Second Waiheke ferry service raises fare prices

There has been another ferry service price hike for Waiheke Island residents.

From 1 August, anyone on a SeaLink Vehicle Ferry will pay more for a fare to and from Waiheke – after Fullers, which runs the main fast passenger ferry service, put its prices up in the last two months.

It comes amid ongoing negotiations to get the Fullers ferries under an Auckland Transport discount Hop Monthly scheme, which would save commuters $58 on fares.

The Devonport Ferry has already been integrated into AT’s services, and commuters are hoping the same can be done for Waiheke.

Public transport across the country has seen cheaper fares thanks to a cut in petrol excise duty, something that hasn’t applied to diesel powered ferries.

Both Fullers and SeaLink offer two routes from the city to the Island.

Fullers increased their fares in June, meaning a return trip to Waiheke now costs $46 online, instead of $42

Today, SeaLink has increased their fares by eight percent – an adult monthly pass from Auckland to Waiheke now $446.50, up from $413.

Fullers said despite the business’s best efforts to avoid passing the burden to customers, the increase was necessary after the sharp rise in operating costs and that it was done to maintain a sustainable service.

A pop-up on the SeaLink website also addressed the issue, saying they’ve done their best to keep the increase to a minimum.

Auckland Councillor Chris Darby said there was a struggle on both sides.

“I can understand the pressure on Fullers, but we are also very cognicent that getting on and off the island has to be affordable,” he said.

Darby told RNZ council was working to bring the ferries under an AT Hop Monthly system for $345.

The technology behind the AT Hop ticketing system was holding it up, but should be ready by October, he said.

RNZ also spoke to commuter Robin Tucker, who had a job in Auckland City and commuted regularly from the island.

She said the price increase was not good enough.

“It’s a bit of a slap in the faces,” she said.

Tucker said travelling in to the city was now a huge cost.

Both SeaLink and Auckland Transport have been contacted for comment.