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SuperGold cards - Source: ONE News -
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A scheme to allow pensioners free trips on public transport looks to have become a victim of its own success, which may spell the end of free ferry rides for over 65-year-olds to Auckland's Waiheke Island.
Transport Minister Steven Joyce says that the cost of subsidising the ferry run is too high, and now the whole Super Gold travel scheme is under review.
A ferry ticket to Waiheke Island costs $16 for those under 65, whereas heavily subsidised costs for over 65-year-olds means that they pay nothing.
The popularity of the ferry fun has cost taxpayers $2 million in the scheme's first year, and now transport bureaucrats are worried the national budget will blow out $12 million by 2012.
The ferry rides made up just 2% of free trips for pensioners nationwide but cost 11% of the budget.
"$2 million of the $18 million (budget) on one ferry journey does seem a bit too much, to be fair," says Joyce.
Pensioners don't agree, however, arguing that most pensioners have paid a lot of taxes throughout their life.
"This is one little benefit, one reward, for all their hard work," says retired day-tripper, Noel Rose.
Pensioner Paddy Rule agrees, saying that he would not make the trip to Waiheke otherwise, because day-trips to the island are out of his budget.
A review of the scheme will not take place until February next year.
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