Take your bike on the train for free

Bikes will travel free of charge on Wellington and Wairarapa trains from 1 July.

Greater Wellington’s Transport and Access committee has decided to remove the charge for bikes on trains, to encourage the use of both active and public transport.

Currently, it costs cyclists the price of an adult fare, up to a maximum of $4, to take their bikes on the train.

Peter Glensor, chair of the committee, said a recent survey of cyclists found that being charged an extra fare for taking their bike on the train was discouraging them from using public transport. “Removal of the fee for transporting the bike was the main factor that would encourage cyclists to take their bikes on trains more often, followed by knowing that they would get a space, and having better storage facilities.

“Fees for bikes on trains are not a significant source of revenue, so it’s an inexpensive and practical step we can make to encourage people to make sustainable transport choices. Our business is all about promoting the quality of life; so enabling people to get around the region by cycling and taking public transport, is very much a part of that.

Cr Glensor said although there would soon be no charge for transporting bikes, cyclists needed to remember that taking their bikes on the trains was on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. “If there is no more space, their bike cannot go.”

Greater Wellington will also investigate the possibility of equipping the new Wairarapa trains with upright racks or hooks in the roof, to transport bikes better. The Ganz Mavags and English Electric trains have separate compartments for bikes and big luggage. Preliminary designs of the new Matangi electric trains, due to arrive in 2010, have an area within each two-car unit for wheelchairs, bikes, prams and big items of luggage.