seems a very poorly thought out proposal. Maybe we could curtail the councillors' overseas trips and meal allowances, and retain the vital lifeline that is also environmentally friendly?"
Du Plooy is expecting strong engagement from the community, saying it’s the kind of change "people notice immediately and feel personally".
"Many of our members are on fixed incomes, and even a small new cost changes behaviour: some will simply travel less, which risks isolation, which we know has its own health and wellbeing costs.
"I'd expect submissions pointing out that this wasn't costed as a ‘nice-to-have extra’ when it was introduced, it was framed as reducing isolation and helping older people stay connected and get to essential appointments."
Reduction of cost, alignment nationally and removal of inconsistencies with other services such as Te Huia were reasons given by council for the cut when queried.
"Council is reviewing fare policies to keep public transport fares simple, consistent and financially sustainable, particularly ahead of the new National Ticketing System, Motu Move, and in response to new government funding expectations," the spokesperson added.
A new funding source for the SuperGold scheme matters far less to Grey Power’s members than the outcome itself, du Plooy said.
He admitted it isn’t fair on Waikato ratepayers to continue picking up the tab alone, thus nudging central Government to look at the "reasonable argument" it should be co-funded or fully-funded nationally.
"What we'd resist is using "someone else should pay for this" as a reason to simply cut the service in the meantime... that just shifts the cost onto older people who can least absorb it."
It’s not the only change, as the proposal looks to provide a 20% discount for five-to-18-year-olds for all bus travel.
"The change was seen as a way to make fares more affordable for a wider range of young passengers, particularly part-time and infrequent users."
– LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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